The only water I have access to is unfiltered well water. I would like to wash and detail my cars myself but definitely don't want to do it with this water. Does anyone know of any stand alone filtration systems that just attach to spickets. Are there any other options available?

 

octaneguy has a nice unit.

otherwise, ive read people use mr.clean autodry's rinse only.

 

I bought a systems from pwgazette and it works really well. It's not 100% spot-free drying because it still leaves minimal water spots that can be easily removed while towel -drying. If you have well-water you will probably need 2 water softener cartridge.

I also bought a cheap TDS (Total dissolved Solids) meter ($10 from ebay) to monitor the output of the filter. If the filter output readings(ppm) are close to your tap water baseline TDS then you have to regenerate the filter by soaking it in a bucket of water filled with water softening salt. Let it sit overnight and you can reuse the filter indefinitely.

 

This looks interesting. I'm not using well water, but I've got the dreaded So-Cal hard water. Did you just use the FC024 water softener cartridge or are you using a different filter?

 

I use 2 GE water filters that I picked up at Home Depot. Hooked them up in series with a 15 micron filter first and a 5 micron second. I use them when I fill the tank on our Motorhome. The whole setup cost me about $ 70.00 with all the fittings and replacement filter cartridges works great.

 

This is what I use. It's not cheap but fits in the MINI passenger footwell if I need to transport it--it gives me instant readings on the input and output sides so I know how well the resin is working, and it filters 100gallons of water--to filter more, just pour out the crystals and pour new ones in--or buy the replacement cartridges. Costco sells replacement crystals as well as the larger CR Spotless unit--DIC-20.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...=1&topnav=&s=1

 

You're right, expensive. But considering two things:

1) It'll pay for itself in a year by not having to pay for professional wash/detail for our 3 cars, and

2) My wife calls me "Gadget Guy". Just another thing to get, I guess! I'll just have to put off that ride on the Space Shuttle a little longer.

Thanks..


Question: Online only or is it available at local Costco stores? I see you're in LA, which is why I ask.

 

Hard water is not a real issue until the final rinse. A damp soft diaper used to wipe all surfaces before they dry will elimnate all of the deposits. New diapers don't work too well, they have to be washed a couple dozen times to soften up enough. Alternatively, a leaf blower can get off the water before most of the deposits can settle.

You already know this: never wash your car in direct sunlight. Guaranteed to bake on the deposits before they can be removed.

 

Yes, that's the cartridge i bought.