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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. SAFETY MEASURES
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Please read this User Manual before installation and follow it carefully during installation and operation. It contains
all the necessary information about precautions during installation, operation and maintenance of the device.
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Proper installation and operation of the device in accordance with the User Manual ensures failure-free, effective
and long operating life.
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The device is designed to reduce water hardness and may only be used for this purpose.
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The device should installed by a qualified person.
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The device should be transported vertically. Do not place it on the side because it may cause damage.
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Keep this User Manual.
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The device was manufactured according to the latest applicable safety requirements.
1.2. WATER SOFTENING
According to the currently binding Regulation of the Minister of Health on the quality of water intended for human
consumption, total hardness of water in Poland should be between 60 and 500 mg CaCO3/dm³ of water. Water with
hardness not exceeding 75 mg CaCO3/dm³ is considered to be very soft. Water of general hardness from 300 to over
500 mg CaCO3/dm³ is considered to be hard and very hard.
There are two types of water hardness, which together form so-called overall hardness. The first type is carbonate
hardness: it comes from carbonates and calcium and magnesium bicarbonates. These compounds form sediment
when precipitated from water. This type of hardness may be removed during thermal water treatment. Carbonate
hardness is also known as transient hardness. The second type is non-carbonate hardness, also called non-transient
hardness. It is caused by presence of substances such as: chlorides, nitrates, sulphates, soluble salts, including cal-
cium and magnesium.
A high degree of hardness in potable water greatly influences life and environment of its users. Hardness has large impact
on water surface tension. The greater the tension, the more difficult it becomes to moisten different types of surfaces. It
is therefore more difficult to clean bathroom and kitchen fittings. Consumption of detergents and even cosmetics, such
as soap, hair shampoo, etc. increases. It, in turn, results in higher costs and has a negative impact on the environment.
In addition, sediment precipitated during thermal water treatment may lead to faster wear and tear of household
appliances that come into contact with water, such as: washing machines, dishwashers, kettles. By using hard water,
washed fabrics lose their original colour and become rough. Beverages and dishes prepared on the basis of hard water
may lose their value.
Hard water can have direct, adverse effect on a human body. Individuals susceptible to kidney stones should pay parti-
cular attention to high water hardness. Besides, hard water has negative effect on skin and hair condition. People with
hypersensitive skin will be particularly affected by the issue.
Water with hardness exceeding 200 mg/CaCO3/dm³ causes limestone build-up in water supply and heating systems.
It results in significant energy losses. Hard water may also adversely affect plants grown in the household: they may
look unattractive or even die.