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Shopping for the best acid neutralizer for well water getting you stressed up? We can relate to this, and this is because there are many acid neutralizers for well water flooded in the market. As such, you get confused about which one you can install in your home for efficient and longer use.
For this reason, we have taken the entire journey of researching the best acid neutralizer for well water treatment that you can install in your home. Without much ado, let’s look at the best acid neutralizers for well water.
Best Acid Neutralizer for Well Water
1. Cubic Ft. pH Water Filter System
- Raises pH as low as 5.5 up to a near-neutral level using naturally occuring calcium carbonate
If you are looking for the best acid neutralizer for your well water, the 1.5 Cubic Ft. pH Water Filter System is your best bet. It is designed to raise the pH of your water to as low as 5.5 up to a near-neutral level using the naturally occurring calcium carbonate. This acid neutralizer uses Calcite to neutralize the acid by dissolving and counteracting the acidity.
It comes with a high-quality tank that boasts a dome loading port for easy media replenishment. Since the media dissolves to neutralize the acid, regular replenishment is necessary once a year depending on your water use pH levels and the system size. The dome port allows easy loading so that you don’t have to disconnect and remove the control head. You just need to unscrew the port and add the media.
It comes with a Fleck5600SXT digital control head which makes the controlling of the neutralizer easy, especially the automatic backwashes. The backwash is the process that forces water rapidly through the system in a reverse direction, lifting the media to flush the accumulated particles down the drain. It also prevents the media from solidifying and reducing efficiency.
What I Like
- Easy to use with the digital control head
- Efficiently backwashes
- Neutralizes water to ensure good health
- High-quality tank
What I Don’t Like
- Requires regular replenishment of media
2. AFWFilters Acid Neutralizer Calcite pH Filter for Well water Treatment 
- Acid Neutralizing Filter System
It features a media that helps neutralize acidic water to pH levels below 6.7 by increasing the pH of the system. The up-flow design also helps in reducing the backwashing that is needed for continuous operation. The patented fiberglass-reinforced in the tank comes with a wearable durable design of calcite neutralizer that effectively corrects the pH sufficient to reach a non-corrosive balance.
Calcite in this acid neutralizer from AFWFilters features calcium carbonate in which the acidic water dissolves slowly to increase the pH and also reduces the potential of copper, lead and other metal compounds that are common in water and may affect your plumbing system.
However, the Calcite has to be replaced periodically to maintain its health. With the Hydroblend SC-605 Scale control system, the neutralizer effectively prevents the accumulation of lime in your pipes and, pumps water heaters.
What I Like
- Reduces the corrosiveness of the acid
- Features calcite that neutralizes acidic water
- Hydroblend removes lime deposits
- Easy to install
What I Don’t Like
- Doesn’t have a fill port
3. Oceanic Water Systems Whole House Water Acid pH Neutralizing System
- Raises pH of water to a non-corrosive equilibrium. Neutralizes Acidic water and helps to prevent...
What’s more, You can manually delay the backwashing using the time clock delayed feature. It comes with a high-quality resin tank made with Fiberglass reinforced panels (FRP) and has the ability to handle a maximum pressure of up to 150 psi and maximum temperature of 120F.
However, this system does not have a dome port for adding more calcite. But on the bright side, it’s not very pricey and you get a system that will raise the water pH to non-corrosive levels efficiently, and on buying it comes already filled with high-quality calcite.
Manufacturers Specs
- Programmable automatic backwashing
- Long-lasting filtration media
- Flow rate: 3.2 GPM
- Electromechanical control valve
- Maximum Pressure: 150 psi
- Maximum temperature: 120F
- Item Weight: 125 pounds
- Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 48 inches
What I Like
- Increases the pH of your water to a non-corrosive equilibrium
- Comes with naturally occurring calcium carbonate
- Fully Automated backwashing.
- Filter Efficiency
- High-quality resin Tank
- Great price point
- Ideal for a home with 1-2 bathrooms.
What I Don’t Like
- Does not come with a plug for adding calcite.
- You’ve to disconnect the plumbing to refill the media
Summary
A high-quality acid neutralizer with tanks made with fiberglass reinforced panels. And it’s a fully automated control valve.
4. Autotrol 263/460TC Acid Neutralizer
What’s more, it has a 10′ X 54′ mineral tank made with polyethylene reinforced with fiberglass. Some other features include an auxiliary backwash booster.
Manufacturer’s Specs
- 263/460TC Control Valve
- mineral tank capacity: 10 x 54 mineral tank 1.5 CU.ft.
- 6-day backwashing timer
- Manufacturer: Autotrol
- Comes with a Carbon Filter
- Mineral Tank made with Polyethylene-lined and Fiberglass
- Auxiliary Backwash Booster
What I Like
- A reputable manufacturer is known for quality.
- High-quality mineral tank
- Great at removing chlorine, smells, and other contaminants.
- Automatic backwashing timer
- Great at removing
- Not very pricey
What I Don’t Like
- Scant information from the manufacturer
Summary
An acid neutralizer with 1.5 CU. ft mineral tank with an automatic control valve with a 6-day backwashing timer.
5. Crystal Quest Whole House Acid Neutralizing Water Filters
Thanks to its 20″ sediment pre-filter, it is able to remove sediments such as sand and silt. It also has a 20″ post-filtration carbon cartridge for removing volatile organic carbon compounds and industrial solvents such as pesticides. years with needing to refill the carbon calcite.
Unfortunately, this system is a bit expensive compared to other systems we have reviewed. However, you should take into consideration that you’re getting both an acid neutralizer and a water softener.
Manufacturers Specs
- 20″ sediment filter cartridge
- Capacity: 750,000 gallons
- Color: Stainless steel
- 20″ solid carbon cartridge
- Automatic backwashing
- Weight: 350 pounds
- 4 Stages of Filtration
- Filtration media: 1.5 cubic feet
What I Like
- Acid neutralizer plus a water softener combo
- Gets rid of lots of contaminants: sediments, volatile organic carbon, insecticides, and pesticides
- Comes with sediment pre-filtration
- Automatic backwashing
- Filtration media dissolves slowly, it will take you up to 2 years to refill
- High-quality mineral and brine tanks
What I Don’t Like
- Expensive
Summary
An acid neutralizer paired with a water softener, and it comes with a pre and post filter. It’s the perfect solution for hard and acidic water.
6. Premier pH-20 Greenflo Calcite Acid Neutralizer Upflow
- Simple in and out pipe connection and no drain required like standard calcite backwash neutralizers.
The Premier pH-20 Greenflow Calcite Acid Neutralizer is designed to neutralize the acid in the water that flows into your home. It features a standard granular activated carbon that offers an excellent de-chlorination medium and aesthetic enhancement to treating chlorinated municipal water. The carbon removes chemicals and a small amount of hydrogen sulfide, iron but only if used behind an oxidizer like air or chlorine.
It comes with a catalytic carbon that is responsible for the removal of hydrogen sulfide and iron from well water. It can also remove chloramines from municipal tap water. It features a Calcite neutralizing medium that is designed to raise the pH of acid water. The Calcite filters utilize the same 5600 valves and an in/out valve. As an acid-neutralizing media for acid water, it also reduces the blue marks that are often left by acid water.
It comes with a filter Ag that works to filter sediments and lasts for longer. This excellent sediment filter is also responsible for iron removal from the water of a neutral pH that has already been treated with aeration or chlorination. It allows for easy backwash and keeps pressure drop to a minimum.
What I Like
- Simples in and out pipe connection for easy installation
- Backwashes easily
- Eliminates acidity
what I Don’t Like
- Calcite bed require periodic replenishing
7. Waterboss Acid-Neutralizing Whole-House Water Filter
The pre-filtration of the water is done by letting water flow through a 20-Inch sediment cartridge to remove silt, sediment, dirt, and sand. The post-filtration, on the other hand, occurs when water flows through a 20-inch solid carbon cartridge to remove volatile organic compounds as well as any remaining industrial solvents, pesticides, and insecticides.
When it comes to neutralizing water, water is allowed to flow through an acid-neutralizing water filtration media or mineral tank that contain a small amount of ERA 6500 and 9500 that is added to help prevent bacteria growth. Water also flows through the SMART Water Filter that contains 2 types of coconut shell Granulated Activated Carbons that are infused with Eagle Redox Alloys 6500 and 9500 and ion exchange resin that is responsible in reducing contaminants such as mercury, lead, chlorine, chloramine, and inorganic products to improve your water and maintain it in a more alkaline pH.
What I Like
- Automatic backwash
- Stainless steel for durability
- Higher grain capacity
What I Don’t Like
- Requires professional installation
Buying Guide
Acidic water has to do with the level of pH. pH is a scale of acidic and alkaline water between 1 to 14. 7 is the midpoint and water at this pH is considered neutral, and anything below the neutral is acidic while anything above neutral is alkaline. In this guide, we are going to look at how we can take care of acidic water and move it back to neutral.
Water becomes acidic when in the process of evaporation and condensation it combines with carbon dioxide to form carbonic acid, so rainwater is normally acidic.
As water penetrates through the rocks, it can become alkaline by coming into contact with alkaline rocks. If groundwater does not come into contact with alkaline rocks it becomes more acidic.
If a well is located in a place where the rock is not alkaline the water will become more acidic. You will need to do something to bring that acidic water back to neutral.
Why you need to treat acidic water
Acidic water is very corrosive, and it damages your home. If you have acidic water you’ll need to treat that water because it destroys your plumbing. Signs of acidic water are when you start noticing blue and green stains all over your sinks and toilet bowls because the acidic water is eating up the copper from inside.
If acidic water is left untreated, the acid water will destroy all your plumbing, and you will start getting pinhole leaks all over the house. Acidic water can also destroy your water heater, pumps, and other hot water-using appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. This is because the hotter the water the more corrosive the water becomes.
How to Treat Acid water
There are several methods for treating acidic water.
- Calcite
- Calcite and corosex
- Soda Ash
- Caustic Soda
1. Calcite
The most common method is using a mineral called calcite. Calcite is a mineral that is very high in alkalinity because it’s mainly made with calcium. As water flows through calcite, Calcium dissolves into the water and raises its pH.
Weaknesses of using calcite
The effectiveness of calcite is dependent on the contact time between water and the mineral.
Calcite can only move pH 1 point. If the water pH is at 6, calcite will get it to 7. You’ve to make sure that you’ve enough calcite depending on the flow rate. The amount of calcite is directly proportional to the flow rate.
2. Calcite and cortex
If you’ve water that is more than one point away from neutral, you’ve to add an additive called corosex (magnesium oxide). Magnesium oxide has the ability to raise the pH several points. You should be careful not to use lots of corosex because it can over-compensate. In addition, too much magnesium in water can act like laxatives (a substance that loosens stools and increases bowel movements). In conclusion, we use calcite if you are one point away from neutral. If you are 1.5 away from neutral we add a little corosex.
3. Soda ash
When the water is between pH 5 and pH 4, you’ve to use soda ash to raise the pH. Soda ash is difficult to handle.
4. Caustic Soda
When water pH is below 4, we use caustic soda. Caustic soda is a very alkaline mineral. Caustic soda has a pH level of 14. Although caustic soda is very effective at moving pH, it’s very corrosive and should be avoided unless you must absolutely use it. It can cause issues such as skin irritation.
Reverse osmosis and pH adjustments
Reverse osmosis tends to drop the pH water by up to one point. This is because it strips alkalinity from water when it takes inorganic minerals with it. Lots of people who use Reverse osmosis like to raise the pH back using calcite cartridges. This type of cartridge is normally inline between the reverse osmosis tank and the faucet to help raise the pH back up.
Adding calcite to an acid neutralizer
Whole house acid neutralizers require at least annual maintenance. This is because the calcite usually dissolves into water in order to raise the pH. Eventually, the calcite in the tank becomes depleted. You’ll need to replenish the calcite usually on an annual basis. The amount of calcite you will need depends on the size of the tank and your flow rate.
Who needs an acid neutralizer?
Who needs an acid neutralizer? Acidic water is normally found in many places. The presence of acidic water depends on the type of rocks that surround you well. Wells that have drilled in bedrocks that are rich in calcium and limestone don’t have acidic water but will have water with high pH.
If the geology of the place you live in doesn’t have natural calcium or limestone in the rocks, you’re going to have acidic water. This is because the acid rainwater will remain acidic as it goes into the underground aquifers.
Some places in the US such as the Northeast have lots of granite rocks, so the underground water is very acidic.
Who needs an acid neutralizer?
Who needs an acid neutralizer? Acidic water is normally found in many places. The presence of acidic water depends on the type of rocks that surround you well. Wells that have drilled in bedrocks that are rich in calcium and limestone don’t have acidic water but will have water with high pH.
If the geology of the place you live in doesn’t have natural calcium or limestone in the rocks, you’re going to have acidic water. This is because the acid rainwater will remain acidic as it goes into the underground aquifers.
Some places in the US such as the Northeast have lots of granite rocks, so the underground water is very acidic. You should have your water tested to determine if you need an acid neutralizer
Does an acid neutralizer make water hard?
One of the minerals that cause water hardness is calcium. And because acid neutralizers raise water’s pH by adding calcium. Will they make the water hard? The truth is that an acid neutralizer trades off corrosive acidic water for slightly hard water. You can solve this challenge by installing a water softener after the acid neutralizer.
Backwashing vs Non-backwashing acid neutralizers
There are two types of whole house calcite systems. The backwashing system uses the normal control valve and mineral tank. It periodically backwashes to clean the media.
The other option is a non-backwashing up-flow system that has a vortex tank. With an up-flow system, you don’t waste water with backwashing.
A backwashing acid neutralizer has a digital control valve which has an electronic timer that can be programmed to backwash typically every 7 days.
The disadvantage of Backwashing Acid Neutralizer System
1. Wastage of water
The biggest drawback of a backwashing system is the amount of water you use to backwash. You might have up to 100 gallons of water going into your septic system per week because of backwashing.
2. Wear and Tear of the control valve
Another drawback of backwashing acid neutralizers is there are many extra maintenance costs down the road because of the wear and tear of the control valve. Although most control valves come with a 5-year manufacturer warranty against defects, at some point you’re going to have to replace parts of the valve such as the motor that moves the pistons up and down. You may also have to replace the digital control spring.
3. Needs for Power
You also need to plug the system into power because it needs the power to run the motors.
4. Expensive
The backwashing system also costs a little bit more than a non-backwashing system. You are going to spend about $200 – $400 more for a backwashing system compared to a non-backwashing system.
Advantage of Non-backwashing system
1. No water wasted
Because the system doesn’t backwash, you save the water used for backwashing. If you live in a place where you’re prone to droughts, you need a non-backwashing system.
2. Easy installation
A non-backwashing system doesn’t require a lot for installation because you just need to connect the inlet and the outlet, and you don’t need power, and you don’t need a drain for discharge.
3. Efficiency
With a non-backwashing system, you get better contact time between the water and media. This is because water has to go down the tank and also come back up. The non-backwashing system also has a bigger tank in which a lot of calcite goes in. Unlike the backwashing system which backwashes after several days, a non-backwashing system cleans the media bed every time you use water.
Wrapping Up
Installing an acid neutralizer in your home is perhaps the most effective and economical way to improve a low pH imbalance of water that flows into your home. The acid in water can create stains that can over time cause damage to your copper water pipes while it can create pin-hole leaks.
So, by installing an acid neutralizer you can significantly slow down or even completely stop the acid problem right at its source. In the long run, this will save you lots of money that you could otherwise use in repairing your expensive fixtures and copper water pipes that may be damaged by the acidic water and you will be drinking safe water.
Installing any of the best acid neutralizers for well water we have reviewed above we believe that it will guarantee you the most neutral water for whole-house use while you limit the damage of your home fixtures and water pipes.