Must I have a water softener to use this product?
1244160
Absolutely not! We have used several brands and this one is the best by far. I am a 74 year old woman and installed it myself using the online videos. Only problem was my arm was a little short for installing the faucet but I wouldn't give up until done!
1310125
As far as I've seen, you shouldn't need a filter after the unit. We have one anyway, to catch anything that goes through during the backwash process (while the unit is not filtering the water).
1545385
im not sure. I had a softener for 15 years before I bought this. I still use the softener... all I can say, is that my water is 10x better than before.
257940
No. You only use water in this unit. Go to Homedics site and they can verify this question for you.
1135433
Yes you'll need some salt pellets. Get the un-treated salt people use for water softeners. However you now dispense chlorine, alternate with the salt. Maybe chlorine for two weeks, then a week with salt; repeat.
1545383
This is NOT a water softener. That said, there is probably a minor bit of softening occurring as it does its iron removal. But if you have high iron, this is ideal in combination with a softener, as the softener by itself isn't as efficient at iron removal as this unit is. If you don't already have a water test analysis by an independent lab---then get one and have it available when you make system decisions for your household water. test run 100- 200 dollars, but worth the investment. Be wary of companies that are selling softening/filter equipment who offer you "free" water analysis. That presents a clear conflict of interest. This is NOT a water softener. That said, there is probably a minor bit of softening occurring as it does its iron removal. But if you have high iron, this is ideal in combination with a softener, as the softener by itself isn't as efficient at iron removal as this unit is. If you don't already have a water test analysis by an independent lab---then get one and have it available when you make system decisions for your household water. test run 100- 200 dollars, but worth the investment. Be wary of companies that are selling softening/filter equipment who offer you "free" water... » Read More This is NOT a water softener. That said, there is probably a minor bit of softening occurring as it does its iron removal. But if you have high iron, this is ideal in combination with a softener, as the softener by itself isn't as efficient at iron removal as this unit is. If you don't already have a water test analysis by an independent lab---then get one and have it available when you make system decisions for your household water. test run 100- 200 dollars, but worth the investment. Be wary of companies that are selling softening/filter equipment who offer you "free" water analysis. That presents a clear conflict of interest. « Show Less
82122
I think I remember the instructions mentioning to place the Clearwave before your softener. Either way, it should help because both products do the same thing but in different ways so the Clearwave should make your salt water softener more effective. If it doesn't, return it.
736072
I would place it before the water softener. The water softener is probably a lot more expensive than this filter, so I would clean out the minerals, iron, etc, before running the water through my softener. I've had this system for 3 months now, and so far it is working great at removing odors & the red iron that stains.
2141596
do not use distilled h2o,use distilled water with a tea spoon of sodium bicarbonate or calcium carbonate.distilled water is too soft
466803
There is no need to worry about weather or not you tap a line with or without a water sofener. The main concern is that you have suffecient flow to make the pump create a vaccum. The higher the flow the better. I think the minimun flow requirements is 5 gallons. It would be better to get it before the softener because it reduces to available flow to the device. Maybe you can increase to pressure on the system. I have a question for you, do you have a back up generator? It sounds like your on a well system.
1813624
You can use the filter that comes with it, however it needs to be rinsed each time you use it with soap and water. I don't use it at all. I use a paper filter.
1478624
I have a water softener, too. I have had zero issues using a full tablet. Hope this helps!
1374264
We also have a water softener and according to the directions that came with the iron, I use bottled spring water. The directions say you can use tap, but I didn't want to chance it. It also mentions in the directions not to use distilled water.
1072394
I just use water. There is a cleaner they recommend in the user manual for tough cleaning but I have not used it.
754553
Not well, look for place near liquid soap spout for softener location. Do you still have machine manual? Perhaps find online.
2196510
Yes, just don't use any fabric softener. Most of the time I just wash it in the sink with soap, rinse and let dry.
205129
Oops! I am female and I didn't read the instructions - I don't have water softener so I use tap water. The iron also has a self clean steam function on it to blow out the holes. Thusfar I would never buy another iron.