How does this machine do in very hard well water, or well water within a home that already has a salt mechanism for softening water in the home?
1171496
This is not an easy answer since all water ionizers require a certain water harness level in order to work properly (see Athena specifications). Before going ahead and committing to the high cost of the Athena, I would pay a bio-environmental company to come out and test the hardness of your water both at the well, and after the water softener to see if the numbers fall within the required specs of the Athena. Keep in mind that if your well water has a higher dissolved concentration level of a particular mineral (i.e. calcium), this might affect the performance of the water ionizer. I wouldn't gamble on this one, especially for this much money. Get your well water tested. Hope this helps. This is not an easy answer since all water ionizers require a certain water harness level in order to work properly (see Athena specifications). Before going ahead and committing to the high cost of the Athena, I would pay a bio-environmental company to come out and test the hardness of your water both at the well, and after the water softener to see if the numbers fall within the required specs of the Athena. Keep in mind that if your well water has a higher dissolved concentration level of a particular mineral (i.e. calcium), this might affect the performance of the water ionizer. I... » Read More This is not an easy answer since all water ionizers require a certain water harness level in order to work properly (see Athena specifications). Before going ahead and committing to the high cost of the Athena, I would pay a bio-environmental company to come out and test the hardness of your water both at the well, and after the water softener to see if the numbers fall within the required specs of the Athena. Keep in mind that if your well water has a higher dissolved concentration level of a particular mineral (i.e. calcium), this might affect the performance of the water ionizer. I wouldn't gamble on this one, especially for this much money. Get your well water tested. Hope this helps. « Show Less
1730984
Installed a unit in Las Vegas connected to the Water District to replace a traditional salt based water softener. Las Vegas has very hard water. The Aquios system did not work for this application. Pots, pans, silverware, glasses, dishes began to show deposits almost immediately. Some of the family could also "feel" the hardness of the water in the shower. I like the compactness of the unit compared to a traditional water softener, but it did not "soften" our water. We removed the unit and installed a Morton water softener unit.
1672224
We've had this about two years, but only use it in the winter. We have hard water and have had no trouble. Also have a Vicks unit. Haven't had any trouble with that either.
466802
If you haven't already, I would call the company. They are very informative and easy to talk to. They recommend the straightest shot from the meter to the pump to get the most pressure. Mine goes to my basepump after many branches and it works fine. If you pass the 5 gal bucket test, you are probably fine. Another point - Everyone I know with a water softener has a well. You need city water for the basepump. No power would equal no well water.
475110
The general water softner works in the same principle, includning this model. It removes some radium in the ion exhange per this article http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/radium.htm I am no pro. You should verify this with a professional.
1381100
Yes it does: I am on a well system, too. The only downside is that it is very slow: It takes more than a minute to fill a coffee-pot with water, even when it was new. I also have a Kenmore whole-house water softener: the cheap one, not the full system, but there is a noticeable improvement in the taste of the water with this filter. I recommend it: Just don't be in a hurry! ;-)
305100
You don't want the "soft rock" for hard water, as that is for soft water specifically. If you order the "hard rock" it works great, or any of the regular ones with two scoops per load instead of one scoop will work in hard water.
1574592
I have very hard public water. The minerals build up and are hard to remove, but I waited a long time and probably should have done it once a week. Scrubbing too hard ruined it. For the price, convenience (no filter) and for how quietly it runs, I do love this unit. This is the is the 3rd one I've purchased and am not disappointed. I have one in my bedroom and a child's bedroom and run in on high every night in the winter. Holmes makes a water softener, so I am trying that now, but even if it doesn't work, if I have to replace the unit in a couple years, for the $40 investment, it's well worth it. I have very hard public water. The minerals build up and are hard to remove, but I waited a long time and probably should have done it once a week. Scrubbing too hard ruined it. For the price, convenience (no filter) and for how quietly it runs, I do love this unit. This is the is the 3rd one I've purchased and am not disappointed. I have one in my bedroom and a child's bedroom and run in on high every night in the winter. Holmes makes a water softener, so I am trying that now, but even if it doesn't work, if I have to replace the unit in a couple years, for the $40 investment, it's well... » Read More I have very hard public water. The minerals build up and are hard to remove, but I waited a long time and probably should have done it once a week. Scrubbing too hard ruined it. For the price, convenience (no filter) and for how quietly it runs, I do love this unit. This is the is the 3rd one I've purchased and am not disappointed. I have one in my bedroom and a child's bedroom and run in on high every night in the winter. Holmes makes a water softener, so I am trying that now, but even if it doesn't work, if I have to replace the unit in a couple years, for the $40 investment, it's well worth it. « Show Less
1500129
I haven't had that problem and our water is hard. I dry with a soft towel and it works good for me.
497394
Yes, I have used mine in both salt and fresh water. I just rinse it off good after use in salt water! This has been a great trolling motor.
217113
I do not have a hard water problem here, but having loved in Arizona previously, from Experience with hard water there, I would not use this unit unless I had a water softener system installed and functioning prior to installation.
1381098
I have well water and use it. As long as you have a decent water pump and your water does not come out slow, you'll be fine.
1921822
I do think it works all right with hard water however using soft water makes the filters last longer. I have also noticed that when making coffee there are chunks of lime scale that fall out of the water dispenser so the machines require cleaning more frequently. I hope this was the answer you were wanting to see. Thank you for asking questions because that makes you an informed consumer.
1557594
We have a Kinetico water softener system. We have a LOT of iron in our well water. We must use the Iron Out salts. The 5 micron filter works well for us. We used to use a 50 or 30 micron. If anything the 5 micron just filters better, finer particles. We change it every 6 months or so. It gets red with the iron, unless you are losing water pressure it is OK to use continue to use, we have gone 9 months without changing it before. I don't know what kind of sediment your trying to filter or how much is in your well water so I can't say how it would work in your system. I would recommend trying one of the filters for six months and see how it goes. If no problems then I'd buy the bulk package. We own our system so we can do as we like with it. I don't know what Kinetico would say about it. Good luck. Let us know if it works out for you OK. We were paying much more for our filters before we found this steal of a deal.
1937003
No just the dissolved solute count. The hardness would depend on what those solutes are, for example you can have hard water from calcium salts, but you can have high nitrates or iron, and the water will not be hard, just dirty
1031648
Hi Shelley - My Bosch dishwasher has a stainless steel interior and came with a built-in salt dispenser. I suggest that you call Bosch Customer Services @ 1-800-944-2904 and tell them which model you want to buy. They should tell you whether you need the water softener. ALSO, call your local water company and ask them if you have hard water in your area. Hope this answer has been of some help.
936451
I am not sure how to answer your question about hard water, but regarding power outages - I have never had any, but to be on the safe side I would get a generator. Hope this helps.