Portable water softener...

[MarkZ]

Peggy,

I am concidering running the fresh water from the dock through a portable water softener as I fill the water tank on my boat. Do you think this will cause any problems? My only concern is that if the softener removes some of the chemistry from the water, like chlorine, that the water will be more suseptable to breeding bacteria while stored in the tank.

You thoughts would be appreciated?

 

[Chuckbear]

Mark, Your post is to Peggy and I am sure she will respond. But I wanted to add that we have used a Spotless water softener for years and fill our tanks through it every time. To date we have not seen any negative affects and the water is fine. We do turn it over often so it does not spend a lot of time just sitting in the tank. Chuck

 

[MarkZ]

Thanks Chuck! My tank sets idle for about two week intervals and I didn't know if that was long enough to cause any problems. I would prefer to mount the softener unit between my tank and the pump, but it's just a little to big to mount in the boat and yet have it easily accessible for recharging.

I didn't mean to exclude anyone else from the conversation. I really embrace opinions/experiences from everyone.

 

[alexco38]

filter location

mount the softener unit between the tank and the pump only filter the water when use. Filter the water before going into the tank keeps the dirty stuff out of the tank.

I use a RV tank filter attached to the garden hose when filling the tank.

 

[Chuckbear]

This is how we use ours. Chuck

 

[Benny17441]

You have hit on one, removing chemicals and minerals which help purify water will encourage the growth of bacteria and mold thus reducing it's safe storage time. I also find that removing the added lather produced by soap in softened water requires the use of more water which usually is in short supply on a boat. Don't have a clothwasher aboard and in the saltwater environment that spotless glassware and silverware quickly loose their luster. You asked for opinions.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I agree with Benny.

 

[thinwater]

A. water softening by ion exchange does NOT remove chlorine very efficiently (free chlorine or chloramine, which are primary disinfecting agents). This can be done if there is enough carbon, but the Stainless page doesn't say that. In general, they remove divalent ions (Ca, Mg, Carbonate). They do add enough sodium chloride to impact people on sodium-restricted diets (American Heart Association and EPA have standards relating to this).

b. Water softening by RO (whether seawater or tap water) does not add sodium chloride--yes, I know that's obvious--and does not lead to the forever-rinsing to the same extent. RO does generally remove most of the chlorine.

c. While the exact reason aren't obvious, it's well known that IE softened water breeds algae and bacteria more quickly than harder water. If you want a safe tank, you may need to additionally chlorinate to a greater level.

c. Peggy hit the nail on the head; ion exchange softening is going to reduce the number of showers by half!

 

[Bob846]

Water Softner

While I generally agree on the pros/cons of a water softner, I use one religiously for 1 reason: SAVE MY WATER HEATER. I liveaboard in the Los Angeles area and our water is very hard (lots of calcium). Water heaters will generally last several years, but apparently, most marine water heaters just are not up to the task; especially when heating water for showers, dishes, etc. on a 24/7/365 basis. I find that using a water softner extends the life of the water heater. Plus, I don't get calcium build up in tanks or faucets, thus, soften the water before going into the tank. I turn over my water every week to 2 weeks so I'm not too worried about water going bad, but if you are concerned, I would only partially fill the tank(s) and just turn it over more often.