Are you wondering if a Calcite Acid Neutralizer is right for your home? Yesterday, we talked a little bit about neutralizing water without using one. However, we recommend using a standalone Calcite Acid Neutralizer tank for best results. Today, one customer asked us about the potential drawbacks of using this system, and we wanted to share our answer with readers who might be considering it for their own water treatment needs.

The main drawback to using a calcite acid neutralizer is the increase in water hardness that tends to result from the dissolution of calcite into water. This is because the neutralizing filter, which uses calcite media, can correct water acidity but also contribute to increased water hardness.

Calcite is a calcium carbonate that neutralizes acidity by slowly dissolving calcium into water. Calcite's calcium carbonate neutralizes acidity effectively, but it may require periodic backwashing to maintain optimal performance. Calcium, along with magnesium, is the primary cause of hardness in water, and over time, it will contribute to scale formation and clogged plumbing and fixtures.

Fortunately, the increase in water hardness from a neutralizer is generally negligible if the water isn’t too hard to begin with: around 170 mg/L (10 grains per gallon) is the range where one might consider using a softener.

Even in this range, you might decide that your water is fine for your needs, but if you decide after some time using the neutralizer that your water seems too hard, you can always add a water softener.

For more precise water supply management, use the Langelier Index to determine your water's scaling and corrosion potential based on its hardness, alkalinity, and TDS concentration.

Water operators use the Langelier Index to optimize water supply systems and identify potential leakages; you can use our simple Langelier Index calculator to manage your water supply system at home.

For those considering a calcite acid neutralizer, we recommend our CWS  neutralizer system.  It features a fully adjustable backwash cycle, a user-friendly LCD display, and a rugged control valve designed to last for years with little maintenance.

And if you think you’ll want a softener to remove the hardness added by the neutralizer, consider our CWS  softener systems.  These systems are also fully adjustable, built to last, and very reliable due to their electronic sensors.

Water operators use the Langelier Index to optimize water supply systems and identify potential leakages; you can use our simple Langelier Index calculator to manage your water supply system at home.

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Acidic water can be a significant problem for households and businesses, causing corrosion damage to pipes, fittings, and appliances. One effective solution for neutralizing acidic water is the use of calcite media. Calcite is a naturally occurring mineral rock that consists of approximately 95% calcium carbonate and 3% magnesium carbonate. It is commonly used in acid-neutralizer systems to raise the pH of acidic water to a non-corrosive equilibrium. By using calcite media, you can protect your plumbing and appliances from the damaging effects of acidic water, ensuring a longer lifespan and better performance.

How Calcite Works

Calcite works by slowly dissolving in acidic water, releasing calcium and magnesium ions that neutralize the acidity. Calcium carbonate in calcite reacts with the acidic water to form bicarbonate ions, increasing the water's pH. This self-limiting process means that the calcite will only dissolve until the water reaches a non-corrosive equilibrium. Typically, calcite is used in a backwashing filter, where the acidic water flows through a bed of calcite media. As the water passes through, the calcium carbonate dissolves, effectively neutralizing the acidity and raising the pH to safer levels.

Limitations of Calcite Media

While calcite media is an effective solution for neutralizing acidic water, it does have some limitations. Calcite is not suitable for extremely acidic water, as it may not be able to raise the pH to a non-corrosive equilibrium. Additionally, calcite can increase water hardness, which may require the use of a water softener to manage the added hardness. Regular maintenance is also necessary, as the calcite media will need to be replenished as it is used up. Furthermore, calcite may not be effective in water with high levels of iron or manganese, as these minerals can interfere with the neutralization process, reducing the efficiency of the system.

Comparison with Other Neutralizer Media

Calcite media is not the only option for neutralizing acidic water. Other neutralizer media, such as magnesium oxide and soda ash, may be more effective in certain situations. Magnesium oxide, for example, is faster-acting than calcite and can be used to neutralize extremely acidic water. However, magnesium oxide is not self-limiting and may over-correct the pH, leading to a high pH. On the other hand, soda ash is a chemical feed pump that injects a soda ash solution into the water to neutralize the acidity. While soda ash is effective, it may not be suitable for households with well water, as it can introduce harmful chemicals into the water supply. Each option has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to choose the right neutralizer media based on your specific water conditions.

Potential Health Risks

Acidic water can pose health risks, particularly if it contains high levels of heavy metals such as lead and copper. These metals can leach into the water from corroded pipes and fittings, leading to long-term exposure issues. Neutralizing acidic water with calcite media can help to reduce the risk of these health problems. However, it is essential to note that calcite media is not a substitute for proper water treatment and testing. Regular water testing is necessary to ensure that the water is safe to drink and free from harmful contaminants.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

Installing a calcite media system requires careful consideration of several factors, including the size of the system, the type of calcite media used, and the flow rate of the water. Ensuring that the system is properly sized for the water supply and that the calcite media is regularly maintained is essential. The gravel support bed should be checked regularly to ensure that it is not clogged, and the calcite media should be replenished as needed. Additionally, the system should be installed by a licensed plumber to ensure that it is installed correctly and safely. Proper installation and maintenance will ensure that your calcite media system operates efficiently and effectively, providing you with safe, neutralized water.

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