What's new
By:
Car Wash Forum

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

How to size a water softener ?

S

softsuds

Member
Is there a rule if thumb / formula for sizing a water softener for a self serve wash ?

I have a 3-bay SS no auto.

Water is at approx 7 grains

What other factors ?

I know I want a twin tank with a volumetric regeneration head
And at least a flow capacity to meet all three pumps running at the same time.
( 3.5 gpm x3 )
What else ?

Thanks.
 
Here's a way to save some money. In my not so humble opinion, you don't need to soften all of the water. Anymore I just use the soft water to mix the chemicals and feed the RO unit. You will get by on a much smaller system. Also instead of a twin tank take a look at a metered head system. This is a single tank unit that measures the flow of water and only regenerates that night when it reaches its max setting.
 
Aside from a large enough plumbing for the flow, you also want an adequate resin bed.

Don't forget to factor in RO if you have it, at least another 2 GPM, plus some extra for your Hydrominders. You could peak well over 20 GPM. Excessive flow through a small tank won't produce fully softened water.

I don't have access to softener manuals anymore to look up a formula, but I wouldn't go less than 1" meter and 3 cu.ft. resin per tank for what you have. If you go with a Fleck mechanical meter, you'll probably need an extended range meter.
 
mac said:
In my not so humble opinion, you don't need to soften all of the water.
Click to expand...
Maybe not with a touchless automatic, but with self-serve it all needs to be softened.
 
In fact, there are many factors you need to consider before purchasing a water softener. These include Type, Salt-free, Salt-based, Electronic, Materials and Quality, Brand, Size, Water Softener Price, and After-sales Service. If you have a water softener company near your house, you can ask them for help. This is the best solution to size a water softener.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Etowah
Check with Dultmeier sales. They sell water softners pretty cheap and can answer all your questions. You really have pretty small demand. You might look into a metered tank system that you can pick up at Sam's, Costco etc for around $400. I have put these in several houses and they do a good job.
 
Have to disagree with the alleged spammer. If you call a local company, say a Culligan or Kinetco, they will screw you. You will end up paying 3 to 4 times what you should.
 
And how does someone with no knowledge of softener pricing know what it too much?I had a customer who spent around $6,000 for a Kinetco twin tank unit. I sell a comparable standard one for around $1,400.
 
I get it from a company in FL that builds them. Has a Fleck head. Same warranty as any other and anyone can work on them.
 
I'm not sure if jeanjean is a spammer or associated with the water softener business. The fact that they came back to the discussion is not the usual spammer. I removed their link which goes to a blog called gearhunder dot com. They talk about a potpourri of things, so decide for yourself.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Etowah
Back
Top