softened water

[Mody n Domy]

Just saw the advertisement for NUVO H2o for soft water has anyone used it and how do you like it if it works. I want to get a softener before we start full timing in about a year. The NUVO is $$$ and needs new cartridges $ every 6 months so we might be better off with the salt kind. However the NUVO uses no salt and that would help keep our sodium intake down. Went on Amazon to read reviews but you cant tell if the manufactures load it up with positive responses.

[garym114]

As a water chemist I can tell you that the NUVO does not soften the water. It adjusts the ph of the water so that the calcium and magnesium do not deposit on metal. The minerals are not removed, they just change form. You will still have water spots because the water still has calcium. When the water is heated in the water heater it will still deposit to some extent. Water that goes through the unit will have the same hardness in and out because water hardness is a measure of calcium and magnesium in the water.
Salt output of a conventional softener is directly proportional to the amount of hardness in the water source. If you are concerned about salt in a conventional softener you can potassium chloride to regenerate instead of sodium chloride as I do in my home softener.
I just looked at how the NUVO is supposed to work. It may give the water a different feel in some water sources that are low in hardness but not in high hardness waters.

[JCM]

Go to a RO system. I fill the main tank and then use the pump to feed the entire coach. Same good water where ever we go and no more plumbing crap. Cost about 650.00 for a system that makes 100gal per day.

[SVTotem]

JCM,
Do you have a link to more information on your RO system.

I am familiar with marine RO water makers and they are quite costly.

[chaunclm]

We use RO also. It is the best. No calcium build up around the fawcets or water spots in the shower. Bottled quality water out of every tap. When we are hooked up to public water our system automatically fills our 70 gallon fresh water system and automatically shuts off when it is full.

One of the best buys we have made. Costs is completely covered by savings from not buying bottled water plus no hassle and no plastic trash.

http://www.rvwaterfilterstore.com/

[Larry Geese]

Mr. Garym114. Would like your input please. I have an Invisible Chamois system that remove minerals from tap water. This system will dry spot free when the TDS is no greater than 10ppm. Over 10 will leave spots from the minerals and I have to send it to Ponca City, Ok for regeneration of the resins. I love my blue bottle and how easy it is to wash my MH and let it drip dry without spots.
Seems without fail someone is curious and states that their water softener with salt will dry "spot free" also. I have measured their water with my TDS meter and it is not much better that the tap water....They are sure my meter is faulty and they still have a superior system to dry spot free.....How can this be!!!
Larry

[JCM]

Here is the company I have delt with RV Water Filter Store: Standard Filter Canisters for Whole RV
They can be found in the outdoor Yuma market and right now at the FMCA rally here in Indio.
I bought the 2 membrane unit for about $550.00. It sits outside my coach and fills the main water tank. I then use the pump and run everything with RO. Nice to drink from the tap.
I can make 1/2 a tank in about 6-8 hours (5 gall in 45 minutes). When I need to fill I just turn on the campground water supply and that turns on the unit. When full I turn the water off and the RO system quits.
I also use it at home for 5 gal jugs of drinking water.
I didn't install it in the coach since I must winterize in the fall.
Hope that helps.

[SVTotem]

Thanks JCM. I will investigate further. MCD shades are the next budget hit, so it will be a while for this.