Commercial Water Softeners

Determining the correct size of a commercial water softener involves understanding your business’s water usage and the hardness of the water supply. A water softener’s capacity is measured in grains of hardness it can remove between regenerations. “It’s important to consider sizing for capacity and flow rate,” advises Ken Morgan, General Manager at Besco Water Treatment. This consideration ensures that your water softener system efficiently meets your business’s demands without frequent regenerations, which can save on costs.

At Besco Commercial, we tailor solutions to fit your specific needs. Our team thoroughly analyzes your water usage and hardness levels to recommend the perfect size water softener for your business. This personalized approach ensures that your system is neither overburdened nor underused, optimizing both performance and cost efficiency. To learn more about how to choose the correct size system for your business, check out our blog on commercial water softener sizing.

A commercial water softener operates on the principle of ion exchange, where calcium and magnesium ions—responsible for water hardness—are replaced with sodium or potassium ions. According to Energy.gov, “In a conventional [water softener] system, water passes through a tank with a bed of resin beads saturated with sodium, exchanging any calcium and magnesium ions in the water with sodium ions. When the minerals attach to the beads, the sodium that had been on the beads enters the volume of water.”

This process turns hard water into soft water, which prevents scale buildup and creates smoother operation of plumbing and appliances. The system consists of a mineral tank full of resin beads that attract and hold onto the hardness ions, undergoing regeneration to flush out the collected minerals.

At Besco Commercial, we work with various vendors whose water softeners are designed for maximum efficiency and reliability. Some of our vendors include Marlo, Clack, Pentair, Fleck, Wave Cyber, Allen Bradley, ViquaOur, and Clover, among others. These systems feature automatic, non-electric operation and metered demand operation, ensuring regeneration occurs only when necessary. “This not only conserves water and salt but also reduces wear and tear on the system, extending its lifespan and ensuring consistent water quality for your business,” says Besco General Manager Ken Morgan. For your free water softener consultation, call us today at (800) 964-0257.

Commercial water softeners offer numerous benefits, including preventing scale buildup in appliances and pipes, which can extend their lifespan and improve efficiency. Softened water also requires less detergent and chemicals for cleaning, resulting in cost savings. Furthermore, soft water can enhance the performance of water-using equipment, leading to better overall operational efficiency and a lower maintenance cost. According to Matt Roberts in his article BENEFITS OF USING WATER SOFTENERS IN INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCIAL, “Because industrial water softeners use less energy, the cost of maintaining them is lower.”

At Besco Commercial, we leverage the benefits of water softening to help businesses across various industries, from manufacturing to life sciences, achieve optimal water quality. Our clients experience reduced maintenance costs, improved equipment longevity, and enhanced product quality, contributing to a healthier bottom line and a more sustainable operation. says Operations Manager Brian Noble.

Maintenance for a commercial water softener typically includes regular salt replenishment, periodic resin bed cleaning, and system checks to ensure all components are working correctly. According to Mariyam Qureshi in their article Industrial Water Softener: A Guide to Water Softener Maintenance, “You should change your water softener salt about every 3-4 months. This is because the salt’s effectiveness will degrade over time and you will need to change the salt to continue to soften your water. You should also change your water softener salt when the tank gets low.” Proper maintenance is crucial for the system’s efficiency and longevity, preventing issues like salt bridges and resin fouling.

At Besco Commercial, we understand that maintenance can be a hassle, so we offer comprehensive service plans to keep your water softener in top condition. Our experienced service team ensures that your system operates smoothly with minimal downtime. To learn more about Besco Commercial’s water softener maintenance services, check out our service and repairs page.

Yes, a water softener can significantly improve the lifespan and efficiency of your business’s appliances and plumbing systems. According to Matt Roberts in his article BENEFITS OF USING WATER SOFTENERS IN INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCIAL, “Hard water causes scaling. This can occur in water heaters and other water-using appliances. When lime scales form in water heaters, energy consumption rises. The heater must first heat the scale before adding water. The heater uses more energy because it has to run for longer than necessary.” Softening the water prevents this buildup, ensuring appliances and plumbing systems operate more efficiently and last longer.

As a member of the Water Quality Association and the Michigan Water Quality Association, our clients have reported remarkable appliance efficiency and longevity improvements after installing our water softener systems. By preventing scale buildup, our systems help reduce maintenance calls and replacement costs, contributing to smoother operations and increased savings for your business.

Salt-based water softeners use ion exchange to physically remove hardness minerals from water. On the other hand, salt-free systems condition water by altering the minerals’ structure, preventing them from forming scale. Each type has its advantages and applications, depending on a business’s specific needs.

Salt-based systems are highly effective in softening water but require regular salt replenishment. In contrast, salt-free systems offer a maintenance-free solution. However, these systems may be less effective in areas with very hard water.

According to Reynold Aquino’s article Salt-Based vs Salt-Free Water Softeners: Which One Should You Choose?, salt-free systems “employ a physical process called template-assisted crystallization. In this process, a media bed containing nucleation sites attracts and holds hardness minerals. As water flows through the media bed, the nucleation sites promote the formation of microscopic crystals, which trap the hardness minerals. These crystals remain suspended in the water and prevent scale buildup.”

Besco Commercial offers salt-based and salt-free water softener systems to accommodate our clients’ diverse needs. Our expert water treatment technicians can help determine the best solution for your business, considering factors like water hardness, usage, and specific industry requirements, ensuring optimal water quality and system efficiency. says Operations Manager Brian Noble, who has been with the company for over 20 years.

The cost of a commercial water softener varies widely. The prices vary based on the system’s size, type, and specific features required for your business’s needs. Installation costs can also differ depending on the complexity of your plumbing system and the necessary modifications.

According to HomeGuide, a commercial water softener system “handles dozens to hundreds of gallons per minute” and can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000. Operational costs, including maintenance and salt replenishment for salt-based systems, should also be considered when calculating the total cost of ownership.

At Besco Commercial, we provide transparent pricing and cost-effective solutions tailored to your business. Our team will work closely with you to select a system that meets your requirements without exceeding your budget. Our efficient operation systems ensure you receive the best value and a quick return on your investment. says General Manager Ken Morgan, who has been with the company for over 30 years.

According to HomeWater101, “Like any appliance, a water softener’s efficacy starts declining after years of constant use. A softener’s average lifespan is about 10-15 years, give or take.” The lifespan of a water softener depends on the system’s quality, maintenance, and the hardness of the water being treated. Warranties vary by manufacturer and model but generally cover the control valve and resin tank for a specified period. According to Besco’s General Manager, Ken Morgan, “Your commercial water softener system will last longer if you take proper care of it.”

At Besco Commercial, we stand behind the quality of our water softeners with warranties and exceptional customer service. Our systems are designed for durability and performance, ensuring that your investment provides reliable water softening for years to come. Our team is always available to assist with any questions or concerns.

We offer peace of mind and support throughout the lifespan of your system. However, you don’t have to take our word for it. Read our case studies to see how we solved some of our clients’ problems with commercial water softeners.

Legal and regulatory considerations for installing a water softener can vary by location. Some areas impose restrictions on salt-based systems because of concerns about salt discharge into the environment. According to the State of Michigan, “A construction permit is required before installation of water treatment equipment that injects chemicals or is required to meet a health based standard such as arsenic or nitrate.” Besco General Manager Ken Morgan says, “It’s essential to check your local regulations and obtain all necessary permits prior to installing a water softener system.”

Having been in business since the early 1960s, Besco Commercial knows the laws and rules about water softeners. We can help you choose and set up a system that follows all the regulations. Our expertise ensures that your business meets all local requirements, avoiding potential fines and contributing to environmental sustainability.