Pure Elements – Whole House Water Filters

First, let us clarify the idea of a replacing water softening system with a salt free water softening system is misleading in its presentation.  The terms “salt free water softening system” and  “salt free water softener systems” are used because that is what people call a “water conditioner.”  They are unfamiliar with the term “water conditioner” and the water conditioning concept so salt less water softener or salt free water softener and the terms above are the terms used to describe it.

Nevertheless, let us be very clear…  The only true way to soften water is with the use of SALT.  Therefore, a “water conditioner” is NOT A WATER SOFTENER… technically.  However, a water conditioner can solve many of the same water issues and do more than a softener can.  Also, be aware our competitors might tell you their water filtration filters will “soften” your water but we will never say that because it is untrue.

In most ways, a water conditioning system is better than a water softening system because they have more uses.  However, we will get to those reasons below.

A salt free water conditioner does just that.  It “conditions” the water.  At Pure Elements, our proprietary catalytic converter has a series of fins on its core, which expose its surface area.  This allows the water to meet with a larger surface area.  The salt less water conditioner can then permanently change the state of the hard water.  (Call and ask us for the scientific explanation if you wish.)  Therefore, it lessens hard water issues in the home, which is often the reason people buy soft water systems first.

In water softening system reviews for softeners by Culligan, Pelican, and Sears, you will find that they can cut out hard water issues like scaling.  They can help with laundry and detergent use.  In addition, depending on the level of iron in the water, they can reduce or remove some of that.  This is why water softening systems are common with people who are on well water systems.

Note:  We must mention that we even have clients who have skin issues where a softener works in conjunction to our HealthyHome Solution filter.  We prefer not using softeners because of the ecological damage the salt flush can cause but we are here to serve our clients so we help those special needs.

The disadvantages to water softening systems are significant.  For one, the water is too salty to drink.  We get enough salt in our diet as it is.  For people who have salt related health conditions or who are concerned about too much salt intake might find drinking water from a water softener system to be harmful to their health.

Another big disadvantage to water softening systems is they flush out the excess salt.  This salt causes problems with sewage plants because they cannot process it.  The extra salt theoretically ends ups causing ecological damage.  Several states have cities and counties that are banning or limiting use of water softeners because of the problems and continued potential problems.  Probably reason enough to consider an alternative unless you can afford to buy a different salt less water system in the future if they are outlawed entirely.

Water softeners do not filter water on their own.  If you want to remove harmful chemicals, chlorine, and other contaminants, a Culligan, Sears, or Pelican water softener must be married with a water filtration system.  Please do not be sold a water softening system if your goal is water filtration.  They are two different things.

Another two disadvantages to water softeners are they take up a lot of space and need much maintenance.  Water softening systems need to be refilled with 50-pound bags of salt regularly.  Those bags of salt need a storage space.

Look at this picture before and after pictures below.  This system below left was replaced because the client did not like to constantly refill the salt.  They also did not like the slimy feel of the water.  They ended with a HealthyHome Solution water filter to take care of their 4800 square foot home.  This water filtration system is fitted with an additional Fluoride, Arsenic, and Chromium 6 removal tank.  Notice how much space they gained back in their cabinet.

A common question we get from people considering making a switch from water softening systems to a salt less water conditioning and filtration is about the feel of the water.  Softeners deliver water with a slimy and slippery feel to it.  It feels like you cannot get the soap off your skin.  Many people do not like that feeling.
In addition, some more disadvantages to water softening systems is their use of salt causes them to not be good to pets, landscaping, spas, koi ponds, swimming pools, or other water features.

All the disadvantages that water softeners suffer are problems solved by salt less water conditioners and ours specifically.  This is why we feel replacing a water softening system with salt free water softening system is the way to go.

We thought this article (see link below) was interesting and a foreshadowing of more bans to come.  Santa Clara Valley California banned water softeners in 2008 because the chloride being discharged into the watershed was damaging the environment.  The chloride was traced back to the water softeners and the people of the county voted to ban the softeners.  The County has been encouraging people to find alternatives and to pick up rebates.

However, according to the article it looks like not everyone is complying with the law.  Now violators are facing a stiff $1,000 fine if they are caught with the illegal water softeners.  There might be about 2,000 violators risking the hefty fine in these already uncertain economic times.  We are not sure if the inspectors can legally inspect people’s homes for banned softeners systems.  Yet is it worth the trouble to hide from the inspectors?  Seems like a lot of drama just for salty water to us.

Being a company that is not in favor of water softeners unless they are absolutely needed because of specific skin conditions, we feel people do need to take notice of what Santa Clara Valley is doing.  There is an excellent chance this will spread to other counties in California as well as in other states.  It may take 5 to 10 years but it has some momentum.  Environmentally aware folk want to help preserve our wetlands and watershed to ensure the quality of life for their children.  Young people that are embracing new “green” technology will not be wasting money on outdated technology sold by selfish corporations.

This is why we offer saltless water conditioning systems.  These are environmentally friendly that need much less maintenance.  Often, maintenance may not be needed for just less than 10 years.  That exact maintenance period is dependent on how much water your family uses over the years.

We are proud to say that our HealthyHome Solution water filtering system will never become illegal.  It does not have internal ingredients that are not “green” in design.

Moreover, we want to clear up some confusing talk about water softeners and water conditioners.  We need to state that our conditioners do not “soften” water.  They are not water softeners because the only way to soften water is by using bags of salt.  Our whole house water system uses a newer technology where you get the benefits of “soft water” without the detriments.  We believe our conditioners work better than softeners on a number of levels.  If you want the scientific run down on how the conditioners work, call or email us.  We will be happy to run you through the scientific process because it is quite interesting.

We would also like to note that while we do not sell water softeners… most our competitors sure do.  You need to be aware of that.  In fact, some will sell you anything they think they can.  They will sell you a water softener because it is an easy sell if they think they cannot get you to buy a whole house water filter.  Softeners are simple to sell because a customer can feel the physical difference in the water.  Softeners give tap water that “slimy” feel so people in their minds think there is a big difference in the water.  Well there is… It is now loaded with salt!  Therefore, be aware and get educated on what you want out of a water filter.  (By the way, water softeners are not water filters.  They can be put in line with a water filter but softeners only function to soften water, nothing else.)

Our mission is to educate people about the water they drink and bathe in.  Not everything is as rosy as some would have you believe.  That concerns us and we think it should concern you.  If you want to embrace those concepts and learn more about how we can help you achieve the benefits of crystal clear water, talk to us.

Hunt for illegal water devices…

A movement to ban water softeners continues to grow in certain cities in California.  Rancho Cucamonga, Montclair, Fontana, Upland, Ontario, Chino, and Chino Hills are all looking to ban the installation of new salt-based water softeners, and considering offering cash rebates for the removal of existing systems.

Water in Southern California has been challenging for many people.  The tap water tends to be hard (high in calcium) and causes scale damage and buildup, and does not taste good.  Residential water softeners help reduce the calcium, but create a need to remove the salt with a secondary point of use purified drinking water system.  Water softeners help reduce the use of detergent in the laundry and water heaters can use up to 25% less energy when connected to these systems, which can provide a notable savings.  (However, those benefits are now available using salt-free, environmentally sound technology in whole-house water systems like the HealthyHome Solution by Pure Elements.)

There appears to be a significant cost to the environment using the old-fashioned salt-based water softeners.  All the salt that you pour into a softener is discharged into the sewer system and environment.  In this particular instance, the salt discharges into the Chino groundwater basin.  The basin runs underneath the ground and therefore it cannot be seen.  However, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency says the salt is polluting the groundwater, which is the main source of water for this area.  They are now offering up to $2,000 in cash to residents to stop using salt-based water softeners.

This issue is not just affecting California – It is a domestic and worldwide problem.  Europe and Australia are dealing with this as well, and their solution has been to embrace salt-free technology.  Water conditioning, rather than salt softening, is proving to be the best choice.

Culligan does not believe that the education of the public and the bans will significantly hurt their business.  They believe the benefits of the salt-based softeners will outweigh the environmental concerns, and people will continue to use salt-based water softeners at the expense of the environment.  Are they kidding?  It sounds like the same attitude BP Oil seems to have..?

What would you do?  Would you keep the old water softener and continued to pump salt into the environment?  Why not take the $2,000 and invest in a new salt free water conditioning filter that addressed the same issues as the water softener, with other added benefits such as great tasting drinking water and chemical free bathing?

Read the article here and form your own opinion. http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_15239507

Outdated wrong choice for home water treatment.                                                        The Right choice – Pure Elements filter.

Water conditioning systems are different then salt-based water softeners.  They use a different technology which in involves the use of a catalytic converter.  They do not use salt as traditional softeners do.  This is why water conditioners are better for you and the environment.

Pure Elements, Inc.  uses a proprietary catalytic converter that no one else has.  This unit deals with hard water issues very effectively without the use of salt.

The video above shows the whole home water filter version of the catalytic converter.

The key to the product is the proprietary core.  The core has fins which increase the surface area so the state of calcium carbonate can be changed more readily.  This core permanently changes the state of the hard water.  It reduces the scaling properties and reduces the hard water issues in the home.  It also helps with issues concerning landscaping, water features, spas, and swimming pools.

If you would like to know more details about this proprietary hard water conditioning system, please call us.  Again, no one else on the market has this proprietary converter.  Some competitors will claim they have something but it is not like all our’s at all.  In fact, in a future video we will dissect one of our competitors so called converters so you can judge for yourself whether you think it is a viable technology merely advertising hype.  We stand firmly by our technology and have for 30 years.

Contact us today.

Why is Home Depot still selling water softeners when softeners are getting banned in communities in California?  Especially why are they doing this when there are systems available that don’t cause the harm softeners do?

We were doing this water softener system conversion the other day and talking about how bad it is to use salt in these water softeners.  The salt damages our environment which is why slowly but surely, communities are banning them.

So we are talking about this and then RD Allen tells me he was in shock after hearing that Home Depot continuing to recommend water softeners and sells roughly ten to twenty a month locally.  I couldn’t believe that because I thought it was such a bad public relations move on Home Depot’s part.  The fact that California has legislation in motion this year to ban and remove water softeners would support this.   If it doesn’t happen soon, it is just a question of time because softeners are harsh.  Check out all the pertaining articles here at the Water Quality Association.

Home Depot should seriously think about this because selling water softener systems for several grand a piece, that they know are going to be outlawed at soon to arrive future date, seems a little shady at best.  I mean, doesn’t it?  Unless of course they warn potential buyers that the systems might be illegal soon.  Just my opinion but I know I wouldn’t be happy if I unwittingly bought one and then Home Depot wouldn’t take it back.

Author Jim Rubel

Water Softeners typically have three sections. The white tank on the right is the one we can convert into a whole house water filter.

The water softener salt tank on the left needs 50 lb bags of salt to operate. The floor drain is typical of Midwest well water systems. We usually run attractive PVC out to landscape drains so there aren't any unsightly floor drains.

Why would anyone want a messy three tank set up that demands maintenance all the time when they could have a nice clean single tank whole house water filter system. It is a system that conditions the water rather than softens it but it does change the hard water. And it doesn't hurt the environment. Perfectly safe and green in design.

The California Assembly has passed bill AB 1366, which will allow government agencies more power to ban new sales of the traditional home water softener system and force the removal of existing salt-based water softening systems.

As a strong proponent and developer of environmentally sound salt-free technologies for addressing hard water, we see this as a major sign of the times. Whole-house water filter and conditioning systems provide a superior alternative that meets the needs for a Green product.

So why do the big water softener manufacturers like Culligan call this “a Big Government grab at private property.”? Do they think that the government wants to own a bunch of used water softening systems? I believe they are in denial regarding the serious issues chlorides create at municipalities and treatment plants.

Aside from making it difficult to meeting federal water quality standards, these chlorides dramatically increase the cost of treatment (including fines for non-compliance). These costs are passed on to us, the individual homeowner. As stated by the home water softener industry, removing residential softeners would leave 25% of homeowners with hard water. If ¼ of homeowners are dumping chlorides into the sewer systems, this has to be a substantial source and volume of chlorides delivered directly to the water treatment plants.

We have the answers in proven alternatives that eliminate the extreme costs for the removal of chlorides, and benefit the environment. Hey, Culligan Man, when are you going to wake up and stop trying to save the dinosaur salt-based softeners?

References: Watertechonline 9/10/09 – Softener bill passes
LA Times 9/10/09 – Water Softener bill
LA Times 6/26/09 – Culligan lobbies for its life

Are Water Softener Companies Going to Help The Environment with New Technologies in California?

If you have been following the news in California, you have probably seen the recent move by cities and municipalities to ban old-fashioned salt-based water softeners.

This is not a new controversy – softener bans were in place in California over 30 years ago in some areas.  However, there is definitely a new awareness of the environmental issues caused directly by the chlorides introduced into the ecosystem from water softeners.  These products operate by removing calcium from incoming water and replacing it with sodium or potassium.  In the regeneration or self-cleaning process, salt brine goes down the drain as calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and excess sodium or potassium chloride.  Wastewater treatment facilities remove very little of these mineral concentrations, and therefore they are passed along to the environment.  

Chlorides and increased salinity negatively affect recycled water and wastewater quality.  The ability for municipalities to meet federal guidelines becomes dramatically impaired as salinity increases, sometimes resulting in federal fines.   In addition to increasing the costs for wastewater treatment (seen directly in your water bill), the salts wreak havoc on landscape and farming irrigation, reducing crop quality and yields.  Chlorides can also harm aquatic life. Laundry detergents work less efficiently, plumbing fixtures and home appliances wear out faster, and costs increase for maintaining boilers, cooling towers and manufacturing processes.  Everyone bears these increased costs and the environment is adversely affected.

Why are companies like Culligan fighting so hard to avoid bans on these old-fashioned machines, rather than putting their efforts into finding alternative technologies that benefit the environment?  If you have been following the news, Culligan (the largest player in California) has been making every effort to diffuse the issue by pointing to other sources of salts and chlorides, rather than offering a real solution.  It is profit motivation, pure and simple.  The water softening business is a $500 million annual cash cow for these companies.  And the water softener salt and potassium business is also a multimillion dollar industry driving big profits for companies like Morton.

Major water softener companies also stand to make millions of dollars by providing a portable exchange tank service (where the regeneration takes place en mass at a plant instead of in the individual home, and the salts are routed to another area where a ban is not yet in place).  Rental services like this require access to the customer’s home once every three weeks, offer only unpredictable efficiency, and continually tap into checkbooks with no opportunity for ownership.

So what can the manufacturers of old-fashioned water softeners do, if they are really concerned about the environment?  The answer lies in alternative technologies, some old and some new, that do not rely on salt, potassium or chlorides to reduce hard water problems for consumers.  I have personally worked with several companies for nearly three decades that use specific catalysts and/or media to reduce hard water issues in the home, without any foreign substances required to perform well.  These technologies have stood the test of time, making permanent changes in the hard water minerals (unlike inconsistent magnetic or sonic devices).  When combined with whole house water filtration, these systems can produce exceptional water quality for consumption, cooking, ice and other household needs.

The time has come for the manufacturers of traditional salt-based water softeners to think outside the box, rather than spending their time, advertising and public relations dollars to scratch for share in shrinking market.  New technologies exist for those with open minds – everyone and our environment will be better off when these companies decide to become innovative once again.

Reference: LA Times Link…  LA Times article, June 26, 2009 — Culligan lobbies…

What are the reasons to buy a new type of whole house water conditioner and not a traditional salt-based water softener?  Why is there a substantial movement to get away from old-fashioned ion exchange water softening systems?

The answers are quite simple:

1) Old-fashioned water softeners use salt and add chlorides to the environment, adversely affecting us all and increasing treatment costs.

2)  New technologies exist that address the same issues as the old-fashioned water softeners, but without the use of salt or other chemicals.  These new technologies do not put salt and chlorides into the eco-system, helping to protect our environment.

New technology in water filtration systems keeps salt out of the environment.

3)  Many consumers do not like the “slimy feeling” that traditional softeners create when they soften the water.  These old systems make it feel like you can’t rinse shampoo out of your hair or wash the soap
off your body.  Terrycloth towels end up feeling too soft and unnatural.  Many people find these slippery and slimy characteristics extremely annoying.

4)  With a traditional home water softener system you are required to monitor, purchase and dump heavy bags of salt into the system as needed.

50 lbs bags of salt for water softening systems.

There doesn’t seem to be much point in buying an antiquated and problem-causing water softener when you can own an environmentally friendly (Green) water filtration and conditioning system utilizing new technology to addresses the same issues and do even more.  And the state of the art systems require no regular maintenance or adding of cumbersome, costly salt pellets.

What is the difference between water filtering and water softening?

These are two distinct different water issues that you need to be aware of.

Filtering addresses the health and physical side of water quality. Water filters take out the chemicals, pesticides, organics and odors. Bad tastes are taken out with water filtering. Basically the unhealthy elements found in tap water are removed through filtering and the water becomes save drinking water.?

Water softeners address hard water issues. Hard water, specifically the calcium in hard water, is what destroys your plumbing, fixtures, water heaters, and appliances. Hard water can cost you a lot of money if it is not taken care of.

At Pure Elements, Inc. these problems are both dealt with using the environmentally sound and salt-free HealthyHome Solution whole house water filter system.