Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - Trying to decide
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marjonp
04-16-09, 09:57 PM
hello folks. I have enjoyed reading your posts (AndyC, JustALurker) regarding water softeners and have learned alot. Thank you for all the info.
However, i have had an Ionics softener for the past couple of years and suffice it to say that i have not been happy.
I am now considering a new softener, but am tight for cash. Here is what i have negotiated up to know:
Kinetico Model 50 (refurb/no warr) 1100/w/free cartridge carbon assembly/install/filter; filter has to be changed monthly
Kinetico Quad 50 (refurb/no warr); 1450/w/install; carbon has to be changed in 3 to 5 years (i have to test water for chlorine); cost is 250.00 to replace carbon in both tanks
Fleck 9100SXT (new/online/DIY) 1050 with filter cartridge and carbon filter; i think this filter lasts only 6 months
We have a family of four. Our water source is municipal. Our stats are as follows:
Constituent Avg. Concentration
Aluminum (ppb) 0.003
Bicarbonate (ppm) 218
Calcium (ppm) 76.9
Chloride (ppm) 16
Copper (ppm) 0.01
Iron (ppb) 0.009
Magnesium (ppm) 16.5 NA
Manganese (ppm) 0.0003
Nickel (ppb) 0.002
pH 7.7
Sodium (ppm) 11
Sulfate (ppm) 25
Total Alkalinity as
Calcium Carbonate 218
Total Dissolved Solids 298
Total Hardness as
Calcium Carbonate 233
Total Hardness as
Calcium/Milligram 260
Zinc 0.02
The hardness is rated at 20 grains.
My main concern for obtaining a dual tank system is because of the efficiency with the usage of salt/potassium. I have old galvanized pipes in our house and they have been corroding more and more because we have been using salt. But with the new softener i want to use potassium to reduce the galvanized breakdown, but potassium costs more; hence, the desire to have a system that uses salt/potassium eficiently.
Is there any suggestions that you can provide or preferences? Am i missing anything?
However, i have had an Ionics softener for the past couple of years and suffice it to say that i have not been happy.
I am now considering a new softener, but am tight for cash. Here is what i have negotiated up to know:
Kinetico Model 50 (refurb/no warr) 1100/w/free cartridge carbon assembly/install/filter; filter has to be changed monthly
Kinetico Quad 50 (refurb/no warr); 1450/w/install; carbon has to be changed in 3 to 5 years (i have to test water for chlorine); cost is 250.00 to replace carbon in both tanks
Fleck 9100SXT (new/online/DIY) 1050 with filter cartridge and carbon filter; i think this filter lasts only 6 months
We have a family of four. Our water source is municipal. Our stats are as follows:
Constituent Avg. Concentration
Aluminum (ppb) 0.003
Bicarbonate (ppm) 218
Calcium (ppm) 76.9
Chloride (ppm) 16
Copper (ppm) 0.01
Iron (ppb) 0.009
Magnesium (ppm) 16.5 NA
Manganese (ppm) 0.0003
Nickel (ppb) 0.002
pH 7.7
Sodium (ppm) 11
Sulfate (ppm) 25
Total Alkalinity as
Calcium Carbonate 218
Total Dissolved Solids 298
Total Hardness as
Calcium Carbonate 233
Total Hardness as
Calcium/Milligram 260
Zinc 0.02
The hardness is rated at 20 grains.
My main concern for obtaining a dual tank system is because of the efficiency with the usage of salt/potassium. I have old galvanized pipes in our house and they have been corroding more and more because we have been using salt. But with the new softener i want to use potassium to reduce the galvanized breakdown, but potassium costs more; hence, the desire to have a system that uses salt/potassium eficiently.
Is there any suggestions that you can provide or preferences? Am i missing anything?