We spend 1/2 half a year in Texas also, and use one similar to the Flow pure called TravelSoft. It uses 8 cups of solar salt to regenerate and has a back-flush mechanism built in. We use a Camco filter in front of the softener and have used that setup for 10-12 years. Would not be without it. Once backflushed and purged of salt, don't get any salt taste but may be a minute quantity in the water. Never have any mineral buildup in sinks or shower like we had before using the softener. Hope this may help, Happy Trails Bert