Answer: A: Soda ash is a particularly poor choice to regenerate a softener. Soda ash is sodium carbonate. By definition a softener is removing hardness (calcium and magnesium) so, when you try to regenerate with soda ash, the high alkalinity present (due to the carbonate) will form calcium carbonate, which is nearly insoluble and will scale-up the resin, tank and internals. For this reason, common salt (NaCl) is used to regenerate softeners. Calcium and magnesium chlorides are much more soluble than the carbonate salts. Hope this helps.

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