What is the average life expectancy of a (nice quality) water softener? and can you clean the inside?

It appears to have a crystalized buildup around the hose, somewhat dirty inside the tub where I pour salt, etc.
Thanks for your input.

Answers:
Use up or bail out the salt. Clean with a broom. A new toilet brush works good. Change your brand of salt. sounds like you'r using solar salt. Solar salt is very dirty. sticks,mud etc. Recommend Morton or other name brand. The pellet type salt is much, much cleaner. and will keep the problem from comming back.

Other answers:
Pouring in to it a bottle of Coca Cola added with a table spoonful of salt will do wonders. You can try it.
Pouring in to it a bottle of Coca Cola added with a table spoonful of salt will do wonders. You can try it.
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