ᐅ Do you have a water softening system installed?

Created on: 4 Dec 2014 22:34
S
SebastianSE
Hello dear home builders,

Do you have a water softening system? Is it really worth it, or is it just a money-making scheme?
Our architect recommended one to us, but the question is whether the 3000 euros really justify it.
I think that’s a lot of money.
S
Stefan31470
12 Feb 2021 01:21
First of all, an apology to Snowy36 – I had actually assumed it was a flexible pipe.

Furthermore, whether and how one perceives the slightly different taste is truly a matter of personal judgment, whether it is better or worse, or detectable in a blind test or not. Perhaps it simply depends on the water as supplied by the provider. Therefore, a general criterion for or against water softening cannot be established on this basis.

Where can one find information confirming that a water hardness of 8°dH represents a sweet spot, below which there are hardly any further benefits regarding limescale precipitation?
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MayrCh
12 Feb 2021 10:06
Stefan31470 schrieb:

Where can information about this be found?

In my thesis. But it is protected by an NDA.
Stefan31470 schrieb:

Are hardly any more benefits to be expected below that level regarding lime precipitation?

According to the Water Resources Management Act (WRMG), water with less than 1.5 mmol/l CaCO3 is initially considered soft; there is no softer classification within the WRMG framework. Of course, you can further reduce the hardness contributors in the blended water — feel free to do so until you reach 0°dH (0 °German hardness). This comes along with costs and effects I have already explained.
What benefit do you expect from complete softening?
Tolentino14 Feb 2021 15:42
Has anyone heard of aquasain?

Apparently, it is just a piece of zinc pipe designed to cause lime (calcium carbonate) to precipitate in sandy particles instead of forming limestone. This way, it is simply washed away. Could this actually work?
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MayrCh
14 Feb 2021 21:32
Tolentino schrieb:

Piece of zinc pipe
Sacrificial anode effect. It does not actually soften the water but (in theory) prevents heavier limescale deposits.

What I always find missing with such devices is a DVGW certification as proof of compliance with the current technical standards and a declaration of harmlessness. This would certainly be relevant when "sacrificing" zinc.
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Zweiblum
15 Mar 2022 18:33
At some point while reading, I stopped counting how many times this thread has been revived ;-) As a newcomer, I have another question:

Can someone here explain why the nominal capacity for the Grünbeck water softeners is given as a variable range? (SD18: 6-14 m³x°dH, SD21: 8-20 m³x°dH). The range is quite significant.

I’m trying to estimate the regeneration frequency (daily, every other day, etc.) based on our water hardness at the construction site (20°dH), the target hardness (8°dH), the number of people in the household (currently 2, potentially 4), and the nominal capacity. However, the mentioned range complicates things. Depending on whether I calculate with the upper or lower limit, everything either fits comfortably or the system would need to regenerate during the day in some scenarios.

Can someone shed some light on this?
hausamfeld27 Mar 2023 15:13
Since Zweiblum has just revived the thread, I’ll jump in right away 🙂

We are also currently looking into water softening systems and have received quotes from several manufacturers. Now I’m trying to compare the offered products but can’t find a reason why a Grünbeck SD:18 should be worth almost three times the price (over 3000€ without installation).

As a more affordable alternative, I see the Alfiltra Basic 60, priced around 1000€ without installation. Of course, the Grünbeck looks nicer and comes with an app and other features, but am I missing a key point that would justify choosing the Grünbeck?