Soft water, what on earth is that? If you are unclear on the subject or have never heard of the difference in the two water types, let’s clearly explain the difference between ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ waters so that you have a good understanding between the two. The process of creating ‘soft’ water involves replacing hard water minerals such as calcium and magnesium with other minerals like sodium that make water ‘soft’. This process leaves behind salts and while you may not have changed the total quantity of minerals in the water, you will have exchanged them with minerals that are more soluble, allowing for the sodium to dissolve into the water to some extent.
This all means that while your portable evaporative cooler operates and the water evaporates, it leaves behind a scale when using hard water and a soft powder residue that dissolves almost totally when using soft water. This scale or residue is removed by spraying down the unit, or wiping it clean but it adds to the maintenance requirements needed. An easy method to prevent the regular maintenance issues is to attach a flush-hose to the system.
Connecting the bleeder, or flush hose to your unit is simple, just attach the hose to the nipple found at the base of the pump and the bleeder will siphon off any of the excess scale or residue that will accumulate. If the residue is not bled off, it will build up and clog the pump, causing premature failure of the unit.
Advantages of using soft water with an evaporative cooler are;
- Cleaner water circulating through the system.
- Soft water is much better for the cooler’s pump and reduces wear.
- Soft water also minimizes the unit’s service and maintenance needs.
- Reduces problems with algae and biofilm.
- Reduces scale buildup that can clog the unit