Scalewatcher Small Wonder

[Pubtym]

I have searched threads and found no other postings for the Scalewatcher Small Wonder..

I began in my home testing of this product three days ago with intent to install one in my motorhome....if it proves itself.
http://www.stopwaterscale.com/residential.htm

In my opinion..first look at it...the Scalewather Small Wonder installed in the RV or motor home makes more sense than hauling around this:
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...softener/36965

As far as it being "snake oil technology", read the list of corporate customers....

Any other readers have experienced use of the Scalewatcher Small Wonder?

[paz]

Pubtym, I will be watching for your evaluation with great interest. Since you have the Scalewatcher installed in your home, did you have your water tested for hardness? If so, maybe a follow-up test with the Scalewatcher in place would show how effective it is in reducing hardness.

I recently did a search, and there are several other similar "no salt" water softeners as well - the HardnessMaster, the Aqua Flow, the HydroCare, and the EasyWater. All appear to use the same type of technology, but the EasyWater (which is advertised on TV) is more expensive. All you need is a straight section of pipe about a foot long (which might have to be added) and electrical power.

It any of these work, they would seem to be have a lot of advantages for an RVer - lighter weight, no recharging, and no salt.

[Pubtym]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paz Pubtym, I will be watching for your evaluation with great interest. Since you have the Scalewatcher installed in your home, did you have your water tested for hardness? If so, maybe a follow-up test with the Scalewatcher in place would show how effective it is in reducing hardness. I recently did a search, and there are several other similar "no salt" water softeners as well - the HardnessMaster, the Aqua Flow, the HydroCare, and the EasyWater. All appear to use the same type of technology, but the EasyWater (which is advertised on TV) is more expensive. All you need is a straight section of pipe about a foot long (which might have to be added) and electrical power. It any of these work, they would seem to be have a lot of advantages for an RVer - lighter weight, no recharging, and no salt.

My home city water..into my house is 22 grams... as per City Hall.

Currently...as per ScaleWatcher Manual..I initially have the coils installed on to the inlet side of the basement water softner with its salt...In 4 weeks or so..I might totally isolate the traditional water softner with the already configured-installed water softner isolation circuit. This should allow direct flow of city water entry through coils to house water system...by pass installed traditional water softner.. (hot and cold). It's been 4 days since install and I cam already see added softness and scale reduction..Biggest observation point is the cleaned up refrigerator ice drop and water dispenser..no scale..I also see scale-scum hand wipe clean..in the shower...no cleaner required..water already feels silky. As perScalewatcher site info..the Scale watcher does all the treatment the traditional water softner does plus one more service...it removes and manages scale buildup...think about the new health and well being of your MH water heater and current classic problem of scale buildup there?

In preparation for potential install in Motor Home, I made a hose extension-adapter with an 8 inch straight CVPX 1/2 inch section. All will neatly temporarily connect internally to water service compartment...where I plan to internally sidewall mount the main power unit (6 watts) and connecting wires to ScaleWatcher Small Wonder..Total cost for adapter..and misc parts = 10 dollars...self help (dummy) build time..45 minutes.

My online search (non IRV2 thread) did show others as you found. My hit on ScaleWatcher Small Wonder appeared under EasyWater.com link..and that appears to be original inventor site with the patented technology...Read some of the supporting published articles by the inventor with other recognized organizations.. they can be link accessed through the main page..

Yes.. I do plan to have the house treated water retested for hardness..to see my new post ScaleWatcher and traditional water softner readings.

Please note: I AM NOT BILLIE MAY...as seen on TV.

More to follow.

[Pubtym]

I'm off to local True Value Hardware:

http://www.prolabinc.com/products.asp?kit=waterquality

More to follow..

[Pubtym]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pubtym I'm off to local True Value Hardware: http://www.prolabinc.com/products.asp?kit=waterquality More to follow..

Above kit was could not measure hardness between 0 gpg and 50 gpg.

I'll look at this one tomorrow:

http://www.fondriest.com/products/hach_145300.htm

More to follow..

[paz]

Thanks for the follow-up. All good info. Your initial use sounds like the ScaleMaster is doing what it claims - especially since it's only been 4 days.

I have just started looking into these electronic systems. The ScaleMaster Small Wonder (not their larger model), the AquaFlow, and the HardnessMaster all look like the same unit with a just a different name on the front, and they're all about the same price. The larger ScaleMaster is a little more expensive and the EasyWater systems (there are several of them) are a good bit more expensive.

[Pubtym]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paz Thanks for the follow-up. All good info. Your initial use sounds like the ScaleMaster is doing what it claims - especially since it's only been 4 days. I have just started looking into these electronic systems. The ScaleMaster Small Wonder (not their larger model), the AquaFlow, and the HardnessMaster all look like the same unit with a just a different name on the front, and they're all about the same price. The larger ScaleMaster is a little more expensive and the EasyWater systems (there are several of them) are a good bit more expensive.

That's pretty much what I found too...ScaleWatcher might have sold licenses to these other companies to put their individual names-logos on them. Patent appears to have remained with ScaleWatcher. I bought direct from ScaleWatcher due to my hunch they would be easier to deal with down the road...if needed.

Scalewatcher 3 Star Series ...the larger residential one...up to 1.5 inch inlet pipe..the larger one you mention too...might be one the one I permenantly install in home...with the Small Wonder Model going to my Motor Home.

I have asked local home builders if they know of this technology. They ones I talked to did not... even though the same technology is used by corporate biggies.. My hypothsis is: Heyyyyyyyy Culligan Man!... has blinded and binded the residential home owner and home builder market. Most residential home owners would probably still classify technology here as snake oil..

More to follow..

[Pubtym]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pubtym Above kit was could not measure hardness between 0 gpg and 50 gpg. I'll look at this one tomorrow: http://www.fondriest.com/products/hach_145300.htm More to follow..

OK...not being a chemical engineer...just an old retired bent up helicopter pilot....sometimes it takes me a while to understand chemical stuff..

Today, I called ScaleWatcher and talked to their rep there..."Bob".
Nice guy...

The hardness number does not change if ScaleWatcher technology is added to the water system. Magnesium and calcium are not removed..What changes is their chemical state ...and their susceptibility to become scale..See how it works..
http://www.stopwaterscale.com/howitworks.htm

Bob also told me their product reliability on the Small Wonder has been very good...even though the Small Wonder model is made in China..The customer product return rate (dissatisfaction-refund) is very low.

I plan to post photos of the RV-Motor Home Hose adapter I made to use Small Wonder in my Motor Home.

More to follow...

[offshore]

Very interesting...I will be lookinf for more information. My hard water is killing me.

[Pubtym]

I have posted my design photos for a connection hose for the ScaleWatcher Small Wonder.
This approximate 3 foot section will fit neatly within the Water Compartment Service bin. The male end connects to the compartment's "City Water" connection. The female end connects to your standard removable white main water service hose from the Park's faucet.

http://www.irv2.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=11423

a. The ScaleWatcher's required wire coils are placed-wound along the 8 inch straight piece (1/2 inch PEX Tubing).

b. Two 1 inch stainless steel hose clamps secure the PEX tubing to the hose ends.

c. The two wire coil leads have male-female fully insulated connectors so the short hose connection can be fully disconnected from the RV.

d. The two other loose wires with connectors will connect to the ScaleWatcher Small Wonder when it is mounted on the upper back wall of the water service compartment. I plan to mount this unit on a rubber vibration isolation pad (small computer mouse pad) then fasten it all to the upper back wall with small sheet metal screws.

e. 120V AC power to the ScaleWatcher's power converter(120V AC to 12V DC) ....also within the water service compartment... will be by a common 15-20 foot 15 amp electrical extension cord out to the seldom used 120V AC 20 amp outlet on the RV Park's main power pedestal.

Got a better design? Suggested modifications?

More to follow..

[offshore]

Does the ScaleWatcher emit any RF which might interfere with radio or TV? Pictures look good, seems to simple to work.

[Pubtym]

Quote:

Originally Posted by offshore Does the ScaleWatcher emit any RF which might interfere with radio or TV? Pictures look good, seems to simple to work.

I currently have the Small Wonder mounted on a wall in my basement. The unit is 15 feet away from a Direct TV receiver and all the main cable junctions routing TV signals to the rest of the home. I have yet to see any RF signal issues..anywhere in home..

[ruppr]

Ahh, the disadvantage of being old, not putting anything down, and I wish you the best in results---but what is the different between this and the old Clear Wave Water Modifier that came out about 10 years ago. Sold like hotcakes and proved to be excellence at removing you from your money for about half the price? Looks to be the same.

Best,

Bob

[Pubtym]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruppr Ahh, the disadvantage of being old, not putting anything down, and I wish you the best in results---but what is the different between this and the old Clear Wave Water Modifier that came out about 10 years ago. Sold like hotcakes and proved to be excellence at removing you from your money for about half the price? Looks to be the same. Best, Bob

Ahhh...the disadvantages of not understanding what one might have read and might have bought 10 years ago...and technology today. The website information is there to explain the difference..but the choice to read and call ScaleWatcher company to ask same question is yours.

http://www.stopwaterscale.com/howitworks.htm

I encourage you to review the list of corporate users today of same technology..not Mom and Pop shops for sure.

By all means...if you are happy paying for and using salt bags...

I waved at the Culligan Man when he drove by today!