Are you wondering if a Calcite Acid Neutralizer is right for your home? Yesterday, we talked about neutralizing acidic water without a neutralizer. However, we recommend using a standalone Calcite Acid Neutralizer tank for best results. Today, a customer asked about possible drawbacks, and we wanted to share our response.

The main drawback is an increase in water hardness. When calcite dissolves, it corrects acidity but also adds calcium, which can make water harder.

Calcite, made of calcium carbonate, neutralizes acidity by slowly dissolving into the water. While effective, it may require periodic backwashing to maintain performance. Calcium and magnesium both contribute to hardness, which can eventually cause scale buildup and clogged pipes.

Thankfully, the added hardness is usually minor if your water isn’t very hard to start with—under 170 mg/L (10 grains per gallon). Even if you’re in this range, you might find your water still feels fine. If not, you can always add a softener later.

For better water management, use the Langelier Index. It helps assess your water’s scaling and corrosion risk based on hardness, alkalinity, and total dissolved solids (TDS).

Water operators use the Langelier Index to monitor systems and spot leaks. You can easily check your own water at home with our simple Langelier Index calculator.

If you’re considering a calcite system, we recommend our CWS Neutralizer. It features an adjustable backwash cycle, a user-friendly LCD display, and a durable control valve built to last.

And if you decide you need a softener later, check out our CWS Softener Systems. They’re also fully adjustable, built to last, and designed with reliable electronic sensors.

More About Acidic Water

Acidic water can cause serious damage to pipes, fittings, and appliances. A simple solution is using calcite media to neutralize it.

Calcite is a natural mineral made of about 95% calcium carbonate and 3% magnesium carbonate. It raises the pH of acidic water to a non-corrosive level, protecting your plumbing and appliances and extending their lifespan.

How Calcite Works

When acidic water flows through calcite, the mineral dissolves, releasing calcium and magnesium ions. This reaction forms bicarbonate ions and raises the pH. The process is self-limiting, meaning calcite only dissolves until the water reaches a safe pH.

Typically, calcite is used in a backwashing filter. Water passes through a bed of calcite media, neutralizing acidity as it flows.

Limitations of Calcite Media

Calcite works well, but it has limits. It may not be strong enough to fix very acidic water. It can also increase water hardness, which might require adding a softener. Plus, the calcite media will need to be replenished over time.

Calcite may not work as well if your water has high iron or manganese, as these minerals can interfere with the process.

Comparing Other Neutralizers

Other media like magnesium oxide and soda ash can also neutralize acidic water.

• Magnesium oxide works faster and can treat very acidic water but may raise the pH too high.
• Soda ash is effective but usually better suited for city water, not well water, because it can introduce chemicals into the supply.

Choosing the right neutralizer depends on your specific water conditions.

Health Risks of Acidic Water

Acidic water can leach heavy metals like lead and copper from pipes, posing serious health risks over time. Neutralizing the acidity with calcite helps reduce this danger.

However, calcite isn’t a complete water treatment. You should still test your water regularly to make sure it’s safe.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Installing a calcite system involves selecting the right size, media type, and matching it to your water flow rate. Regular maintenance is key—check the gravel bed for clogs and replenish the calcite media when needed.

It’s best to have a licensed plumber handle the installation to ensure it’s done safely and correctly. With proper maintenance, your system will keep your water safe and neutralized for years.