Frequently asked questions
Everything about how Aqua Conditioners work, choosing the right model, maintenance, and how they compare to salt softeners and RO.
How it works
How does an Aqua Conditioner work?+
It uses physics and chemistry together. Water contacts a patented alloy core engineered to create turbulence, exposing the mineral crystals to the metals in the core. A galvanic (electro-chemical) reaction reduces the minerals' electrical charge (zeta potential) so they flocculate into a colloid and stay in solution, much like milk, instead of forming scale.
Does a conditioner actually soften water?+
Yes. Because the characteristics (electrical charge) of the minerals change, the surface tension of the water is reduced, giving you softer, "wetter" water. The TDS stays the same, but the minerals are made inert so they no longer scale.
What happens to the fine, non-sticking deposits?+
These nano-sized crystals flow through an open system in colloidal suspension, settle at the lowest point (where they can be flushed in a maintenance program), or are easily filtered downstream. Any residue left on a surface wipes away easily.
Why do plants grow better with conditioned water that still contains minerals?+
Plants need the minerals (RO water is not healthy for them). Conditioning makes irrigation water softer, keeps minerals in solution so they don't crust on the soil, lets water absorb and penetrate deeper for stronger roots, and helps fertiliser mix better.
Selecting your model
Will the conditioner affect water pressure or flow rate?+
No, provided you select the correct size for your application. All you need to know is the flow rate of the system where you want to install it. That is exactly what we help you confirm.
What if the flow rate is higher or lower than rated?+
If flow drops dramatically the unit may work at slightly reduced efficiency. With higher flow the only trade-off is some pressure drop at the outlet, and the harder the conditioner works, the better the result.
My flow is between 18 and 34 LPM, which model?+
If pressure isn't critical, choose the AC18 (avg 18 LPM): it works harder at higher flow and costs less. If pressure is critical, choose the AC34, which also works at lower flow.
Is the location of the conditioner in the system important?+
Yes, placement matters. We guide you on the right position for your setup so you get a definite water-to-alloy contact and the best result.
Is there a separate conditioner for a submersible pump?+
No, our conditioners can be installed on any system, including submersible-pump and gravity-fed setups.
Do you provide installation guidance and BOQ?+
Yes. Showers are a 5-minute DIY job; bathroom, home and building units are fitted inline by any plumber using standard BSPP fittings. A BOQ is available on request for larger jobs, and selecting the correct conditioner is our job to help you do.
Maintenance & lifespan
Does the alloy core need to be replaced?+
No. The alloy element is not a sacrificial anode, so it never needs replacing. We still have conditioners working today that were installed over 30 years ago.
Does it require ongoing maintenance?+
No. Once installed, the conditioner needs no ongoing maintenance. Selected correctly, it will never require maintenance, we simply suggest an optional annual clean of the core.
Does it need electricity or earthing?+
No. A conditioner uses no electricity and does not need to be earthed. It can be installed above or below ground.
Do salt softeners and RO plants need maintenance?+
Yes, they require replacement parts, and salt softeners need regular refilling with bags of salt. An Aqua Conditioner has none of these running costs.
Results & comparisons
Will existing scale be removed, and how long does it take?+
Once installed, the conditioner begins reversing scale build-up immediately. How long full removal takes depends on the thickness, hardness and type of scale, the distance from the unit, and the volume of water, scale that took years to form can take a similar time to clear.
What major advantages over salt softeners and RO plants?+
Chemical-free, salt-free, maintenance-free, no moving parts, no electricity cost, and eco-friendly drainage. A conditioner can even be installed as pre-treatment ahead of a softener or RO to improve their performance.
How do I remove the suspended nano-particles if I want to?+
The only way to fully strip minerals from water is reverse osmosis, but that removes all minerals and nutrients, leaving water essentially suitable for car batteries. Conditioning keeps the healthy minerals while stopping the scaling.
Will it work on very hard water (1000+ ppm)?+
Yes. The conditioner is designed for exactly this. We have systems installed on underground mining equipment where the water TDS exceeds 400,000 ppm, no matter how hard the water, it will make a difference.
Are there minerals it cannot condition?+
The alloy makes a difference to all the minerals found in water. We are not aware of any that have been extremely troublesome.
Can it remove odour or colour from water?+
On its own a conditioner may help, for example, with high-iron borewater, staining was reduced and easier to wipe away. For odour and colour we pair the conditioner with appropriate filtration.
In a steam boiler, what happens to the nano-particles?+
In a recirculating system you install the conditioner in the loop so the water is conditioned every pass, the more often it is treated, the better. The minerals may collect at the lowest point or flow through the system.
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