The short answer
Crosslink is how tightly the resin beads are bonded. Standard 8% is what most residential softeners ship with. 10% crosslink is tougher against chlorine, which slowly breaks resin down, so it suits chlorinated or chloraminated city water. On well water without chlorine, 8% does the job.
Side by side
| 8% (standard) | 10% | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Well water, unchlorinated | Chlorinated or chloraminated city water |
| Chlorine tolerance | Lower | Higher |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Resin we cover
Standard: Purolite C100E 1 cu ft and AFWFilters SOFRES1 1 cu ft. 10% crosslink: DuraWater 10% crosslink resin.
Protecting any resin
A carbon filter ahead of the softener removes chlorine and extends resin life on city water. On well water, keep oxidized iron out with an iron filter.
Products mentioned
Standard cation resin · Purolite
Purolite C100E 1 cu ft Softener Resin
Standard cation resin · 1 cu ft
High-crosslink resin · DuraWater
DuraWater 5600 SXT 10% Crosslink Softener Resin
High-crosslink resin
Standard cation resin · AFWFilters
AFWFilters SOFRES1 1 cu ft Softener Resin
Standard cation resin · 1 cu ft
Questions readers ask
How long does softener resin last?
It depends on chlorine and iron in the water; chlorine and oxidized iron shorten it. Hard water returning between regenerations is the usual sign it's worn.
Is 10% crosslink resin worth it on well water?
Usually not if the well water has no chlorine; standard 8% does the job.