Confused About Salt-Free Water Conditioners?
Mark, I've read a couple of your posts and it seems to me there are a lot of people out there that are looking for salt-free water softener/conditioner. I've looked at Easy Water and had a response from a representative. I feel that Easy Water doesn't work as it is more or less a gimmick. On the other hand, Pelican* NaturSoft (was looking at combo series) seems plausible but according to what you've mentioned in your posts it doesn't do what the web site stated. The representative I spoke with indicated that the hardness number will not change after the system is installed (which would be a fact) and the minerals would still be present but crystallized so I don't get the hard water side effects.
Does that mean I'd use less soap, etc? And how long would the minerals remain crystallized? Also, the web site indicated that the build up (scale) in the copper pipes will eventually be removed after the system is installed and apparently with water softener the existing scale doesn't go away and it simply slows down the scale build-up. Granted, it's very difficult decision to make and I certainly don't want to make an expensive mistake.
A family friend has water softener for years and she mentioned she has Kinetico. It doesn't require electricity and, apparently, it is replenished with salt once a year. I know Kinetico makes quality systems however I heard they are very expensive, perhaps overpriced. I'm not entirely sold on the idea of the soapy feeling. I'm guessing I need some more answers before I make a decision.
I know I do have hard water and I don't recall the numbers when I had a local company come by to test the water and tried to sell me water softener. When I told the salesman that I will think about it and almost on a daily basis I get a call from him asking whether I have made a decision. He was pretty pushy and I decided to put it off (been a year now) and I know I need a system to treat hard water and prolong appliances that are only a few years old as well as filtered water at every tap. Not to mention, easier to clean in the bathrooms especially the shower stalls.
Thanks for your time. -Ethan
The Water Doctor replied: Ethan, I have been getting this question quite a lot, and so I have decided to re-visit this issue in this blog. The two companies you mentioned (Easy Water and Pelican) are the two main companies that we get questions about, although there are a multitude of other companies selling similar products. First of all, I think that it needs to be established that the two companies you mentioned are what I call "One-Trick-Ponies" and I don't necessarily mean that as a bad thing, I just mean that they basically sell ONE PRODUCT - Salt-Free Water Treatment Systems. Oh, they may say that they have a few other products, but they essentially have one product which they "push." That is the biggest difference between US Water and these companies - we have the largest selection of water treatment products on the planet BECAUSE THERE IS NO ONE TECHNOLOGY WHICH SOLVES EVERY WATER PROBLEM.
Many people say that the Easy Water system, and systems like them do not work. That is not my position - I think there is some validity to the technology, however it does not work like they insinuate, and now we have proof!
First of all, the technology behind Easy Water is Electromagnetic or Radio Frequency (RF). Electromagnetic Technology (ET) consists of a wire wrapped around the water pipe that transmits electronic frequencies (a magnetic field) and claims to precipitate hardness into aragonite crystal, forming a soft scale as opposed to calcite. While the exact mechanism is not clear, it is theorized that dissolved oxygen, silica and the carbonate ion may play a role.
The Pelican system uses a process which may be characterized as similar to Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC). US Water has a product called the Green Wave which utilizes a process substantially the same as TAC, called MEP (Matrix Enabled Particularization). Pelican uses a similar method. Filtersorb SP3 and nextScaleStop are also two similar methods or media. These methods employ a special surface-treated resin bead to act as a catalytic nucleation site for the conversion and growth of hardness crystals, which are subsequently released and remain in solution without forming scale.
In a recent study, funded by the Water Research Foundation (which is still on-going and not yet complete), it was found that the TAC Technology reduced scale by 96.4 percent, while the electromagnetic technology only reduced sale by 41.7%. By my math, the electromagnetic technology was less than half as effective. Do you want a product that reduces scale by 96% or 41%? I think that's an easy answer. Force fields work in Star Trek, but maybe not so well in water treatment!
Assuming that Pelican has viable technology (and I am not saying that they do - just assuming so), I have problems with the way they market their products. On the site where they have their products for sale, they say the following: "The Pelican NaturSoft Salt Free Water Softener is the most environmentally conscious hard water softening/conditioning system available."
According to the Water Quality Association (WQA) "softened water" "is water that contains less than one grain per gallon (gpg) of hardness ions." Therefore, any device that is effective in reducing the water hardness to less than one gpg is a softener. Conversely, and water treatment device that does not reduce the hardness of the water to less than 1 gpg cannot be called a softener and it does not produce soft water. Pelican says that they have "naturally softened water, without salt" and calls their product a water softener. It may condition the water, but it absolutely doesn't soften the water by causing it to contain less than 1 gpg hardness ions. In fact, they go on to say: "The Pelican Natursoft keeps the healthy minerals in the water so you can enjoy naturally softened water." Naturally softened water contains no minerals and they say that they keep the minerals in the water, so the two statements are contradictory and misleading.
Pelican may be a water "conditioner" but to call it a water "softener" is extremely misleading to the consumer. I have tested both Easy Water and Pelican and can find no basis for claims that you will use less soaps and detergents or that you will have whiter and brighter clothes. I know that they have some glowing testimonials, but I wonder if some of the endorsements are by people who have seen these "little green men" as well. Also, when looking at a Pelican NaturSoft Combo System, look at the size of the tanks. On the carbon tank, they say that theirs is 11" x 57.5" for the 15 GPM Model. A tank that size holds 1.5 cu/ft of carbon. Each cubic foot of carbon will successfully treat up to 5 GPM. Oh, you can get more water than that through it, but it won't be properly de-chlorinated. They don't have any specifications on their pre-filter but it looks to be a 4.5" x 10" while the Green Wave has a 4.5" x 20" - Twice the Size! Let's compare the Pelican Combo with the US Water Green Wave Plus:
| Pelican | Green Wave | |
| Model | PSE-2000 | GWP-1500 |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 15 GPM | 15 GPM |
| Pre-Filter Size | 4.5 x 10 | 4.5 x 20 |
| Pre-Filter Type | String | Pleated |
| Carbon Tank | 10 x 54 | 13 x 65 |
| Amount of Carbon | 1.5 cu/ft | 3.0 cu/ft |
| Scale Tank | 10 x 54 | 10 x 54 |
| Cost | $2,349 | $2,295 |
You can't expect to properly de-chlorinate and treat 15 GPM with 1.5 cu/ft of carbon. PERIOD! The Green Wave Plus has a prefilter TWICE THE SIZE, an upflow carbon filter TWICE THE SIZE and costs less. What do you think makes the most sense? You can't cheat "contact time" in carbon filtration. You have to have a properly sized tank and the right quantity of carbon. If not, the water will be wet, but it won't be properly filtered and some contaminants will pass through. Insofar as soft water verses conditioned water, here's a chart as to what each product will do:
So, you have a choice: You can eliminate scale with the proper type of salt-free water conditioner or with a salt-based water softener. Some salt-free conditioners as well as some salt-based water softeners will also remove chorine and chemicals, but if you want to use up to 50% or 60% less soaps, cleansers, shampoos, detergents and things like that, your only choice is a salt-based water softener. It simply isn't happening with a salt-free system, no matter what the people who have seen the little green men say (I call them the "lunatic fringe"). Some people say "I want to be green and don't want to put salt back into the environment." That's a noble thought, and it's not the salt that's the problem, it's the chloride, but let me ask another question:
If you are "green" and don't use salt when you have hard water, you will end up using 50% more soaps, detergents, chemicals and water conditioning chemical compounds and THOSE ARE DISCHARGED BACK INTO THE ENVIRONMENT - Which is worse? Think about it. Maybe now you will understand why we sell a full line of water treatment products, including salt-free water conditioners, as well as salt-based water softeners. We aren't "one-trick-pony" and we tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Michaud, Chubb, Softening Alternatives, Water Conditioning & Purification Journal, January 2011.
* - Pelican is a registered trademark of Pelican Water Technologies.
US Water Systems has no affiliation with the company.
69 Comments
I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR THE BEST DEAL ON WATER SOFTENERS TO HELP PROLONG THE LIFE OF MY APPLIANCES. I AM ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE DRINKING WATER AS MY HOUSE IS OLDER AND NOT PLUMBED FOR A SOFTENER IT WILL HAVE TO BE A COMPROMISE PREFERABLY SALT FREE. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY I AM VERY DISCOURAGED HOW PELICAN HAS SENT OUT THERE SPYS TO EVERY BLOG SITE OR WEB POST TO TALK SMACK ABOUT EVERY OTHER BRAND. IM TO THE POINT WHERE I AM JUST GOING TO GIVE UP BECAUSE YOU ARE ALL SO CUT THROAT I DONT KNOW WHAT TO BELIEVE OR WHO TO TRUST NOW NO ONE WILL GET MY MONEY. HOPE YOU SELFISH PRICKS ARE HAPPY
Jaran,
Its certainly a free country and you can believe whatever you want, but how are we cut-throat and selfish? We just tell the truth. We sell more salt water softeners than salt-free because of that.
They dont soften water and we dont infiltrate other websites or blogs. We go to great lengths to tell you exactly what a salt-free system will and wont do. Other companies only tell you want it will do and they stretch the truth by a long distance.
I cant change your mind. Only you can do that, but what you say flies in the face of the facts.
I have a question about spot-free dishes NO. If the TAC technology massively reduces calcium deposits (scale) on the inside of pipes and appliances, then why wouldnt it do the same for dishes? When our softener starts to wear out, we dont just get spots which can be taken care of with products like Jet Dry, and special detergents. We get hard white deposits on silverware, glasses, and dishes which are very difficult to remove. Wouldnt the TAC technology reduce that to a minimal level?
If it does, I wouldnt care about a few easily removable spots, or soap that doesnt produce oceans of suds. Also, I like minerals in my water, and dislike soft water (so we drink bottled mineral water, which seems crazy when our water naturally has so much calcium and magnesium). But we didnt leave the kitchen tap water unsoftened because, with 19 grains of hard water, the stainless steel sink accumulates scale way too easily.
Also, with soft water, it takes five minutes to rinse a little soap off your hands, which never does feel like its actually gone, and just ends up on the towel I guess. But with water this hard we can choose between having the slimy feeling, or buying all brand new appliances once a year so the slime wins every time.
I have very hard water (around 15 gpg), but I also want the effects of a soft water system. Can I use a water conditioner for the calcium buidup and then a water softener for the water that comes in the house, in series with the water conditioner?
I am interested to know the impact of saltfree filtersorb sp3 on life of the RO membrane, vis-a-vis the conventional resin based softening system. The hardness of water is about 500ppm. My membrane manufacturer says, try time tested conventional method to save th elife of membrane. What is the truth? can you please throw light on this.
what is the best salt system on the market today for the money for a 3 bedroom housr?
Larry,
This is the best one:
https://www.uswatersystems.com/matrixx-water-softener-with-smartphone-programming.html
What about a well with iron. Right now we use Resup to remove the iron. Is there anything better that we could use instead? Maybe something friendlier to use. Do you know if those chemicals get through the resin and into our drinking water and bathing water? I sometimes get a rash on my skin and I notice when I stopped using resup for a week it started clearing up. Wasnt sure if that was just from the softening of the water or the chemical was getting through. Thanks.
Hi Mark thanks for taking the time to answer our questions I was looking into a tac system but I have been turned off because apparently it does not remove the minerals that cause hard water but it is safe to drink salt softened water I hear some people saying soft water has very little salt in it so it should be safe my other question is if you think a system setup with a salt water softener followed by a whole house filter with work Im thinking that I get softened water with the added protection of ultrafiltration soft showers and clean drinking water Thanks again.
Sorry meant to say is it safe to drink salt softened water?
Lee,
The latest this is chemical-free iron removal system ahead of the water softener. The softener doesnt use nearly as much salt and doesnt have to work as hard, plus the life is extended and there are no chemicals to leach into the water.
Heres the infusion Chemical Free System:
https://www.uswatersystems.com/systems/filters/iron-filters
Jack,
A lot depends upon what is in your water. The amount of sodium added in most cases is small, but if your water is extremely hard, it could be higher. A good water analysis is paramount. I recommend this one:
https://www.uswatersystems.com/us-water-lab-water-test.html
Another issue is taste. Frankly, I dont like soft water and ultrafiltration wont do much for that. Reverse osmosis is the only practical way to remove the sodium.
Depending upon your budget, you may want to consider whole house reverse osmosis. This involves a commercial reverse osmosis system which doesnt waste nearly as much water. In fact, in many instances and with proper pre-treatment, we can recover 75% of the water.
Get that water test done first and then we can tell you how to proceed.
Let me know if you have more questions or need further information. We look forward to working with you.
Remember, we are here 7 days a week from 8 AM until 11 PM for technical support and we will beat any price on a comparable system.
Regards,
thanks mark for the great info. is there another choice that takes less space as we dont have a lot of room now w/ the old 1 tank and separate brine tank. I have been using the iron out salt with the current softener to help with the rust. we have a whole house filter (Omni u25) then it goes into the softener then furnace and into another house filter(taste GAC BB 10" filter). would like to have an all in one system is that is possible. thanks again steve
I personally am very disappointed with Pelican. They have been very misleading and deceitful with me. I have a water hardness level of 26, a TDS level of 1000, and high iron and manganese, along with a chloride content of 400 and extremely high sodium. When it came time to sell me something, they were very helpful. After reviewing my water test, they recommended my setup. I bought and installed everything exactly the way they told me.
I installed the following in order:
5 micron sediment filter
chlorine injector pump (@ 3 ppm) with 35 gallon storage tank
Greensand iron/manganese remover
carbon series filter tank
NatureSoft salt free water softener
The iron and manganese problem did go away. However, the hardness ans TDS are still a major problem. Our shower doors, fixtures, dishes and inside the dishwasher itself are covered in a white film .badly. After not even a month, the filter in our furnace humidifier was pretty much a solid block of salt. My coffee filters look like someone sprinkled kosher salt into them. The white calcium carbonate sediment in my beverage glass after the ice melts looks like someone shaved a pile of skin off the bottom of their calloused foot into my drink!
I started calling within a few weeks of installation trying to get help. I used the Lemi-Shine rinse aid they sent me and it does nothing. Every time I called (within the 90 satisfaction guarantee), they told me, Just give it time, its cleaning the scale out of your system. All the piping supplying their equipment, I installed new at the same time. I have checked various places around the whole house and there is no scale. Now, I call just outside my 90 day guarantee and their story changes. They now tell me that nothing they have to offer can deal with my water conditions and that the only thing that will help me is either RO or distillation. They also tell me I probably shouldnt be drinking the water. So when I told them to come get their equipment and refund my money, they told me it was too late because the 90 days had expired. I told them they knowingly sold me equipment that would not address my problem and they said, No, we sold you the best that WE had to offer. They claimed that I wasnt specific enough in the results I was looking for to begin with. Im sorry, but after spending $3,800 on your equipment, at the very least,I expect the results to be drinkable water.
I did contact the lab that did the testing (Pelican sold me the test) and they told me that all of my issues were EPA secondary and unless I was on a no sodium diet, posed only asthetic issues, but are not detrimental to my health. And to be honest, the water tastes fine.
Their website is misleading calling the NatureSoft a softener at all, and in the FAQs right after saying yes its a softener they answer the next question no, after installing the NatureSoft salt free softener, the hardness level in your water test will not be reduced. Not exact words, but you get the gist.
Also, Pelican is Operated by Enviro Water Solutions, who incidentally has consructed a fake website. When I searched on Yahoo for sites reviewing water softeners, a link to www.watersoftenerscompared.com popped up. When I clicked on it, it took me to a site making the Pelican system look like the be all end all in water treatment systems compared to some others. This is a misleading tactic and if you ask me, Pelican is guilty of some serious false advertisement calling this system a softener.
Lesson learned. I have been told that our water conditions are worst than most, and everyone up and down our street has similar problems, but they went different routes. I should have gone local from the get go but being new to the area, I didnt know where to go. I figured everyone would just be looking for a sale. Well, BINGO! So was Pelican.
I forget to add that at the bottom of the water softeners compared website is a small link to a disclaimer saying that the site is run by Enviro Water Solutions.