Water softener Stalgast 820161

A water softener removes dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, which cause limescale. It channels water through resin beads charged with sodium ions. As water flows, the resin exchanges sodium for calcium and magnesium, trapping hardness minerals and releasing softened water. This prevents scale on heating elements, taps and surfaces, maintaining appliance efficiency and cutting descaling and repair costs.

The softener connects to the mains water supply. Water enters at the top, passes through the resin bed and exits softened at the bottom. When the resin becomes saturated, regeneration is needed. The unit is taken offline, and tablet salt is added to a brine tank. A regeneration cycle flushes the resin with concentrated brine, swapping trapped minerals for sodium and restoring the resin's capacity. Waste brine is rinsed away, and the softener resumes operation. A water meter is recommended to monitor usage and schedule regeneration.

The unit is a single vertical stainless steel cylinder. The resin bed is housed inside, with the brine tank integrated at the base. Inlet and outlet connections are at the top and bottom, enabling gravity flow. Controls include a manual regeneration lever or button, with no electronic programming required.

The 16-litre resin capacity determines how much water can be softened between regenerations. The maximum water temperature of 45 °C protects the resin from hot water damage, so the softener must be installed before any water heater.

The unit measures 185 mm in diameter and 610 mm in height, fitting under most worktops or inside cupboards. This keeps it close to the point of use without occupying floor space. The compact size also simplifies moving it for servicing or replacement.

Maintenance involves keeping the brine tank free of debris and ensuring salt tablets dissolve fully. The resin bed requires no manual cleaning, as regeneration flushes it automatically. Over time, the resin may degrade and need replacement, but this is a simple cartridge swap.

The softener regenerates with Stalgast tablet salt, item 820999, and works with the recommended Stalgast water meter, item 823998. It is designed for professional kitchens and catering businesses requiring stable water quality.