What's the proper way to size a softener?

[amateurplumber]

We have 3 people in the house (soon to be 2, i hope lol). 3 full baths, 1 half bath (we only use 2 of the full baths though). No magnesium, chlorine, iron, or manganese. 11-12 gpg, then shoots up to 30 gpg in the irrigation season.

Any tips on sizing the softener? Thanks guys!

 

[speedbump]

Even though none of the calculators mention it, your pipe sizing throughout your house has a lot to do with it as does the number of people that could be using water at the same time. Another consideration is whether or not you have water savers throughout. If you do, and you knew what the flow rate of the ones that are apt to be used simultaneously; you could come up with some kind of a max flow rate required.

For my money, with average hardness, no iron in a standard dwelling, I have always used a 9" X 48" tank with a cube of resin. Getting a good head that counts gallons to trigger a backwash will ensure the water stays soft without wasting salt.

You said you have no magnesium. Hardness is calcium and magnesium. I have never seen one tested for separately. And what do you mean that the hardness jumps up during the irrigation season? Is this city water or well water?

The head I recommend is the Clack WS1. The good old Autotrol we used for years is being drastically changed so we made a change too.