I am building a new garage with an indoor wash bay and I would like to install a permanent water deionization filter - what brand would you recommend?

Also, if I have a permanently mounted high pressure wand, would you suggest that I have a bypass switch wired to the deionization filter? That would enable me to only use the filter for post-wash rinsing.

 

The only compact system on the market that actually works is the cr spotless. They have a high output system DIW-20 that would be perfect for your application.

 

I would imagine the inital cost of a commercial-style setup would be significantly more up front but could be cheaper and more efficient in the long run compared to the small capacity of a CR system and limited span of those cartridges. However, I'm not sure of the exact costs and maintenance of the larger setups.

 

I agree! The CRSpotless is a fantastic system. I have a client who just had one put in his new garage (he named it his D!Tailing garage) and he loves it! Especially with his Black M6!

D!

 

For a typical DIYer, the resin in the cr lasts about 4-6 months. At $65 a refill, it's quite economical. Here's a breakdown of TDS and output:

Input TDS Level Expected Yield (# of Gallons)

50 ppm............. 1600 gallons
100 ppm............. 800 gallons
200 ppm............. 400 gallons
400 ppm............. 200 gallons

 

Just too many potential factors to give one answer.

I have the smaller CR unit, have relatively hard water, and like to use it for the entire wash. With that combination of factors, the CR does not last very long and isn't overly cost effective.

On the other hand, I previously had access to a 300 gallon tank we filled with RO water for $25 (delivered), but it requires space for tank, pressure washer, etc. If I had space, this is definitely the setup I would have again (or one very similar).

Just my experience

 

I use a high pressure washer wand with my DI...it actually uses less water to wash the same amount, saving you DI resin in the long run.

 

excellent point...a typical pressure washer has an output of 1.5 gpm, and the high-output cr has an output of 4.5 gpm. By hooking the cr to a pressure washer, you now limit the unit's output to 1.5 gpm, almost tripling the life of the resin. A good pressure washer from lowes or home depot should run you $150 and is quite sufficient for the DIYer.

 

I have a CRSpotless and love it, the only way to wash the car..

 

After a quick google search, I found this item:

http://www.portablewaterdi.com/deionizers.php

Do you see any problems using "Mixed Bed Deionizer Business Model" unit for rinsing?

Thanks,
Rick

 

Yes.. that unit will work. Same concept as the cr. The cr high-output system has .33 cubic feet of resin and the unit you're considering has .25 cubic feet. But at $299, it's not a bad deal. I think the cr looks better though and is a much cleaner setup. I don't think this unit comes with a built-in tds meter, the cr does.

I don't think you can go wrong either way. If you'd like the cr unit, i'll take 10% off for you and give you free shipping as well

 

Did you ever get the portable di system?