portable water softner yea or nay

[mjb0908]

After 42 yrs of marriage, and as many years camping from tents, to motorhomes, we are going full time in about a month. have purchased a 2015 Grand Design Reflection 5th wheel, 337rl. We were wondering about purchasing a portable water softner. Would love to hear all good and bad experience's. Thanks for your time.
Mark & Sherri

[rockhillmanor]

It depends on the what the grain of hardness of the water being softened how much sodium will be in the water.

Hardness ranges from 6 to 25 grains per harness per gallon.
Using an average figure of 15 grain according to the WQA = 30mg in a glass of water.
The Cherrios you have for breakfast has 200mg in just one cup! :W

>>A quote from the Mayo Clinic (the doctor is referring to water hardness of approximately 7 grains)
“An 8-ounce (237-milliliter) glass of softened water generally contains less than 12.5 milligrams of sodium, which is well within the Food and Drug Administration's definition of "very low sodium." Says Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D. at the Mayo Health Clinic.<<
http://www.merleswater.com/blog/bid/144148/Drinking-Softened-Water-How-Much-Sodium-in-Softened-Water

I don't use one. I use the inline disposable blue filter which does quite well removing rusty iron water. Uses carbon for filter. IMHO No need for an installed water softener system.

If you are in a 'year round permanent site' with bad water then it would make sense to install one because you would have to replace the blue inline more often when parked.

[GoPackGo]

I like mine, but I still get a slightly salty taste in the water - I notice it mostly in the ice cubes. Even after I regenerate and flush.

Tim

[Gruffy]

Utility softened water deposited enough salt to kill my African Violets. The had to be re-potted in fresh soil every 6 month or so.

I use RO .... no salt, chlorine or arsenic.

[2oldman]

D.E.Bishop wrote:
If is uses salt in the regeneration process, it's a no no for folks with heart problems.

It uses salt to regenerate rosin beads, then you rinse them. Very little actual NaCl ends up in the water.

[Kountryguy]

How much bother it is depends on how you have it set up. I have mine plumbed in permantly. No bother at all.

[D_E_Bishop]

My wife has heart problems and won't use a softener. If is uses salt in the regeneration process, it's a no no for folks with heart problems.

[D_E_Bishop]

My wife has heart problems and won't use a softener. If is uses salt in the regeneration process, it's a no no for folks with heart problems.

[CavemanCharlie]

2oldman wrote:
Nay. I used one for a couple years, until the treated water ate the metal drain from my shower. I just quit using it also because it's just a bother.

Um, unless this is somehow different that a home water softener it had nothing to do with eating the metal drain from you shower.

I could see how it would be a bother though.

[DutchmenSport]

I think if you were parked stationary for some time, a water softener would be beneficial. But if you are on the road, I just see it as a lot more work. My opinion.

[mjb0908]

Thanks for the quick reply's. so glad to hear the pro's and con's. so far looks pro. thanks again

[JohnG3]

Have one and use it most of the time. Don't bother with it on a one night stop going somewhere but hook it up when we're staying for a couple days. Shower stall glass is spot free as are the sinks.

[2oldman]

Nay. I used one for a couple years, until the treated water ate the metal drain from my shower. I just quit using it also because it's just a bother.

[MTPockets1]

We got one while in Colorado State Park with brown water. A neighbor had one for five years and was in love with it; so I went on line and had it sent and I had great, clear, soft water in four days. That was two years ago and have used it full time and love it. There is a difference. It keeps those white scales from building up around faucets, and the plumbing clear of any buildup as well. We got the pre filter as well as the optional post filter. Check it out... Www.Softcellwater.com