Iron, low pH and hard water

[RMCD]

Hi, I'm new here. My well water has iron and a pH of about 5.5. I have an iron filter, which does a great job of removing all of the iron. As the media in the filter dissolves, this raises the pH to about 7, but it also increases the hardness. I'm trying to decide how to lower the hardness without a salt water softener. The hardness is 8 grains with the iron filter, so it's not terrible. Would a soda ash neutralizer be a good option? I assume it would need to be placed between the pressure tank and the iron filter so that the water, once the pH is lowered, will not dissolve so much of the media, thereby increasing the hardness. My question is would the raw water with iron be problematic for the neutralizer? Thanks.

 

[Bannerman]

As the media in the filter dissolves, this raises the pH to about 7, but it also increases the hardness.

What you describe, is normally applicable to Calcite, or Calcite + Corosex acid neutralization media. Iron reduction media does not dissolve nor increase the hardness level.

Although iron reduction media such as Katalox Light will sometimes initially increase pH somewhat, that effect will be typically temporary.

Iron reduction media will function most most effectively with water >7.0 pH. As such, acid neutralization is to occur prior to an iron reduction system.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

Soda injection will raise the pH without raising the hardness. It won't lower the hardness either.

 

[RMCD]

Soda injection will raise the pH without raising the hardness. It won't lower the hardness either.

Do you know if putting the pH neutralizer between the pressure tank and the iron reduction filter will be a problem for the soda injector since the water will have iron in it?

 

[Reach4]

I would not think so, but maybe buy two injectors. Swap periodically, and soak the one swapped out in a solution.