Hard Water Filter(s) for Auto Washing

[Deleted member 995608]

We're on 100% well water with high calcium. Looking into the external filters for washing the truck. I like the granite crystal color of my Ram, but also hate it because of the water spots that I can't dry off fast enough. I keep the truck waxed regularly which helps but it doesn't stop the water stains.

Any of you guys have something similar or have a homemade version?

http://www.purewaterproducts.com/garden-hose-filters

 

[DavidC]

Why not get a portable RV water softener,

Dave

 

[Deleted member 995608]

The RV softer is what got me thinking about it. They are expensive compared to the filters in the above link in my first post.

 

[DavidC]

More initially anyway, then it is a $5.00 40 lb bag of salt once in a while. I guess it all depends on filter cost and how often they need to be replaced. I already have one that is used for the RV but is also used to wash the truck.

Dave

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Supposedly, the filters for the purewaterproducts.com are common sized filters that can be bought at HD or Lowes. I really don't know for sure. Just what the web site claims.

 

[Hoefler]

Filters are designed to remove suspended particales, not disovled solids. Get a water softener. I plumbed soft water from the house to the garage just for washing my vehicles, while I was at it, I did the hot water too.

 

[ScottLewis]

In reading the full ad, their Garden Hose Water Softener isn't a filter but rather a smaller, portable water softener that uses a couple pounds of salt as a medium. It is much like those sold for RV use and should do a reasonable job for car washing. The price at nearly $500 is pretty high. I suspect a small unit from HD or Lowes would be cheaper.

 

[p-Bar]

You could pick up a used sears unit on craigslist for 100.00 or so

 

[Hoefler]

In reading the full ad, their Garden Hose Water Softener isn't a filter but rather a smaller, portable water softener that uses a couple pounds of salt as a medium. It is much like those sold for RV use and should do a reasonable job for car washing. The price at nearly $500 is pretty high. I suspect a small unit from HD or Lowes would be cheaper.

Salt is not the medium, it is used to regerate/clean the resin bed/filter. You can but an RV water softener for less than $200.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

You could pick up a used sears unit on craigslist for 100.00 or so

I think this might be a good idea.

Before yesterday, I didn't know much about water softeners, so I've been reading a little bit. I think I've got enough info now to keep an eye out for a useable 2nd hand unit just for the shop. I'd really like to get one to run the house also, but part of my motel business is on the same line, so I'd need a gigantic sized machine to keep up. Surprising how much water get's used here daily. 4 people here in my house, along with 12 loads of motel wash on a daily basis!

 

[Regcabguy]

Filters are designed to remove suspended particales, not disovled solids. Get a water softener. I plumbed soft water from the house to the garage just for washing my vehicles, while I was at it, I did the hot water too.

The softened water sure suds up and is nice to the skin but undrinkable to me.

 

[CBlack]

Look at these: http://www.autogeek.net/cr-spotless-water-systems.html

What type of wax do you use? Try Collinite 845 topped with Collinite 476. You'd have to wash with Dawn a few times to strip it off.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I've been using the Meguiar's gold class carauba wax for a long while. Our well water is about 27 gpg. Not the hardest water but certainly enough to create some really tuff water stains to remove. Especially on a darker color finish. One thing I have to except is that (A) I live in the foothills, and (B) I live in the foothills, and I have to park outside, exposed to the elements. Just making an effort to keep my pickup as nice as possible; may not be able to afford another new truck once they hit the 6 figure mark.........

 

[CBlack]

While the Megs stuff is good quality, it's not nearly as durable as the Collinite stuff. Especially if you have to park outside. The Collinite 476 can't be recommended highly enough.

 

[DavidC]

While the Megs stuff is good quality, it's not nearly as durable as the Collinite stuff. Especially if you have to park outside. The Collinite 476 can't be recommended highly enough.

Definately good stuff on the Collinite side. I never could get Megs stuff to last very long. I have about everything Collinite makes and use all of it. I sometimes order from detailing sites and a vendor on ebay has free shipping with good prices. They key to longevity is the prep before the final coat.

Dave

 

[Deleted member 995608]

While the Megs stuff is good quality, it's not nearly as durable as the Collinite stuff. Especially if you have to park outside. The Collinite 476 can't be recommended highly enough.

Cool thanks. Never even heard of that stuff; shows my lack of knowledge. I've always wondered about the Meguiars stuff since it's sold at Pep Boys, Autozone etc. I do buy some chrome polish at a local auto body repair supplier, but I've never seen Meguiars products on the shelf there. I always have to ask the countermen for advice on what to buy because they sell different stuff than the bog box stores.

 

[TJJEEPER]

Just another data point...
My Black truck is terrible to wash because of water spotting. I started using the spray on wax that is sold under many names. When the vehicle is wet you spray it on and then dry. It will also remove the water spots that get left behind.
Water or rain beads up real nice. Not sure how long it lasts out in the sun because my rig is garaged 90% of the time but it gets sprayed every wash.

I also wash the truck at o-dark-thirty before sunrise. That helps a lot.

 

[CBlack]

Cool thanks. Never even heard of that stuff; shows my lack of knowledge. I've always wondered about the Meguiars stuff since it's sold at Pep Boys, Autozone etc. I do buy some chrome polish at a local auto body repair supplier, but I've never seen Meguiars products on the shelf there. I always have to ask the countermen for advice on what to buy because they sell different stuff than the bog box stores.

Be forewarned...

Checkout Autogeek.net You'll probably be cussing me later.

 

[Regcabguy]

I'm glad that I ordered a white truck. We've got pretty hard water in San Diego but if I go fast,the synthetic chamois works well.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Be forewarned...

Checkout Autogeek.net You'll probably be cussing me later.

You officially suck! I'm being a bum today, watching college ball. But, But......guess who just spent an hour gawking at auto geek.com. I think my shopping cart is full