How long it takes to get rid of the salt pellets, we use Morton System Savor II, depends on your setting for how soft you want your water and how often it is programmed to cycle, usually each night. Our Morton unit came with strip that you run under your un-softened tap water, and depending on the color that they change to, tells you where to set your unit. I think we have ours on around 20.
However, some people have the lines plumbed, not to included the drinking taps, and exterior spickets. To much salt can kill plants/flowers and possibly adjust the taste of your water. If I recal, I have seen a liquidy/white substance in the bottom of ours as well.
