The Flow Pure does not require solar salt but only table salt you can find at Wal-Mart and easily pours into the unit for regeneration. It also has a built-in back flush system (I believe they all do) which is rarely necessary but there if you hook up to some really bad incoming water. There is not salt taste but that does not mean that a bit of added salt is not there. Most water softeners will explain this in the usage manual. I am sure the TravelSoft is a good unit but I don't know what the "grain" rating is. The Flow Pure is rated for 10,000 grains before recharging is required.