3M / Aqua-Pure Advanced Acid / pH Neutralizer

• Balanced pH — Automatically adjusts pH of acid water for reduced corrosion
• No Backwashing Required — Since the calcite media dissolves into the water, there is no need to ever backwash the system
• Effortless Operation — No timer, electricity, or drain required for the system to function
• Easy Maintenance — Requires only periodic refilling of the calcite media into the included fill port
• Quick & Easy Tank Inspection — Semi-transparent tank permits inspection of the media level without disassembly

How do I know if my water is acidic?

Acidic water is defined as having a pH level below 7.0. A pH of 7.0 is neutral, and pH levels above 7.0 are alkaline.

What is the recommended pH level for household water?

While a pH of 7.0 is exactly neutral, we suggest a pH of 7.2-7.5 as a buffer against variations in the raw water pH. This way, if the raw water pH dips down for any reason, the treated water will still be at or above 7.0 pH. We do not recommend going above 8.5-9.0 pH (overcorrected) as high, alkaline pH levels can make the water taste chalky or medicinal.

How does 3M's acid neutralizer increase the pH level?

The calcium carbonate (calcite) media in the system dissolves in acidic water, chemically altering the pH (in the same way that an antacid tablet works).

Does the acid neutralizer increase hardness?

Calcium carbonate is one of the minerals related to hardness, so hardness will increase relative to the increase in pH. Typically, we see an increase of 1-5 grains per gallon, so we do suggest a water softener be installed after an acid neutralizer if the original hardness is 4+ GPG.

How often do I need to add the calcite media?

The amount of calcite used will depend on the volume of water used and the raw water pH, but typically it should be added once or twice a year at a volume of 8-16 pounds (representing about 2-4" of media loss in the tank).

How is an up-flow acid neutralizer different from the down-flow type?

Up-Flow neutralizers require no power to operate and do not require flushing or drains. They are good for situations where you have regular water use (full time occupancy of a home, for example) and relatively clean and clear water. They are also ideal for locations that do not have access to a nearby drain or electrical supply. They have no moving parts, and thus require little maintenance beyond adding the calcite periodically. Down-Flow (or Backwashing) units are used when the water is dirty and cloudy (since Up-Flow neutralizers cannot flush out any debris that might build up) or in lower, intermittent water usage (such as vacation homes) in order to keep the media from sitting and sticking together (or cementing, as it is called).