Cacher_Chick
Test, Don't Guess!
@ cacher_chick:
While what you stated is true, as the discharge is under water system pressure, the risk of splattering is high. As the closet is enclosed by drywall and is located on the main floor and I expect a floor drain is not close by, the damage realized through misdirected water would most likely cause major damage. The price of an appropriate air-gap fitting would be a cheap method to ensure the drain water, all flows to where it is intended.
I have done a couple softener drains using a 2" diameter standpipe, 36" long, trapped and vented. I adapt the end of the softener hose to 3/4" pipe to give it something rigid to mount on a standoff above the standpipe.
The water does not come out of the softener discharge like a fire-hose, it is more like that of a lavatory faucet. No problem with splashing in my experience.
I'm sure your way is fine too, I just have not found any need for a specialized fitting.