Water softeners - what do I need to know?

[Murtette]

Today's kitchen question is about water softeners. We have horribly hard water so, when doing the kitchen, it seems sensible to get a water softener installed. What do I need to know? I'd always thought that it would cost ££££, be massive and have to be next to the boiler but I'm being told that I can have a smallish unit which costs about £150 and can be under the sink. It sounds a bit too good to be true. Any advice?
Thanks

[PigletJohn]

I have just ordered salt tablets in 10kg bags at £4.56 each delivered. It is a little dearer than buying the 20kg or 25kg bags but will I think be easier to handle and avoid the "tipping a sack" problem. I looked at 8kg blocks but they are rather expensive.

[Lavendersbluedillydilly1969]

Just thought I'd update my earlier post as been doing some DIY plumbing this last week and visiting my local plumbase shop. They do a series of softeners which are metered, seem quite reasonably priced and come in several sizes for number of people in household. They are called tapworks I think. Also just found out they sell 25kg bags of tablet salt for £8.29 which is less than half the price I was paying at homebase so will save us loads of money.

[PigletJohn]

shows at £7.27 online today looks like a very good price and avoids making rust holes in the boot of your car