Freije Water Treatment

**Edward Conley** · 11-11-2009, 10:01 AM

So, it has recently come very much to my attention that I need a water softener. Mostly because I just had to de-scale my new El Diablo, after only about 80 hours or so. My question then becomes whether to go with a traditional water softener like you buy from Interlink, or a Freije system from Jon-Don. Does anybody have much experience with these things? If so, do you find that the water from a Freije cleans as well as regular softened water? How do you set it up in your van? Do you attach it to your battery, or do you have a generator in your van that you plug it up to? Any information would be great, because if I have to de-scale my truck again after less than 100 hours, I'm gonna be ticked off.

**rugslayer** · 11-11-2009, 10:16 AM

I installed a unit purchased directly from freji in my house, and use that water for all my cleaning jobs. I haven't noticed any significant difference. I am happy with the quality of the device; imported models are less than 25% of the cost of the unit I bought. I hope others responses will enlighten me. MJ

**Chica** · 11-11-2009, 06:34 PM

The so called induction type softeners are a total scam, it is physically impossible to perform the ion exchanging needed to "soften" water this way. The makers of these gadgets have often been forced (via lawsuits) to stop calling them softeners and re-brand them 'conditioners' because of this.

Yes there are people who swear by them but they are simply willing themselves into believing they work usually due to the money they spent or just because of all the scientific jibberish they have read.

It's human nature.

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**Rafa-L** · 11-11-2009, 09:01 PM

don't know about the latter but I've had a Prochem EZ on-board softener for a few years.....my machine never had to be descaled.

http://www.steam-brite.com/store/pro...g-pi-6256.html

**Scottie** · 11-11-2009, 11:15 PM

Had a freije for years, went with a Blueline softener this time.
NO COMPARISON! A real softener like the Blueline is the ticket.

**joeynbgky** · 11-11-2009, 11:18 PM

get a water stick.. i use them and they are good softeners, you dont have to rejuvenate very often. www.watersticks.com

**gtech12v** · 11-12-2009, 05:14 AM

I have a freije it came with my used Van the person said they paid about $900 it was installed with the Prochem Truckmount but it never work
i call the company and they show me how to check the unit the internal fuse was burn ,paid $1.25 for the fuse
this person came by the house selling water filters i ask him to test the water and it works .for $1.25 I can not complain

**Chica** · 11-12-2009, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by gtech12v

I have a freije it came with my used Van the person said they paid about $900 it was installed with the Prochem Truckmount but it never work
i call the company and they show me how to check the unit the internal fuse was burn ,paid $1.25 for the fuse
this person came by the house selling water filters i ask him to test the water and it works .for $1.25 I can not complain

I have some oceanfront property I will sell you really cheap, it's in AZ

**Chica** · 11-12-2009, 09:32 AM

In all seriousness if anyone is looking for a simple "low cost" softener for their truck that actually works just let me know. I used to work in the industry and know quite a bit about them, some years ago I used to build cell type softeners for car detailers and window washers.

These were portable, manual flush units that do not require any electricity or complex plumbing and take up very little space in your truck. I can vary the size/capacity to fit your needs, the ones I was building could soften 2000-6000gal at mid-range hardness (5-6gr) and can go larger or smaller as you desire.

It's been awhile so I would have to check current pricing on my materials but back in the day I sold them for $400-$800 depending on size. If there is any real interest I can work up some better prices or maybe build a sample for someone to try out.

Anywho... just holla

**Edward Conley** · 11-12-2009, 09:36 AM

Thanks for all the advice guys. I've done a little research since yesterday, and as much as I'd like to support a local company (Freije is only about 45 minutes away from our office), I think I'll go with a traditional water softener. But, since I've never used one of these either, I've got even more questions. Do you guys usually set these up so that it softens the water going into your freshwater tank and fill the tank with soft water? Or do you set it up coming out of your tank, and soften it on demand? Is the automatic recharger worth the extra $300 or so? And how often do you have to recharge them? Finally, who make your favorites? The units most people seem to buy are BLUEline, Prochem, and Hydro-Force...So is there any real difference in these? Or are they all pretty much the same? Sorry guys, I ask a lot of questions, I know. But I do love being informed.

**Scottie** · 11-12-2009, 08:26 PM

I start with a whole house filter.
Then it goes through the softener.
Then it goes trough a fine screen filter to catch any possible loss of media
from the softener.
Then either to the fresh tank or the pump.
I never have any clogs or problems with pumps this way.

**Chadly** · 11-12-2009, 09:02 PM

Are you sure its hard water?????? Did you have problems like this with your old machine?

A friend that runs PowerMatics has problems like this when he doesn't run Formula A+ because of the heating coil. It gets too hot, and cooks the water, and breaks down the junk in the water and detergents. It ends up coating everything in its path.

**Chica** · 11-12-2009, 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by Edward Conley

Do you guys usually set these up so that it softens the water going into your freshwater tank and fill the tank with soft water? Or do you set it up coming out of your tank, and soften it on demand?

In any softener installation it is best to install it as far upstream as able, this way you protect as much of your system as able.

Originally Posted by Edward Conley

Is the automatic recharger worth the extra $300 or so? And how often do you have to recharge them?

Regeneration is a function of your hardness, the softener capacity, and of your flow rate.

The production capability of any softener is based on it's volume combined with your hardness. For instance a system with ~1 cubic foot of media can produce about 2000gal of softened water at ~5gr of hardness. If your water is harder then decrease the total production, if it is softer it can produce more.

Once you know your units production rate you can calculate how often/when regeneration will be needed, using the above if you go through 2000gal a week then you'll regen once per week. Now one thing to keep in mind is that with a single tank system you will be w/o soft water while in regen, you will also need a water supply to feed it and a place to discharge (the latter will kill greenery and can stain concrete).

IMO with a simple system like these an 'auto recharger' is a waste, plus you still need a water supply and place to discharge. May as well save your $.

Originally Posted by Edward Conley

Finally, who make your favorites? The units most people seem to buy are BLUEline, Prochem, and Hydro-Force...So is there any real difference in these? Or are they all pretty much the same?

I can't speak to these systems specifically but in general check for volume of media versus cost, what the system is constructed of (for toughness), if it comes with expensive mounts (you can make on your own) or pre-filter housings (that you can buy local for cheap).

Hands down the best softeners made are by Kinetico, they are twin tank so you always have soft water and auto regen based on flow (no electricity) but they run over $2k new.

(hint- check your local Craigslist for them, people are pulling them out of their houses and selling to try and pay the mortgage)

**Chica** · 11-12-2009, 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by Scottie

I start with a whole house filter.
Then it goes through the softener.
Then it goes trough a fine screen filter to catch any possible loss of media
from the softener.
Then either to the fresh tank or the pump.
I never have any clogs or problems with pumps this way.

Yup, always use a pre & post filter and you will increase equipment life while reducing stress.