We like ours. I installed quick disconnects. I unplug it and take it to my water closet where I have my tank washer etc.
Hard to describe but using quick disconnects I run water through the softener and into my black tank. The reason is simple. I don't like to run salted water onto the ground where it might hurt grass and this is a simple, clean, and sanitary way to dispose of it.
I don't use the test strips. You can feel the water during a shower and tell when it needs regeneration. One box of table salt is all it takes.