Each water contains different dissolved substances in varying concentrations.
These are calcium and magnesium as well as sulphates. These substances are responsible for the hardness of the water. In addition, metals such as iron, copper and manganese are also found in the water.
All these substances are present in the water in ionised form. These substances can be settled by the heating and turbulence of the water.
In the case of calcium and magnesium, solid lime deposits adhering to the pipes and the tub shell can settle. These lime deposits serve as food and as an adhesive base for bacteria as well as fats and oils from skin and cosmetics. Biofilms can form very quickly. Biofilms are formed by bacteria and protect them from disinfectants.
Furthermore, 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 using "Calcium Ex", the molecules are complexed by calcium and magnesium. This means that when they change from the ionized form to the solid form they get a different molecular structure. 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 clouding. This is prevented by complexing with Calcium Ex and the metals can also be filtered out.
Why the Calcium Ex sometimes fails and therefore the pH value must be adjusted anyway
The formation of limestone is a crystallization effect. It can happen that a first crystal is formed at some turbulent place in the pipelines by the outgassing of carbon dioxide. It can then grow very quickly. Depending on water hardness and pH-value this growth can happen very fast. Sometimes too fast for the Calcium Ex. There is not enough time for it to form a connection 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
As a lot of water evaporates during bathing and therefore water is refilled, new hardness forming ions are constantly entering the water. This hardens the water. This can also lead to lime precipitation later on.
What are the ways to avoid limestone?
- Adjust the pH value in the range between 6.5 and 6.8.
- If the water is very hard, lower the pH value to 5.0 every 6 to 8 weeks for two days. This will dissolve existing lime deposits. You can still use the whirlpool because the skin has a pH value of 5.0.
- Use Calcium Ex.
- For very hard water use our Calc Down Pads.
What can I do if the pH-value is set too low and does not rise by itself?
To raise the pH-value you can use any commercial pH-lifter. We do not offer a pH-lifter, because our products (unlike chlorine) do not lower the pH-value and you almost never need pH-lifter. If you don't have a pH-lifter at home, you can also use sodium hydrogen carbonate - also known as baking soda, soda for food.
Chlorine products usually contain cyanuric acid to stabilize the chlorine. This cyanuric acid remains in the water and accumulates there. The cyanuric acid is therefore a pH reducer and automatically lowers the pH value. The problem: the more chlorine you put into the water, the higher the cyanuric acid content of the water becomes. Therefore, after some time the pH-value starts to sink and you have to raise it again permanently. The water also becomes quickly corrosive by the acid and can damage metal and plastic parts.
Lotus Clean products do not contain acid. On the contrary. The Lotus Clean Shock is strongly alkaline. This has the disadvantage in the first time that the pH-value has to be lowered more often than with chlorine-containing agents. On the other hand the pH-value remains stable later. The water is not corrosive because it contains no acid. And this should not only be an advantage 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 several 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 must lower the pH in small increments. The reason: Lowering the pH value also automatically lowers the alkalinity (Total Alkalinity). Lowering the pH value 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 no acid is brought into the water with Lotus Clean products, high alkalinity is not necessary.