Ukuqina kwamanzi ikakhulukazi kwakhiwe ama-cations: calcium (Ca2+) magnesium (Mg2+) ions.Lapho amanzi aluhlaza aqukethe ubulukhuni edlula kungqimba lwe-resin yokushintshisana, ama-ion e-calcium ne-magnesium emanzini akhangwa yi-resin, futhi ama-ion e-sodium akhululwa ngesikhathi esifanayo.

Ngale ndlela, amanzi aphuma ku-exchanger aba amanzi athambekele asuswe ama-ion aqinile.Uma i-resin ikhangisa i-calcium ne-magnesium ions.