RV Water Softener
Pros And Cons Of Portable Water Softeners

An RV water softener is like a portable version of a residential or commercial water softener, but comes in only one of two forms or types : an ion exchange water softener or a reverse osmosis water softener.

Most portable water softeners make use of both systems, however, being supplied with filters that can be attached to pipes and taps.

An Ion Exchange RV water softener traps the calcium and magnesium that makes water hard, and form deposits.

Basically, the softener contains resin beads which hold electrically charged irons. When water passes through, the calcium and magnesium in the water attaches to these beads.

A Reverse Osmosis system makes use of a semi-permeable membrane, which filters water as it passes through and disposes of the elements and minerals in the water that are undesirable.

A portable water softener is a great investment for your RV. You can use the softened water to fill your RV water tanks, which will greatly increase the lifetime of the pipes, water heater elements, fixtures and ice maker on your RV and provide healthy drinking water.

As you travel, you can take water from almost anywhere and purify it through an RV water softener, which means less worries about water quality. If you are doing camping or hiking as well, you should strongly consider a portable water softener.

Pros of RV Water Softeners

1) An RV water softener is notably compact, and very easy to use.

2) As mentioned, a portable water softener can greatly improve and increase the lifespan of the facilities on an RV or boat, and protect the freshwater bay.

3) Using a portable model for washing boats, cars or the like is highly advantageous – the purified water will guarantee a spot-free wash and protected paintwork, as well as prevention of rush stains.

4) Using purified water for washing stops rough dry skin and increases soap lathering.

5) Purified water avoids scale build-up in pipes, which is advantageous for your boat and RV.

6) Provides healthy drinking water.

7) Attach filters to pipes, taps etc. for washing and drinking.

8) Great for washing carpets as well – gives a spot free clean, and decreases the amount of shampoo needed.

9) Increases the lifespan of your clothes and decreases the amount of washing powder needed.

10) Ensures clean and purified water wherever you go.

Cons of RV Water Softeners

1) The Osmosis or Ion Exchange systems can produce some waste, and require salt refills.

2) Obviously, portable water softeners are not ideal for residential or commercial use, as they are not permanent.

3) The Ion Exchange systems exchange magnesium and calcium in the water for sodium – for people with low sodium tolerance diets, this makes the water unsuitable for drinking.

Recommended RV / Portable Water Softeners

1) Watersticks Portable Water Softener

The Watersticks softeners are very affordable, and are made of PVC instead of spun fiberglass. This means they are very durable and inexpensive.

The Watersticks portable softener also comes with filters that you can hook up to your garden hose, shower or taps. You can regenerate the softener easily with plain table salt (sodium intolerant users will need to regenerate with potassium chloride.)

There are no extra and expensive chemicals, cartridges or filters to replace, and the included car washing de-ionizer is great for your RV or car. The Watersticks water softeners can be used at any angle, and standing at an angle will not lose resin beads or create a damaging back flow.

2) Wet Spot Portable Water Softener

The Wet Spot portable softener gives you all the benefits of a residential or commercial softener in a portable casing. It is constructed out of low maintenance and incredibly strong materials that can withstand the harshest environments.

The resins in the Wet Spot softener can last up to 30 years or more, and so it comes with a 12 year performance guarantee.

You can recharge the unit easily with common rock salt, and included with the Wet Spot portable softeners are brass hose fittings and rubber wheels making it easy to move around. It has a long-lasting charge, and can be easily recharged manually and used without needing to be connected to power.

Related article: Magnetic Water Softener - Pros And Cons

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