What maintenance is needed due to calcium in the water?

[Project]

In the long run a decal machine fitted to the main incoming supply (often found in the washroom) is the best option as this leaves you with a minute amount of calcium. No more need for chemicals when cleaning or salfumante which gradually eats your loo!
They are most definitely worth the initial outlay.

 

[Sparky]

Hi Acidburn, how much does a de-cal unit cost and is it simple to install.

 

[debz1]

We've got a dec cal unit and we've never had a problem with limescale although I never knew why not. After reading this thread I aked chels why we didn't get it and he said because we've got de cal unit I have to admit I've never bothered to ask what the funny little machine is in the utility room, but after reading all the problems people have and all the on going maintenance I'm really glad we have one.

I've no idea of cost as it was already installed when we bought the apartment but it certainly does make the water very soft almost a bit too soft. If you use a normal squirt of washing up liquid the kitchen is full of bubbles but an added bonus is I never have to use conditioner on my hair when I'm in PP

 

[Mark]

Is a 'de cal' unit known as a water softener in England ?

water softner - Google Search

We have one at home as we live in a hard water area, it certainly works vey well although needs salt every month or two and does use slightly more water as it rinses its self occasionally.

 

[Belladonna]

Seems the way to go rather than the yearly hassle, and I'm not too happy about my loo being eaten away either Acidburn!!

Does anyone have a link to a website that shows sizes and prices of these locally please? If we are not allowed to show the link please PM me with it or just post the names of places. I'm thinking Leroys / Al Campo? Or Confort?

Also, any idea of the prices. In some cases it may well be worth just sticking to the yearly hassle cost wise. Lucky are those who bought with one already fitted! Have also been informed that some apartments may not be able to have one fitted to affect both hot and cold inlets as pipes buried in walls and under tiles!

 

[cherylbb]

It doesn't show details of prices etc. but 'Sovereign Spas & Pools' who advertise on this site can supply & fit water softeners.
Might be worth a phone call or email.

Sovereign Spas & Pools

 

[Belladonna]

Thanks, they may be more for larger containers (!) but will definitely keep them in mind and may well pick their brains.

 

[Project]

Hi Acidburn, how much does a de-cal unit cost and is it simple to install.

Hi Sparky
They range in price, anything from 4-1200 euros. They fit onto your incoming supply, and if you have experience in plumbing are fairly straightforward, especially in new apartments where the supply pipes are easily accesible in ceiling voids etc..... In my experience in fitting you are best to go with an "Intelligent" version which only backwashes the filter, (and hence uses the salt you top it up with) when necessary.
Many clients also say how soft their skin and hair is, it also means a lot less cleaning product, shower and soap.
Yes Mark, it is a water softener, I couldnt remember what we call it in English!!

 

[Sparky]

Thanks for the info Acidburn.

 

[whaleywanderer]

Hi Sparky
They range in price, anything from 4-1200 euros.

Hi Acidburn, please could you clarify the price not sure what you mean.

Hope you're keeping well.

 

[Belladonna]

We've got a dec cal unit and we've never had a problem with limescale although I never knew why not. After reading this thread I aked chels why we didn't get it and he said because we've got de cal unit

Debz, what size and make is your machine (keep it clean!) and do you need to regularly top it up with salt? Thanks.

 

[debz1]

Debz, what size and make is your machine (keep it clean!) and do you need to regularly top it up with salt? Thanks.

As I said I didn't even know what the contraption in the utility room was until chelseadons told me!! I don't know the make but basically there are 3 cylinders made of clear plastic and each one is about 12" tall and aprox 3" diameter. One of them looks like it has brown blotting paper in it which presumably is some sort of filter These cylinders than join up to a main pipe.

Since we've had the apartment we've never had to fill it up with salt but that doesn't necessarily mean that Bob Mc doesn't do it as part of his maintenance! I will be chatting with him in June about it as I need to know whether the softness can be altered as sometimes the water is just a bit too soft and slippery

 

[Belladonna]

Dont you just hate it when its like that! LOL! There's keeping it clean and "keeping it clean"! Thanks for the info anyway. Good old Bob.

 

[Project]

Hi Whaley!!
I'm fine thanks, mad busy but that's good in my books!!
400-1,200 euros. Hope that clarifies it for you.
Keep safe!

 

[Big Sal]

As I said I didn't even know what the contraption in the utility room was until chelseadons told me!! I don't know the make but basically there are 3 cylinders made of clear plastic and each one is about 12" tall and aprox 3" diameter. One of them looks like it has brown blotting paper in it which presumably is some sort of filter These cylinders than join up to a main pipe.

Since we've had the apartment we've never had to fill it up with salt but that doesn't necessarily mean that Bob Mc doesn't do it as part of his maintenance! I will be chatting with him in June about it as I need to know whether the softness can be altered as sometimes the water is just a bit too soft and slippery

Does anyone know the water hardness rating in PP area? This will help me to select an appropriate water softener. I've asked the same question to Emser, of which I'm still waiting for a reply. Many thanks.

 

[Sparky]

This link might help :- Information about water quality on Mallorca

 

[Molt de Renou]

The only water softener's that work are the ones that have a container into which you put rock salt which is supplied by hardware stores or the people who sell you the softner.

For a small house without too much water consumption a small one should do.

The water hardness isn't that important. The softner will do its job depending on the schedule it has been set at to keep the water at a certain level of hardness.

All you will need to do is to keep it filled up with salt, which shouldn't be difficult with a name like yours.

 

[Big Sal]

Hee Hee!

 

[Molt de Renou]

One thing that one should take into account when installing a water softener is to make sure that the "softened" water is not too soft, as it can becomes slightly acidic.

This in itself is not a problem, but can be if used with old water pipes and boilers, as the cal in them can be slowly removed allowing any small holes that had been covered or sealed by the cal to become unprotected, causing leaks that could cause a lot of damage and subsecuent major repair bills.

 

[Molt de Renou]

Water hardness in Mallorca can be a funny old thing.

One would expect it to be harder in the summer due to the amount used and lack of water produced by wells, lakes and other sources such as Sa Costera.

In actual fact in many areas it is lower, as during the summer, many of the desalination plants, that produce extra soft water, come online and are then closed during the winter months.

Of course it will all depend on the amount of water used, the water level in the two lakes and the Sa Costera water production, which this year is virtually nil.