Why put Calcium Ex in the water und what is the effect?
Each water contains different dissolved substances in different concentrations. These are calcium and magnesium as well as sulphates. These substances are responsible for the hardness of the water. In addition, the water also contains metals such as iron, copper and manganese. All these substances are present in the water in ionized form. These substances can settle due to the heating and turbulence of the water.
In the case of calcium and magnesium, solid limescale deposits adhering to the pipes and the tub shell can settle. These limescale deposits serve as food and a base for bacteria as well as fats and oils from the skin and cosmetics. Biofilms can form very quickly. Biofilms are formed by bacteria and protect them from disinfectants.In addition, the hardness forming ions together with soap residues can form the so-called lime soaps. These are greasy deposits that are very difficult to dissolve.
When Lotus Clean Calcium Ex is used, the calcium and magnesium complex the molecules. This means that they receive a different molecular structure during the transition from the ionized form to the solid form. They can then no longer adhere to the pipe walls. The formation of deposits in the pipelines can thus be prevented. The limestone is filtered out.
Metals in the water can lead to discoloration and turbidity. Complexing with Calcium Ex prevents this and the metals can also be filtered out.
Summary:
Calcium Ex does not soften the water, but it prevents deposits from forming and the water from becoming discoloured or cloudy.
Why Calcium Ex sometimes fails and therefore the pH has to be adjusted.
The formation of limestone is a crystallization effect. It can happen that at some turbulent point in the pipelines a first crystal is formed by the outgassing of carbon dioxide. It can then grow very quickly. Depending on the water hardness and pH value, this growth can happen very quickly. Sometimes too fast for the Calcium Ex. Then there is not enough time to connect with the limestones and the limestone settles in the pipes. Therefore, the pH value should always be adjusted when using Calcium Ex.
Water hardening and Calcium Ex
Since a lot of water evaporates during bathing and therefore water is topped up, new hardness forming ions permanently enter the water. This hardens the water. This can also lead to lime precipitation later on.
Which ways are there to avoid limestone?
- Adjust the pH value in the range between 6.5 and 6.8.
- For very hard water, lower the pH to 5.0 every 6 to 8 weeks for two days. This dissolves existing limescale deposits. The whirlpool can still be used because the skin has a pH value of 5.0
- Use Calcium Ex. For very hard water use our Lotus Clean Calc Down Pad.
What can I do if the pH value is set too low and does not rise by itself?
To increase the pH-value you can use any standard pH-lifter. We do not offer a pH-lifter, because our agents (in contrast to chlorine) do not lower the pH-value and you almost never need a pH-lifter. If you don't have a pH-lifter at home, you can also use sodium hydrogen carbonate - also known as baking soda.
Why is there a difference between chlorine products and Lotus Clean products?
Chlorine products usually contain cyanuric acid to stabilize the chlorine. This cyanuric acid remains in the water and accumulates there. Cyanuric acid is therefore a pH reducer and automatically lowers the pH value. The problem: the more chlorine you add to the water, the higher the cyanuric acid content of the water becomes. Therefore, after some time the pH value starts to decrease and has to be raised again permanently. The water also becomes corrosive quickly due to the acid and can destroy metal and plastic parts.
The Lotus Clean products do not contain acid. On the contrary. Lotus Clean Shock is strongly alkaline. At first this has the disadvantage that the pH-value has to be lowered more often than with chlorine-containing products. On the other hand, the pH value remains stable later. The water is not corrosive because it does not contain acid. And this should not only be advantageous for the whirlpool but also for your skin.
Can I lower the pH value in one step or do I have to lower it in small steps?
When using Lotus Clean products you can lower the pH in one step. When using chlorine products with cyanuric acid (organic chlorine), you need to lower the pH in small steps. The reason: lowering the pH also automatically lowers alkalinity (total alkalinity). Lowering the pH in small steps is an attempt not to lower alkalinity. The alkalinity of chlorine products must not be too low because it buffers the acid in the water. Since Lotus Clean products do not bring any acid into the water, no high alkalinity is required.