MIRAQUA · CALCULATOR

Annual hardness load & softener economics

First calculate the property’s hardness load. Then, if you have a model sheet or quote, estimate regenerations, water, salt and the annual savings required to recover the investment.

1. What actually moves through the property

Measured hardness

mg/L as CaCO₃

Use a hardness test, not TDS.Water use

m³/month

2. Softener data (optional)

Use the capacity at the programmed salt dose, not a marketing maximum.

Capacity per regeneration

grains

Water per regeneration

Salt per regeneration

Actual frequency can be higher because of reserve settings, calendar overrides, time-based regeneration or equipment conditions. This is a capacity-only estimate.

3. What would it have to save to pay back?

Installed price

MXN

Salt cost

MXN/kg

Water cost

MXN/m³

Annual service

MXN/year

Payback target

years

Documented annual savings (optional)

MXN/year

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What this calculator is based on

Annual hardness load is a mass-equivalent calculation from measured hardness and water volume. It is not a prediction that all of those minerals will become scale.

EPA WaterSense's May 2026 guide says a typical softener uses about 20–70 gallons of water per regeneration, while some larger systems can use up to 200 gallons. EPA also points consumers toward demand-initiated regeneration, water efficiency of 4 gallons or less per 1,000 grains removed, and salt efficiency of at least 3,500 grains per pound. Use the exact performance data for the model and programmed salt dose you are considering.

EPA WaterSense: Soften Water Without Wasting It (May 2026) ↗ · Read the Cabo softener guide →