This water softener is a one cubic foot conditioner, good for one to three people living in the house. The valve is an inexpensive mechanical valve that has been used for many many years, proven to be very reliable. More than likely this valve has been used the most throughout the entire USA for years. This is a metered valve that measures the number of gallons and regenerates when needed. Salt or Potassium can be used for the regeneration brine ingredient.