Does really old water softner / treament system need replacing from the previous owner?

we moved in recently and I found this really old water softner or filter system looking thing right by the boiler, it seems it is really out dated but seems to be connected to our water pipe and boiler. is this thing actually making our water dirtier since it is really old. I dont know how it works or even know if it is working or not. its looks sort a like this but much older and rotten. http://www.merzinc.com/nss-folder/pictures/Watco%20Water%20Softener.jpg Should I be concerned and replace them or get rid of it ?