Have you ever found yourself standing in the water softener aisle, staring at the bags of salt, and wondering which one to choose?
I know I have.
It’s a common dilemma for many homeowners who want to ensure their water softener is running at its best. Two of the most popular brands are Diamond Crystal and Morton. This article is all about the two with their detail comparison.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which salt is the right choice for your home and your water softener.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Diamond Crystal | Morton |
| Type of Salt | – Evaporated salt – Mined from underground deposits and heated to evaporate water – Leaves behind pure salt crystals | – Evaporated salt – Solar salt – Evaporated salt is mined from underground deposits and processed – Solar salt is created through natural evaporation of seawater |
| Purity | – 99.8% pure salt – Highest purity level available – Ensures efficient water softening | – 99.8% pure salt – Matches Diamond Crystal’s purity level – Provides effective water softening |
| Grain Size | – Coarse crystals – Fine crystals – Uniform crystal size and shape – Allows for even distribution in the water softener tank | – Coarse crystals – Fine crystals – Offers variety in grain size options – Some users report a higher tendency for bridging |
| Softening Capacity | – High softening capacity – Effectively removes hardness minerals from water – Maintains water softener efficiency | – High softening capacity – Efficiently softens water by removing hardness minerals – Keeps water softener running smoothly |
| Dissolving Speed | – Fast-dissolving crystals – Quickly saturates the brine solution – Ensures consistent water softening performance | – Fast-dissolving crystals – Rapidly creates a concentrated brine solution – Maintains steady water softening effectiveness |
| Availability | – Can be harder to find in some stores compared to Morton – May require more effort to locate and purchase | – Widely available in hardware stores, grocery stores, and online retailers – Easy to find and purchase when needed |
| Price | – Competitive pricing – May be slightly higher in some areas compared to Morton – Offers good value for the quality | – Competitive pricing – Generally comparable to Diamond Crystal – Provides affordable water softening solution |
| Packaging | – Comes in 40-50 lb bags – Durable, moisture-resistant packaging – Easy to handle and store | – Available in 40-50 lb bags – Sturdy, water-resistant packaging – Convenient to carry and store |
| Brand Reputation | – Well-established brand in the water softener industry – Known for consistent quality and performance – Trusted by many homeowners and professionals | – Household name in water softening products – Reputation for reliability and effectiveness – Widely used by consumers and water treatment experts |
Key Differences Between Diamond Crystal And Morton
When it comes to choosing between Diamond Crystal and Morton water softener salt, there are a few key differences that you should be aware of. Let’s dive into each of these differences in more detail.
- Type of Salt
One of the main differences between Diamond Crystal and Morton is the type of salt they offer.
Diamond Crystal focuses solely on evaporated salt, derived from underground deposits and then heated until the water evaporates, leaving behind pure salt crystals.
On the other hand, Morton offers both evaporated and solar salt options.
Solar salt is created through the natural evaporation of seawater, while evaporated salt is mined from underground deposits and then processed.
As a consumer, you might prefer one type of salt over the other based on your personal preferences or the specific needs of your water softener.
It’s important to consider each type’s pros and cons before deciding.
- Grain Size
Another key difference between Diamond Crystal and Morton is the grain size of their salt crystals. Diamond Crystal is known for its consistent grain size, with crystals that are uniform in shape and size.
This can be beneficial for your water softener, as it allows for even distribution throughout the tank and can lead to more efficient softening.
Morton, on the other hand, offers both coarse and fine grain sizes. While this gives you more options to choose from, some users have reported that Morton salt can be more prone to bridging, which is when a hard crust forms on top of the salt in your tank, preventing it from dissolving properly.
When deciding between Diamond Crystal and Morton, consider the grain size that works best for your specific water softener model and your household’s needs.
- Availability
One factor that might sway your decision between Diamond Crystal and Morton is availability. Morton salt is widely available in most hardware stores, grocery stores, and online retailers. This makes it easy to find and purchase whenever you need it.
In contrast, some users have reported that Diamond Crystal salt can be harder to find in stores compared to Morton. This may vary depending on your location, but it’s something to keep in mind when making your choice.
If convenience is a top priority for you, Morton might be the better option. However, if you’re willing to shop around or plan ahead, Diamond Crystal could still be a great choice.
- Price
Finally, let’s talk about price. Both Diamond Crystal and Morton offer competitive pricing for their water softener salt. However, prices can vary depending on your location and the specific retailer you’re purchasing from.
In general, you can expect to pay a similar price for both brands. However, some users have reported that Diamond Crystal can be slightly more expensive in certain areas.
When making your decision, consider your budget and shop around to find the best price for your chosen brand.
Diamond Crystal: The Pros and Cons
Diamond Crystal is a well-known brand in the water softener industry, and for good reason.
Their salt is evaporated, meaning it’s derived from underground deposits and then heated until the water evaporates, leaving behind pure salt crystals.
This process results in a salt that’s 99.8% pure, which is about as pure as it gets.
One of the biggest advantages of Diamond Crystal salt is its consistency.
The crystals are uniform in size and shape, which allows for even distribution throughout your water softener tank.
This means your softener can work more efficiently, using less salt overall.
However, there are a few downsides to consider. Some users have reported that Diamond Crystal salt can be harder to find in stores compared to Morton. Additionally, while the price is comparable to other brands, it may be slightly higher in some areas.
Here is another detailed review of it.
Morton: The Pros and Cons
Morton is another household name when it comes to water softener salt. They offer both evaporated and solar salt options, giving you more variety to choose from.
Solar salt is created through the natural evaporation of seawater, while evaporated salt is mined from underground deposits and then processed.
One of the biggest pros of Morton salt is its availability. You can find it in most hardware stores, grocery stores, and even online retailers. This makes it easy to stock up whenever you need to.
Morton salt also boasts a purity level of 99.8%, just like Diamond Crystal. This means you can trust that you’re getting a high-quality product that will effectively soften your water.
On the flip side, some users have reported that Morton salt can be more prone to bridging, which is when a hard crust forms on top of the salt in your tank, preventing it from dissolving properly. This can lead to inefficiencies in your water softener’s performance.
Which Salt Should You Choose?
Now that we’ve looked at the pros and cons of each brand, you might be wondering which one is the best choice for your home. The truth is, both Diamond Crystal and Morton are excellent options. They both offer high purity levels, consistent performance, and reasonable pricing.
Ultimately, the decision may come down to personal preference and availability in your area. If you have a strong preference for one brand over the other, go with that. If you’re just looking for the most convenient option, choose whichever brand is readily available at your local store.
Tips for Optimizing Your Water Softener’s Performance
Regardless of which brand you choose, there are a few things you can do to ensure your water softener is running at its best:
- Use the right amount of salt. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for how much salt to add to your tank, and don’t overfill it.
- Clean your tank regularly. Over time, sediment and debris can build up in your tank, reducing its efficiency. Aim to clean it out every few months.
- Check for bridging. If you notice a hard crust forming on top of the salt in your tank, use a broom handle or similar tool to break it up and ensure the salt can dissolve properly.
- Monitor your water quality. If you notice a change in the taste, smell, or appearance of your water, it could be a sign that your softener needs attention.
Also Read: Comparison of Aquasure And Rheem Water Softeners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Both Morton and Diamond Crystal are excellent choices for water softener salt. They offer high purity levels, consistent performance, and reasonable pricing. The best choice for you may depend on personal preference and availability in your area.
The best salt to use for your water softener is one that has a high purity level (at least 99.8%), dissolves quickly and evenly, and is readily available in your area. Both Diamond Crystal and Morton meet these criteria.
Yes, Diamond Crystal is a high-quality water softener salt. It boasts a purity level of 99.8% and is known for its consistent performance and even crystal size.
The choice between salt crystals and salt pellets largely comes down to personal preference. Salt pellets are more compact and can be easier to handle, while salt crystals may provide more even distribution in your tank. Both types can effectively soften your water.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right water softener salt can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the pros and cons of popular brands like Diamond Crystal and Morton, you can make an informed decision that will keep your water softener running smoothly for years to come.
Remember, the most important factors to consider are purity level, availability, and personal preference. Whether you choose Diamond Crystal, Morton, or another brand entirely, you can feel confident that you’re making a smart choice for your home and your family.
So the next time you find yourself staring at those bags of salt in the store, take a deep breath and remember what you’ve learned. With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be able to choose the best water softener salt for your needs and enjoy the benefits of soft, clean water every day.
Jeffery Carlson
I am Jeffery L. Carlson and you know the drill! I write for you and if you interact with me, please feel free to comment on any post you like!
