WorldPeace
Member
On this forum, people have strongly recommended using the Hach 5B Hardness Test Kit to measure the hardness of water. The determined hardness is used to calculate the size of the water softener. However, Inspectapedia, a reputable website (that's used for building and environmental inspections) states:
So, is the more expensive Hach 5B test necessary or even appropriate? It seems that the Hach 5B test is used to measure the amount of only calcium so strip tests would probably be better when measuring water hardness since water softeners act upon both magnesium and calcium. Using the Hach 5B number would undersize the water softener since the resin would adsorb both calcium ions as well as magnesium ions. Is this right?
I also noticed that Sears offer free water hardness testing and water analysis. They will provide a free sterile bottle or you can use your own. So, that's another safe alternative for people.
A difference between this calcium test using the dropcount titration method and total hardness test kits that use a test strip is that the test strips only measure total water hardness - which is perfectly fine for examining a residential water supply.
So, is the more expensive Hach 5B test necessary or even appropriate? It seems that the Hach 5B test is used to measure the amount of only calcium so strip tests would probably be better when measuring water hardness since water softeners act upon both magnesium and calcium. Using the Hach 5B number would undersize the water softener since the resin would adsorb both calcium ions as well as magnesium ions. Is this right?
I also noticed that Sears offer free water hardness testing and water analysis. They will provide a free sterile bottle or you can use your own. So, that's another safe alternative for people.