Jump to content


Photo

Water treatment help, please


  • Please log in to reply
10 replies to this topic

#1 Pogo

Pogo

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 278 posts
  • Gender:Not Telling

Posted 20 June 2012 - 11:56 AM

In recent weeks, we have found our tap water in Ajijic (La Floresta) contains a lot of lime or calcium (I am not sure which is correct) that is leaving chalky white stains on the bathroom shower tile. We have tried the CLR spray treatment, but rinsing that off with the tap water just leaves the stains again.

We rent the house long term. The water system is a conventional aljibe and tinaco with no filtration or softening divices.

We are looking for a modest solution that we can afford without installing a whole new water system. The landlord may be willing to contribute. However, I want to have a proposal for the solution I want before approaching her.

So I am looking for suggestions on how to eliminate or substantially reduce whatever it is that causing the white stains on the tile. Your expertise will really be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
"We have met the enemy and he is us!"

#2 Mainecoons

Mainecoons

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 6,901 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Ajijic, Mexico

Posted 20 June 2012 - 12:27 PM

Filtration down to 10 microns (to protect the water softener) and a water softener are pretty much all you can do with the water here to reduce the hardness which is the source of your staining. We do both and it works very well. The fixtures in this house are 15 years old and still look and work like new.

#3 Pogo

Pogo

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 278 posts
  • Gender:Not Telling

Posted 20 June 2012 - 01:25 PM

Filtration down to 10 microns (to protect the water softener) and a water softener are pretty much all you can do with the water here to reduce the hardness which is the source of your staining. We do both and it works very well. The fixtures in this house are 15 years old and still look and work like new.


Gracias! Do you have a suggestion as to where I should shop for this - here or in Guadalajara?
"We have met the enemy and he is us!"

#4 The traveler

The traveler

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 800 posts

Posted 20 June 2012 - 02:41 PM

H2Olé has water systems. You may want to call them. Ask for Jackie or Bob 766-5999

#5 Alpha1

Alpha1

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 640 posts

Posted 20 June 2012 - 03:49 PM

In spite of what you may have read about this type of device, I have tried it and it works on my water. It also depends on how "hard" your water is.

Clearwave Electronic Water Softener System


and

ClearWave®-125
-The Original Salt-free Water Conditioner


System Solutions for CW-125 Model Water Hardness Grains PPM Recommended Solution Up to 25 Up to 425 ClearWave-125 25 plus 425 plus ClearWave-125 prior to traditional water softener.

#6 Pogo

Pogo

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 278 posts
  • Gender:Not Telling

Posted 20 June 2012 - 07:52 PM

Very interesting! Thank you.

I am not quite sure what is meant by the following: "Water Hardness Grains PPM Recommended Solution Up to 25 Up to 425 ClearWave-125 25 plus 425 plus ClearWave-125 prior to traditional water softener." Can you clarify?

Have you actually used the system? What is your experience with it. Can it be purchased down here?
"We have met the enemy and he is us!"

#7 Alpha1

Alpha1

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 640 posts

Posted 21 June 2012 - 08:28 AM

Very interesting! Thank you.

I am not quite sure what is meant by the following: "Water Hardness Grains PPM Recommended Solution Up to 25 Up to 425 ClearWave-125 25 plus 425 plus ClearWave-125 prior to traditional water softener." Can you clarify?

Have you actually used the system? What is your experience with it. Can it be purchased down here?

"Water Hardness" can be measured, and if the water is "too" hard then the conditioner will not function properly. This is not a water softener, it simply causes the water to suspend the calcium so that it doesn't stick to your fixtures and sink. I purchased mine via Amazon. I have seen them for sale here for about twice the going price from Amazon. I was very skeptical about the unit, since in theory it should NOT work, yet if does. Hope this helps.

#8 ASL

ASL

    Newbie

  • Members
  • Pip
  • 191 posts
  • Gender:Female
  • Location:Lakeside
  • Interests:Writing, Reading, Food and Wine, Learning, Animals, Travel, Horse and Motorcycle Riding, Good Conversation.

Posted 22 June 2012 - 05:01 PM

I will likely have a system for sale. It isn't the softener part, but it is the filtration. I have a large cartridge that filters water going into the tinaco or aljibe and two smaller cartridges for outgoing water. I also have the UV filter. My system is 11 months old. if you are interested, please PM me.

#9 Cheesehead

Cheesehead

    Newbie

  • Members
  • Pip
  • 157 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Ajijic / formerly Tigard, Oregon

Posted 23 June 2012 - 06:19 PM

Having a background in municipal water treatment, my advice is that if you want soft water here, an ion exchange unit is the way to go. Reverse Osmosis/Membrane Treatment would be your other alternative.

#10 Mainecoons

Mainecoons

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 6,901 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Ajijic, Mexico

Posted 23 June 2012 - 09:05 PM

Bear in mind that a water softener is not that hard to take with you when/if you move to another rental. You just need to make sure you are feeding it filtered water, it will take care of the rest.

#11 Pogo

Pogo

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 278 posts
  • Gender:Not Telling

Posted 24 June 2012 - 12:59 AM

Hmmm . . . a lot to think about and investigate here. Thanks for all your replies and advice. I have some homework to do, but now I know where to start looking. Thanks again.
"We have met the enemy and he is us!"




0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users