You must be wealthy to have water softener.
About a month ago i paid $5.50 a bag at Home Depot.
I put in 8 blocks and then a bag of crystals and that last about 2 to 3 months.
Under normal circumstances a couple bags would carry us for 2-2/12 months, we have a couple[niece/husband] living with us while they're waiting on their new house to be finished.
Two bags are carrying us maybe 45 days currently.