djweaver

I've got really hard water and it always leaves spots on hot days.

I just ordered one of these. Has anyone ever tried this thing?

Car Wash Water Softner Filter

Conedodger

Seems pretty pricey. You can buy a filter housing like that at Lowes for about $20. They already stated that the refills are only $5. So for $25 you are good to go.

I have a whole house water softener and it does help keep the car spot free.

wanabe

and some guys buy the mr. clean for its filter...

tcho82

I've been using Meguiars NXT car wash, it seems to have a built in water softener chemical. It helps with the spots. As long as I give it a good dry after the wash, I dont get spots. I'm not washing in the sun either. I've had great results with it.

Incubus

I think that washing in the shade and drying immediately play bigger roles than product when water spots are concerned.

tcho82

I agree, but the difference is noticeable. You can see that the surface is more "slick" after the wash with the Meguiars. The water sheets off much more rapidly. And you can see the water "fly" for lack of a better word, off the windshield. If you've ever used the Mr Clean car wash system you'd know what I mean. Its not as good as the mr clean system, in terms of not having to dry the car off and have a spot free wash, but the car wash does indeed minimize the spotting, compared to if I used a normal car wash. I've tried alot of them out there, and so far this has been my favorite.

djweaver

I thought about the Mr. Clean version. But seemed that you'd need to recharge it about every 6 washes with a replacement filter for $10.00. And reviews said that the water pressure was kind of low using the filter. Probably worse for someone like me with a well and low pressure to begin with

This filter says you get about 100 washes for $5.00. For me that's a couple of years. For you guys perhaps a couple of months

RE: Make it yourself at Loew's - Let me know if you go this route. I think that's where I'll end up for recharges of Softening Salts or whatever they recharge this thing with.

Conedodger

I would like to hear more about this after you get it. Is it a simple filter cartridge inside? Or is it more involved? I may have jumped the gun on the Lowes comment if it is more than just a filter.

ade73

Similar to these from the UK that get good reviews. Come in 2 levels.

Aqua Gleam

Id say give the car a good hose down when you finish washing then use a water blade such as AutoGlym Hi-Tech flexi water blade and MF the rest up as quick as you can.

whykit

What is "hard water", and what does the water softener do exactly?

Thanks
~Kit