8-22-2018 Mailbag | Ask The Water Doctor

Question #1:

I need a recommendation for a “water softener” that uses neither salt of potassium? I have kidney disease and my doctor says I need one that does not contain either of these. Pelican tells me what they have PSE1800 is the answer. Is this correct?

R.W.

Answer:

The PSE1800 does not soften the water.  Oh, I know they call it a “water softener” but ask them if the water will test “soft.”

If you buy it and the water tests soft, I will pay for it.  The reason I do that is because it simply does not soften the water… no matter what they say. I have told hundreds of people that and have never had to pay.  It simply does not soften the water.  Now, I am not saying that it doesn’t make the water better, but soften?  NO!

I understand that you don’t want to drink softened water that has sodium or potassium, but what about Chlorine, Chloramine, TCE, THM, PCB, Pesticides and other Carcinogens?  Those are not good for your kidneys either… to say nothing about the rest of your body.

I recommend a softener like this:

https://www.uswatersystems.com/fusion-nlt-professional-grade-metered-water-softener.html

Followed by this for drinking water:

https://www.uswatersystems.com/us-water-cobalt-hyper-safe-reverse-osmosis-system.html

It removes all the salt or potassium a softener adds.  You can still enjoy all the benefits of soft water, without having to drink it.

Question #2:

I’m wondering how expensive is the H202 and what would be the approximate rate of use?

D.A.B

Answer:

The average family spend $200 to $300 a year on H2O2 (Hydrogen Peroxide).

If you area “glass half empty person” you might think that is just an unnecessary expense.

But, if you are a “glass half full person” you might think that is a small price to pay for awesome water.

It depends upon your perspective.

Question #3

Hello, I have done my research on softeners, salt free conditioners, RO, etc., but we have a dilemma. We would like to have soft water but have a swimming pool and the salt/phosphorus remaining in the softened water is not good for filling the pool. (We don’t have a separate water line for just outside and would have to bypass the softener every time we need water outside.) Our city water tested high for chlorine (basically the same as the pool water!) so we would also like to reduce the contaminants in the city water for bathing, drinking, etc., since we have skin eczema issues, no doubt from the chemicals in the water. As you can see, the dilemma in finding a system that will work for us. I looked at salt free conditioners but would that remove chlorine? I don’t think so. Could you install an RO system for the whole house? Help!!!

N

Answer:

You stated that you wanted to have “soft water.”  I would assume that you made that decision in part, due to skin eczema issues and the fact that “soft” water is certainly gentler on sensitive skin. There are many reasons to want soft water, including the fact that it delivers the following benefits:

  • Gentler on the skin and hair
  • Less soap, detergents, shampoo and cleaning agents required because it eliminates soap curd
  • Softer clothes, linens and whiter whites as well as brighter colors on clothing
  • Fabrics last longer
  • Eliminates spots on silverware, glassware, mirrors, tile and plumbing fixtures
  • Eliminate limescale in water heaters and appliances
  • Saves dramatic amounts of money on cleaning supplies and energy usage

A salt-free conditioner may (or may not) help with limescale (some do, some don’t), but no salt-free water conditioner provides all the benefits that you get with a true “water softener.”  You probably have already figured out that salt-free “softeners” only exist in shady marketers minds.  They are fiction.

People who have eczema are also very sensitive to things like chlorine, chloramine and a myriad of other chemicals and pesticides.  Those can be removed with a system like the US Water BodyGuard Whole House Filtration System. This will help ease skin irritation, but doesn’t solve the “softness” issue.

It may be possible to run a hard water line directly to your swimming pool and just put the Bodyguard and a softener on the house, or maybe it’s not/  I do not know how your property is plumbed, but it might be worth exploring, however, a whole-house RO system will also provide the benefits you seek.  That can be pretty expensive, but it’s something to consider.  A reliable Whole House RO System can cost $8,000 to $12,000 dollars but more-and-more people are opting for it.

There is no absolute answer, but myself or one of our water specialists would be glad to help you make the right decision.  If you like, you can call us at 800-608-8792.

Cheers!

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