Anybody tried this?:
http://www.watersticks.com/car.htm

Opinions?

Thanks!!

 

Interesting. I would like to see the chemistry before I believe the claim, but it is relatively cheap.
I vote you try it and report back to us!

 

The method of creating soft water isn't new. It's a good idea and inexpensive to try. I think the main drawback of this kind of system is that there is no way of knowing when the water is no longer soft. There isn't a metering system or anything that would indicate to you that it's time to recharge the crystals.

Notice they make a distinction between a water softening system and a water deionizer and that the water softening system can be recharged with salt water while the deionizer needs to be replaced.

http://www.watersticks.com/cwdi.htm

I'm not sure I believe the specs though:
125 gallons
4.5 GPM (Many Pro units are between 1 and 2GPM)

I wonder if that 125 gallons is with 0 PPM or just partial.

Richard

 

Sounds suspiciously like an activated carbon filter used in aquarium applications or home water softeners (which usually also contain a buffer). They will work to filter and soften hard water but require replenishment and maintenance. It is probably cheaper to go to the local Home Despot get some PVC with screened hose endings on both ends and fill the tube with activated charcoal from your local aquarium store. Total cost $3 to $4 tops including a large amount of activated charcoal.

If you want to get fancy you can also place micron sponges on the downstream side of the filter. You just have to get the material in bulk at the local aquarium store and cut to fit. A lifetime supply is probably a couple of bucks.

After a couple of three washings, depending on how hard your water is, you'll need to replace the filter material and/or clean or replace the activated charcoal. Easily done on a homemade version by unscrewing one PVC end attachment from the pipe. Don't know about the waterstick.

 

Here's the answer to my question from Wikipedia:

"The most economical way to soften household water is with an ion exchange water softener. This unit uses sodium chloride (table salt) to recharge beads made of ion exchange resin that exchange hardness mineral ions for sodium ions. Artificial or natural zeolites can also be used. As the hard water passes through and around the beads, the hardness mineral ions are preferentially absorbed, displacing the sodium ions. This process is called ion exchange. When the bead or sodium zeolite has a low concentration of sodium ions left, it is exhausted, and can no longer soften water. The resin is recharged by flushing (often back-flushing) with saltwater. The high excess concentration of sodium ions alter the equilibrium between the ions in solution and the ions held on the surface of the resin, resulting in replacement of the hardness mineral ions on the resin or zeolite with sodium ions. The resulting saltwater and mineral ion solution is then rinsed away, and the resin is ready to start the process all over again. This cycle can be repeated many times."

So now that I know the chemistry I have to ask, why not go get water softener pellets, put them in a length of PVC and screw your hose on to it? Probably do that for less than $20 with pellets to spare.

 

Yeah!!! What you said

 

But I think water sofening pellets are just the sodium chloride that you would use to recharge the resin beads. So if you did that, all you'd be doing would be spraying salt water on your car!

 

I just ordered this inline filter (2 filters) from http://www.pwgazette.com/gardenhosefilters.htm. I am expecting delivery next week. I also added 2 water softening cartridge (extra for spare) and 5 um sediment filter. This is the same setup that is available at Autogeek but at a considerable discount. Some folks reported marked improvement in reducing water spots thus the reason I am trying it out.

I looked at the CRspotless system from OG but my wife did not approve the cost so I went for a cheaper alternative.

 

if i get such filter i would get something like what octaneguy has
with the in/out meters.

that map shows all of IL as very hard... that's not really true
cause i get lake michigan water here and i dont get those
super water spotting like i would with pump water.

 

Please let us know what you think of this once you get it - thanks!!

 

I got to try it this weekend. I installed 1 sediment filter (5 micron) and 1 water softener cartridge. One thing I noticed is that I got more foam when the system is used with the Gilmour foaming gun. This is one indicator that it is working. I did my regular washing regimen and purposely left it to air dry. I still had some areas that had water spots but the big difference is that it easily comes off when you dry the car.

The verdict....You still have to dry the car after washing with the water filter/softener. The advantage is that you don't have to worry of water spots etching the paint as you can easily wipe them out while drying.

I didn't expect the system to be as effective as the DI system but this is definitely a good alternative. Remember, your results may vary and the effectiveness is dependent upon the water hardness in your area.

hope this information helps...