Understanding
RV Water Softener Basics

Hard water contains large amounts of calcium and magnesium. Two minerals that cause the soapy scum on glasses residue on bathroom fixtures.

While suitable for drinking and gardening, hard water can cause mineral build-up in RV hot water tanks, pipes, taps and shower heads, reducing waters flow.

Soap and shampoo’s ability to lather is reduced, and laundry becomes stiffer and duller in appearance.

RV Water Softener Basics - Water Hardness

Water hardness is measured with five different classifications. water Hardness can be expressed in mg/litre, parts per million (ppm)or grains per gallon (gpg):

Soft               below 17 mg/litre or ppm          (0 – 1 gpg)
Slightly hard   17.1 – 60 mg/litre or ppm          (1.1 – 3.5 gpg)
Moderately     hard  61 – 120 mg/litre or ppm   (3.6 – 7 gpg)
Hard              121 – 180 mg/litre or ppm         (7.1 – 10.5 gpg)
Very hard       over 180 mg/litre or ppm           (over 10.5 gpg)

Hard Water contains calcium or magnesium or both. The solution to hard water is to use RV Water Softeners.

RV Water Softener Basics - Soft Water

The idea behind a water softener is simple. The calcium and magnesium ions in the water are replaced with sodium chloride or potassium chloride ions.

Since sodium chloride and potassium chloride do not precipitate out in pipes or react badly with soap, both of the problems of hard water are eliminated.

RV Water Softener Basics

To do the ion replacement, the water in the softener runs through a bed of small resin beads. The beads are covered with sodium chloride or potassium chloride ions.

As the water flows past the ions, they swap places with the calcium and magnesium ions. Eventually, the beads contain nothing but calcium and magnesium and no sodium chloride or potassium chloride. When this happens they stop softening the water. It is then time to regenerate the beads.

RV Soft Water Basics - Regeneration

Regeneration involves soaking the beads in a stream of sodium chloride or potassium chloride ions. The water softener mixes up a very strong brine solution and flushes it through the beads.

The strong brine displaces all of the calcium and magnesium that has built up in the beads and replaces it again with sodium chloride or potassium chloride. The remaining brine plus all of the calcium and magnesium is flushed out through a drain pipe.

RV Water Softener Decision

The most crucial step in deciding if you should have a water softener in your RV is to find out if the water were you travel most, is hard. Checkout the USA Hard Water Map

Many areas in the U.S. use groundwater to supply water to residents and most ground water is very hard. If the water you are encountering is above 121 ppm, you should consider a water softener.

A water softener reduces water hardness, making it easier to shower and clean fabrics and dishes. With softened water, less soap is needed for bathing and laundry. Skin feels cleaner and clothing softer.

RV Water Softener Cost

The Micro 200 XL and the Micro 300 XL Water Softeners range from $229.00 to $269.00. The Flow-Pur RV & Marine Water Softener for use with your RV or Boat is priced at $379.95.

RV Water Softener Basics - Maintenance

To ensure smooth functioning, the water softener should be recharged based on the size of unit, your use and the hardness of the water.

The purchase of salt or potassium for regeneration will be the main operating cost. Table Salt can be obtained from a water a supermarket. Finely ground potassium can be ordered from our RV Water Products Section. 

Buy RV Water Softeners Online

BUY RV Water Softeners Online by clicking a product link or going directly to the RV Water Solutions Products Section.

You can be assured that you will be choosing from one of the best selections of RV Water Products online at the best price.