RO question

19 years ago

We're on a mutual well system with very hard water and having gone through 2 water heaters in 5 years, have just installed (Culligan) a soft water tank (using potassium). The problem now is that my hair is wrecked (yes, I'm a woman)because of the soft water. I think the solution is a point of use RO system. We're installing one under the kitchen sink and also thinking about a filter on the shower head. My question is - do these shower filters really work and if so, do any of you experts on this board have any reommendations. Also, is a Costco under the sink system as good as a Culligan? i.e can we get a good one for less than what Culligan charges, which is around $1,000. Thank you very much for any advice you can give us.

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Comments (4)

User
19 years ago
Take a deep breath, you're experiencing "hard water withdrawl" and shampoo overdose.

Try washing your hair with dramatically less shampoo for a few weeks and you'll adjust. Also use less detergent and soap in all other uses.

As far as ROs, the Costco one is made by Watts Premier and is an excellent value, BUT that model uses a non-standard replacement membrane. Sam's Club carries the more universal model and I favor that one.

Watts Premeier is a major company that's been around for quite a while and their toll-free phone rings in Arizona and they speak english.

Price Club model: http://wattspremier.com/watts/showdetl.cfm?&DID=15&Product_ID=162&CATID=1

Sam's Club model: http://wattspremier.com/watts/showdetl.cfm?&DID=15&Product_ID=25&CATID=1

You can buy them direct from Watts Premier and get free shipping.

Another good source for ROs is http://www.pwgazette.com/roentry.htm

They are very nice people and specialize in ROs and offer free shipping.
emc1
Original Author
19 years ago
Thank you very much for your response. Is it your opinion then that I should forget the shower head filter and just go with an under the sink unit?
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User
19 years ago
Some people experiencing soft water for the first time can easily taste the sodium that is added in the ion exchange and do not care for it. Some are satisifed by replacing the sodium chloride (NaCl or salt) in their softeners with potassium chloride (KCl) and some are still not happy with their drinking and cooking water.

Those people install a point of use RO under the kitchen sink to provide pure water for drinking, cooking, and icemaking. My wife and I are in this last catagory and after 10 years on soft water with RO we have been perfectly happy.

A good quality RO that is properly installed actually requires minmum maintenance that is easily done by the home owner and it sure beats standing in line at a water machine and paying for it by the gallon, not to mention not having to lug it home.

As far as your hair, bathing, washing clothes, and the like most people cut way down on their soap and detergent and never give it another thought. Why not try that and if you're not happy then add a shower filter if needed?

You can always spend money on a filter, right? But bear in mind that a shower filter will not give you the equivalent of RO water.
User
19 years ago
Since you're on a (shared) well did you ever have a complete water test? It may be that your softener is treating the hardness OK but there may be other stuff in the water you find objectionable or is just plain bad to ingest ... just a thought.