Hard water is a common household nuisance, causing everything from unsightly scale buildup on faucets to dry skin and hair. Many homeowners seek solutions to combat these problems, and the Pelican Water system is often mentioned as a potential remedy. But does a Pelican Water system actually soften water, or does it work in a different way? Let’s dive into the details and uncover the truth about Pelican Water systems and their impact on water hardness.
Understanding Hard Water and Water Softening
Before we can determine if a Pelican Water system softens water, it’s essential to understand what hard water is and how traditional water softeners work. Hard water is characterized by a high concentration of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. These minerals are picked up as water travels through soil and rock. While hard water isn’t generally considered a health hazard, it can cause numerous problems throughout your home.
These problems include:
- Scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and fixtures.
- Reduced efficiency of water-using appliances like water heaters and washing machines.
- Dry skin and hair.
- Difficulty lathering soap.
- Spots and streaks on dishes and glassware.
- Increased use of detergents and cleaning products.
Traditional water softeners use a process called ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium from the water. This involves a resin bed that is charged with sodium ions. As hard water flows through the resin bed, the calcium and magnesium ions are attracted to the resin and are exchanged for sodium ions. This process effectively removes the hardness minerals, resulting in soft water. Periodically, the resin bed needs to be regenerated, which involves flushing the resin with a concentrated salt solution (brine). This replaces the calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, recharging the resin for continued softening.
Examining Pelican Water Systems: Filtration, Not Softening
Pelican Water systems are primarily whole-house water filtration systems, not traditional water softeners. They utilize a multi-stage filtration process to remove contaminants, improve water taste, and reduce odors. However, they do not typically remove calcium and magnesium minerals through ion exchange, the core function of a water softener.
Instead of softening, Pelican systems filter water to reduce the presence of chlorine, chloramines, sediment, pesticides, herbicides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other undesirable substances. Some Pelican systems also include a UV disinfection component to kill bacteria and viruses.
The filtration process generally involves several stages:
- Sediment Filter: This removes larger particles like sand, silt, and rust.
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filter: This removes chlorine, chloramines, and other chemicals that affect taste and odor.
- KDF Media: Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) media uses a redox (oxidation/reduction) process to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants. It can also inhibit the growth of bacteria.
- UV Disinfection (Optional): Some Pelican systems include a UV lamp that kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
It’s crucial to understand that while these filtration systems improve the overall quality of your water, they do not fundamentally change the hardness level. Your water will still contain calcium and magnesium minerals after passing through a standard Pelican Water filtration system.
Pelican NaturSoft: A Salt-Free Softening Alternative
While standard Pelican Water filtration systems don’t soften water, Pelican does offer a product called NaturSoft, which is marketed as a salt-free water softening alternative or a “scale inhibitor.” This system uses a process called Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) to address hard water issues.
TAC technology doesn’t actually remove calcium and magnesium from the water. Instead, it transforms the dissolved hardness minerals into microscopic, inactive crystals. These crystals remain in the water but are unable to bind to surfaces and form scale.
The benefits of Pelican NaturSoft and other TAC systems include:
- Salt-Free Operation: No salt is required, eliminating the need for brine tanks and regular salt refills. This is a significant advantage for those concerned about sodium intake or the environmental impact of salt discharge.
- No Wastewater: TAC systems don’t produce wastewater, unlike traditional water softeners that require backwashing.
- Maintenance-Free: TAC systems generally require very little maintenance.
- Environmentally Friendly: TAC systems are considered more environmentally friendly than traditional water softeners due to the lack of salt and wastewater.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations of TAC technology:
- It Doesn’t Actually Soften Water: The water still contains the same amount of calcium and magnesium minerals. It only prevents them from forming scale.
- Effectiveness Can Vary: The effectiveness of TAC systems can vary depending on the water’s hardness level and other water chemistry factors. Extremely hard water may not be adequately addressed by TAC alone.
- Lacking the Slippery Feel of Softened Water: TAC-treated water doesn’t have the same “slippery” feel as traditionally softened water, which some people prefer.
Combining Filtration and Scale Inhibition
Many homeowners opt to combine a Pelican Water filtration system with a Pelican NaturSoft system (or another scale inhibitor) to achieve both water purification and scale prevention. This approach provides the benefits of both technologies: cleaner, better-tasting water along with reduced scale buildup.
By using a filtration system first, you remove contaminants that could potentially interfere with the effectiveness of the TAC system. This can lead to better overall water quality and longer lifespan for both systems.
When considering this approach, it’s essential to carefully evaluate your specific water quality needs and budget. Consult with a water treatment professional to determine the best combination of systems for your home.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Choosing the right water treatment system for your home requires careful consideration of your specific needs and priorities. If your primary concern is removing contaminants and improving water taste and odor, a standard Pelican Water filtration system may be a good choice. If you’re primarily concerned about scale buildup and want a salt-free alternative, a Pelican NaturSoft system or another TAC system may be suitable. If you want both contaminant removal and scale prevention, a combination of filtration and TAC may be the best option.
It’s also important to consider the hardness level of your water. If your water is extremely hard, a traditional water softener may be the most effective solution. A water test can accurately determine the hardness level of your water and help you make an informed decision.
Ultimately, the best water treatment system for your home is one that meets your specific needs, fits your budget, and provides you with the quality of water you desire. Researching different options, reading reviews, and consulting with water treatment professionals can help you make the right choice for your family.
Does a Pelican Water System Soften Water Using Salt?
Pelican Water Systems primarily offer water filtration and conditioning solutions, but their standard systems do not typically soften water using salt-based ion exchange, which is the traditional method for water softening. Instead, many Pelican systems are designed for water filtration, removing chlorine, chloramine, and other contaminants, or for water conditioning, aiming to reduce scale buildup.
Specifically, Pelican uses technologies like template-assisted crystallization (TAC) in some of their systems, which conditions the water by altering the structure of hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium, preventing them from forming scale. This process doesn’t remove the minerals from the water like a traditional softener, but rather renders them less likely to adhere to pipes and appliances, helping to protect your plumbing system.
What is the Difference Between Water Filtration and Water Softening in Pelican Systems?
Water filtration with Pelican systems involves removing contaminants like sediment, chlorine, chloramines, pesticides, herbicides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the water. This improves the taste, odor, and overall quality of the water, making it safer and more palatable for drinking, bathing, and other household uses. Filtration does not address the hardness of water caused by minerals.
Water softening, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with reducing the hardness of water by removing or altering the calcium and magnesium minerals that cause scale buildup. While Pelican does offer solutions to address water hardness through conditioning, their primary focus is on filtration. Their conditioning systems aim to prevent scale rather than eliminate the minerals entirely.
Does Pelican Offer a System That Completely Removes Hardness Minerals?
While Pelican’s focus is not typically on traditional salt-based water softening that completely removes hardness minerals, they do offer solutions that can address water hardness in a different way. Their water conditioning systems using TAC technology modify the structure of the hardness minerals, effectively preventing scale buildup without removing the minerals entirely.
Keep in mind that completely removing hardness minerals can sometimes be undesirable, as these minerals can contribute to the taste of water and are essential nutrients. Pelican’s approach aims to strike a balance by preventing the negative effects of hard water (scale) while retaining the beneficial minerals in your water supply. Check their specific product lines for exact specifications and capabilities.
What is TAC Technology and How Does it Work in Pelican Systems?
Template-assisted crystallization (TAC) is a technology used by Pelican in some of their water conditioning systems. It works by utilizing specialized media that provides a nucleation site, or “template,” for the hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) to crystallize into microscopic crystals. These crystals are then suspended in the water and are less likely to adhere to surfaces, preventing scale formation.
Unlike traditional water softeners that use salt to exchange calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, TAC does not remove these minerals from the water. Instead, it alters their physical structure, changing them into harmless crystals that simply pass through the plumbing system without causing scale. This technology is considered a “no-salt” water conditioning solution.
Are Pelican Water Systems NSF Certified?
Many Pelican Water Systems are indeed NSF certified, indicating that they have been tested and certified by NSF International to meet specific performance and safety standards. NSF certification assures consumers that the systems perform as claimed and do not introduce harmful contaminants into the water.
The specific NSF certifications that apply will vary depending on the model and its intended function. It’s important to check the product specifications for the particular Pelican system you’re considering to confirm which NSF standards it meets. Look for NSF/ANSI 42 for aesthetic effects like chlorine reduction, NSF/ANSI 53 for health-related contaminants, and NSF/ANSI 61 for material safety.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Pelican Water Filtration or Conditioning System?
Pelican water filtration systems offer numerous benefits, including improved water taste and odor by removing chlorine, chloramine, and other unpleasant substances. They also help to protect your health by filtering out harmful contaminants such as pesticides, herbicides, and VOCs, leading to cleaner and safer water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
Pelican water conditioning systems, using TAC technology, prevent scale buildup in pipes and appliances, extending their lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. Unlike traditional salt-based softeners, they don’t require salt replenishment or produce wastewater, making them a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective option for addressing hard water issues.
How Do I Choose the Right Pelican Water System for My Home?
Choosing the right Pelican water system depends on your specific water quality concerns and needs. If you’re primarily concerned with improving the taste and odor of your water and removing contaminants, a Pelican water filtration system would be a suitable choice. Consider the contaminants you want to target and choose a system certified to remove them.
If you’re dealing with hard water and want to prevent scale buildup, a Pelican water conditioning system using TAC technology could be the right solution. Consider your water hardness level, household water usage, and available space when selecting the appropriate system size and capacity. Consulting with a Pelican dealer or water quality professional can also help you make the best decision.