Water filter Vs Softner?

[Red_Star]

I'd go with RO. It removes between 90 to 99% of all minerals and contaminates from the water. Including calcium. I'd also use one of those electronic descalers as well as it will help remove scale and mineral deposits already built up in the system as well as keeping them from building up.

I agree with you and other responses here about RO filters! A good filter of this type removes all unhealthy substances from the water, including various minerals and calcium too I think that RO systems are the best decision for cleansing and softening water at the same time, besides in their case you won't need to change the filter very often like it's in case of separate filter containeers and some other types. I had such one several years ago and that was really annoying
I use this Apec filter at the current time and the water is good, I'm totally satisfied with it



Also I can recommend HomeMaster and Borndell systems like in this list from cozzy for example, as I know from experience of my friends, they're good too :thumbup:
The only minus for these RO systems is that they're rather expensive but personally I think that it's better than buying a new filter every month/several months like in case of some other types, in general with RO it'll be cheaper

 

[jeanjean]

I use the Watts Water M7002 Flow-Pur RV-Pro on my RV. In its product manual, I saw that it can remove most of the calcium. As far as my experience is concerned, as it is advertised, it does. It is a recommended softener.

 

[nordic454]

Being a plumber out in Vegas, we have some of the worst water in the country. It’s extremely hard, and full of calcium, sediment, chlorine and iron.
I am not a fan of softeners and R/O’s.
You cannot drink softened water. The water is very acidic, so they will eat your water heater tanks alive. They do not solve the calcium build up problem as one would hope. As well as, our sodium intake should be limited per day, and our skin is a sponge. With softened water, it’s still upping our sodium intake.
R/O water is basically the epitome of purified water, leaving nothing in it, including the good minerals.

I am an advocate of the whole home filtration/conditioning systems. Installed on the mainline, they provide you with bottled water quality water at every faucet in your home. Actually extends the life of your water heater, dishwasher, fixtures, and pipes in the home. They are a bit more of an initial investment, but most will lay you 10+ years, with zero maintenance. No more salt bags...
I put one in last summer along with my tankless water heater, and couldn’t be happier knowing that I have the best possible solution for our water conditions. There are multiple on the market, I prefer the Halo 5 units, or Enviro United Water Conditioning Magnetic unit.

 

[SoCalDave]

Those magnetic cells are snake oil, at least in industrial use they are. Cost us thousands of dollars to clean-up what they didn't do.

 

[River Runnin]

RO!...RO!...RO!

 

[Ziggy]

I put in and gave the NUVO system a try in Havasu. I think it worked but when you imagine having a softener you expect a different "feel" to the water such as the slickness when rinsing soap off, which this did not provide.
So I put in a tried/true salt softener in, that worked fine. However, it seemed to need a lot of attention as far as keeping it running properly.
So, then I added some simple whole home filtration. A pleated sediment filter and carbon filter.
Have had to do zero maintenance to softener since then and swapping out those affordable filters is piece of cake.
The separate RO system is just for ice makers and drinking.

 

[Ziggy]

Btw...anyone interested in the Nuvo? Can have mine cheap....with barely used cartridge included.

 

[SoCalDave]

I put in and gave the NUVO system a try in Havasu. I think it worked but when you imagine having a softener you expect a different "feel" to the water such as the slickness when rinsing soap off, which this did not provide.
So I put in a tried/true salt softener in, that worked fine. However, it seemed to need a lot of attention as far as keeping it running properly.
So, then I added some simple whole home filtration. A pleated sediment filter and carbon filter.
Have had to do zero maintenance to softener since then and swapping out those affordable filters is piece of cake.
The separate RO system is just for ice makers and drinking.

Same setup I have and have zero issues with it.

 

[ULTRA 94]

Actually I believe my RO system is connected before the softener.. A lot of the houses (newer) in Havasu are pre plumbed for both the softener and RO in the garage.

This is how mine is setup

View attachment 527730

View attachment 527731

I'm not a plumber but i'm pretty sure the feed to the softener is on the left so my RO would be before the softener..

I will say that if I taste the water coming out of the faucets I can taste salt.. so i'm wondering if something is wrong? It's glaringly apparent it is soft water from when the system is bipassed (rinsing off soap in the shower etc).

In an interesting point to the conversation.. I had never seen one of these before moving to AZ? they say it stops water hammer. I had never seen one in california though?

(above the RO tank hanging from the ceiling)
View attachment 527732

Dave, my system looks identical to yours, with exception of the salt tank. Mine is pretty much a trash can. Where do you get the Ultima filter on top? Is it 3/8" female threaded on both ends? I can't find that filter at neither Lowes, home Depot, Ace or online. I think your RO is after the softner looking at your pic. I Replaced all filters but the damn Ultima on top.