What is the relationship between a Kinetico water softener and a hot water system?
Very few boiler manufacturers have carried out testing to assess performance of their products with softened water. Historically, certain manufacturers of boilers with aluminium heat-exchangers have adopted the position that as British Standard BS 7593:1992 Code of practice for treatment of water in domestic hot water central heating systems prohibited the use of softened water in systems with aluminium, it is still unsafe to do so and claim any breach invalidates boiler warranty. (Interestingly, they make no comment on the suitability of boilers in areas of the country where the water is partially softened by the local water utility!).
Although it is recognised that waters of high alkalinity (pH > 8.5) may be corrosive towards aluminum, after testing it has been concluded Kinetico Water Softeners do not increase your natural supply’s Ph Level.
Kinetico Water Softeners, as part of their regeneration cycle, go through three stages: Brine Draw, Slow Rinse and finally Back Wash.
Brine Draw: The first stage draws a saturated brine solution into the resin to clean away the collected ions that cause hardness.
Slow Rinse: In the second stage the slow rinse starts to wash away the brine solution to drain, leaving the sodium ions ready to exchange when the tank goes back on line.
Back Wash: Lastly the machine starts a full back wash cycle so the resin tanks are free from contaminants. The design of the Kinetico valve ensures that there is no salt in the tank at the end of its cleaning cycle.
Furthermore we are pleased to tell you that the Kinetico 2020c Water Softener complies with the British Standard BS EN 14743:2005 (which prescribes requirements for the performance, safety and testing of softeners) and is currently the only softener to have this accreditation.
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