I discovered today that salt has entered and become encrusted in the main
body of my water softener - picture he https://ibb.co/xfw4Q5v .

Recently I noticed that the salt in the proper compartment had completely
run out. I replaced it as soon as I realised but I don't know how long it
had been gone: not long, I think, since the water showed no signs of
hardening, but could that have been the cause? Is the salt in the main
compartment doing any harm? Should I remove it?

Many thanks.