New Replacement softener

[Charlyc11]

I just bought a replacement for my salt based water softener that's been here before I bought the house in 2015. It's starting to fall apart and I don't really like salting my water. My water is not that hard and my replacement will not use salt. I also going to test a neutralizing filter to see if it works out. If anybody is using the calcite to neutralize it would be good to know. I did not want to go with a huge expensive calcite column so I opted with the smaller one for now just have to change cartridges more often.



THis the neutralizing filter 20" x 4.5 rated 124,000 gallons. I use soda ash injection now and If it doesn't work out I can continue what I am doing now.

[Vanman]

I have a large calcite filter used to raise the PH of my water before it goes into my water heater. It raises the PH and also the TDS. I have never heard of using calcite to soften water.

I have to add calcite every year or so.

[Charlyc11]

I have a large calcite filter used to raise the PH of my water before it goes into my water heater. It raises the PH and also the TDS. I have never heard of using calcite to soften water.

I have to add calcite every year or so.

the softener is the black large filter system the calcite is the 20" x 4.5" filter cartridge. How much does it raise the TDS and PH? Thas why I am starting with a small calcite cartridge that I will need to replace a few per year. I am tired of mixing soda ash.
The big filter is not really a water softener but a conditioner that prevents scale.

[Vanman]

I will get some measurements tomorrow.

[Charlyc11]

This is the caption for that filter. There is only the 2 of us so I don't need more than 10 GPM my current softener is max 9 ppm and the actual flow rates are less than that. My well water has a TDS of 190 from the well and my calcium is less than 20 m/l. KH = 0 and a GH = 6. Ball park using the TDS my water is very low hardness to soft. I will pick up a hardness tes later today. I don't know what my magnesium is but I should find out with the hardness test.

[Vanman]

Finally got around to testing some water samples today. Out of the tap straight from the well is 45 ppm TDS and a PH of 5.8. Through the calcite filter is 133 ppm TDS and a PH of 7.7.

[Charlyc11]

Wow that's a big jump in PH I don't know much it will raise the PH on the 20" calcite filter. I guess I will find out.

[Charlyc11]

OK I decided to Replace the well water pressure tank while I am at it. It's a 32 gallon not to expensive. All the valves are so corroded that I am afraid if I just replace them something will go wrong. Plus who knows how old it is I have to 10 years and the bladders eventually fail..

[Charlyc11]

I cancelled the order on the Pro Aqua and instead ordered two Rhino Aquasana columns and do my own setup.

[Charlyc11]

These are the new replacements.
Aquasana WH-SFWC-TR Water Filter, Blue and Carbon & KDF Home Filtration - WH-WELLR

[Charlyc11]

Getting the tank ready to replace this weekend.

[Charlyc11]

Of course Amazon shipped the wrong aquasana filter. They got it half right one was correct. Thankfully they will pick up for free and deliver a new one on Monday. Meanwhile the tank is in.

[Vanman]

Have you considered a spin down filter? I have one. It traps sand and any larger particles.

[Charlyc11]

I did consider I find a need for it.
1. 5 Micron Pentek 20" bag Pre filter
2. Aquasana Salt-Free Water Conditioner tank WH-SFWC-TR
3. Aquasana Carbon & KDF Home Filtration - WH-WELLR
4. 10" x 4.5" clear housing with 5 micron Post filter
5. Calcite Neutralizer

[Vanman]

My set up is, in order.
1. Well pump
2. Pressure switch
3. Spin down filter
4. Pressure tank, fiberglass with rubber bladder
5. Whole house 1 micron filter
6. Calcite tank, only on the water feed to the water heater

The spin down filter has a valve on the bottom to flush out any trapped sand or large particles. I flush it as required. Probably four times a year.