Steps to Re-plaster a Pool

Owning a pool is a big investment not only for your money but your time and energy in order to properly maintain its beauty for many years to come. Over time, even with excellent care you will notice the bottom of the pool will become rough, bumpy and even sharp in certain areas. It will become time to replace the pool plaster finish not only for the appearance but to keep it safe to use for yourself and your pool guests.

What and When to Plaster

Simply, plastering a pool means adding a new layer of plaster on the walls and bottom of the pool. The reason for doing this is to make the pool waterproof since when it is first originally installed by your professional pool contractors, the pool is created from either concrete or gunite to form the outside “shell”. These two materials’ biggest problem is they are porous and will not hold water over time and the pool would continuously need to be filled up over time. A solution to this is for an installer to add a half-inch thick layer of plaster. It will not only become a barrier for the water but also give the water appearance and beautiful blue hue with a smooth surface, so the look and feel are preferable. No plaster is designed to last forever, depending on the correct maintenance and use the pool plaster will remain intact anywhere between seven and twenty years.

Risks That Increase with Neglect

So, what happens if the pool is not cleaned/ taken care of on a regular basis? If a pool is not properly maintained during its life, there are many factors that the plaster will affect that can be very costly down the road. First, you may notice new stains appearing to the surface due to certain minerals that may be contained in the pool water such as iron or copper that can often give a green/ brown tint. Although this issue is only aesthetic, it can be quite frustrating to deal with after spending so much time and money to keep it looking clean and fresh. The next issue that will occur will be the surface will form lumps, bumps, and scratching spots on the surface which will cause concern for swimmers to not get scraped when jumping and swimming around. The bumps may not be too uncomfortable but in the long term, they will make the pool harder to clean and a place that algae will find and grow on. Lastly, the largest danger is it can affect the integrity of the pool structure. As discussed earlier, the plaster is a protective layer that keeps the pool waterproof, if the plaster wears away, water will seep into the concrete or gunite causing even larger problems.

Alternatives for Re-plaster

If re-plastering your pool is not something that you have the time or budget currently for there are serval of options to help resolves some of your plaster issues but keep in mind, most are only temporary fixes and can be even more expensive than doing the actual re-plastering. One option is to do a patching job. If areas of the plaster are beginning to feel rough this option would eliminate that but not only is this a temporary solution, but the patch materials will never completely match the plaster which will make it unsightly as well. Another solution for removing pool stains is to perform an acid wash. It’s a quick fix for the stain but it does not help in any way with preserving the plaster. In fact, the acid wash will damage the plaster further so its best to only use this method if the aesthetics are a necessity to you. If money is no object when repairing the pool, installing tile can be a great decision since the material is incredibly strong and beautiful to look at. The pricing may surprise you, however, ranging anywhere between $75-$100 per square foot.

Pound Pool Plastering offers several options when it comes to servicing your pool including plaster, caulk, tiling, cement decks, plumbing, and coping in both commercial and residential settings.  More information can be found at https://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Saving Money with Bathroom Design and Remodeling Ideas

After years of dreaming of a luxurious spa retreat that you could come home to each day, you have finally decided to make that dream a reality. The first order of business is figuring out your budget. Bathroom remodels can scale in cost by a large range depending on the upgrades you want. If $20,000 seems too far out of reach, that doesn’t mean you can’t still create a relaxing new space to unwind in. There are plenty of ways to renovate your bathroom while staying on budget: 

Size of Renovation vs. Budget

One of the main reasons homeowners decide to upgrade and renovate a bathroom is because the resale value of your home will significantly increase. You may be able to recoup a large portion of costs when selling your home, sometimes as high as 100%. If your budget is on the smaller side ($1,000 or less), it may be wise to make cosmetic changes such as a new sink, paint, or fixtures. If your budget allows for more, upgrade the materials in choice pieces and consider hiring a professional contractor to complete the job.

Saving on Tile

Tile is an expensive material to purchase and pricing can continue to increase when hiring a licensed contractor for the project. One easy way to save money is to limit the amount of tile used and to only install it in specific areas such as the floor rather than the entire shower walls. Another idea is to add one horizontal strip of tile inside the shower and paint the rest. If your vision is stuck on having an expensive tile, try using it as an accent alongside a more inexpensive tile to make the luxurious ones really stand out while saving money in your pocket. 

Countertop Savings

By popular demand, granite countertops are the most sought-after material in bathrooms and kitchens. Bathroom counter space is a much smaller area compared to kitchens, so your budget may be a little more flexible. The first way to save in countertops is by choosing a color. The most popular color preferences are neutral colors like tan, brown, beige. The higher the demand, the more expensive they will be to purchase. Try to consider and price out a variety of different colors to find the right price point for your budget needs. Another way to save money when purchasing granite is to buy a slab that may contain small imperfections. The larger the imperfection, the lower the price. Keep in mind, if the defect is located where the sink or faucet will be, you won’t see the flaw after the install. 

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan, specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services. More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.

Common Causes for Pool Plaster Issues

A pool’s plaster interior finish is created for two reasons; to create an appealing water feature that accents your home’s beauty and to protect the integrity and structure of the pool. Pool plaster prevents water from leaking through into the concrete, which could damage the building materials inside the pool’s shell structure. Keeping your pool plaster in good condition is key to the pool’s overall strength and longevity. However, even the most well-maintained pools will eventually show aging and signs of degradation in the plaster, which is a perfectly normal occurrence. With proper care and routine treatments, the life span of 7 to 10 years can be expected for traditional marcite plaster. The timeline can be extended an additional five years if the finish includes a quartz aggregate blend. Even a high-quality plaster finish that is professionally applied to a pool can still have complications occur, sometimes as soon as a few months or a few years after being built. Next, we will discuss common issues found with pool plaster such as streaks, stains, erosion and why they occur.

Pool Water Chemistry

One of the leading causes of plaster corrosion is improper pool water chemistry. Corrosion can occur when a new pool is filled up for the first time or if a large amount of water is added to a pool due to evaporation. Perhaps, water is added outside of your control, such as a big downfall of rain, which, for sure, will change the levels of pH, chlorine, and alkalinity. If and when these events occur, your pool levels will need to be monitored and adjusted to the correct amounts so as not to damage the plaster.

Objects Entering the Pool

Another item that can inadvertently get added to your pool that will change its chemistry is any organic matter such as grass, leaves, plants, or even flower pollen. Not only can it change the water chemistry but it also can cause staining to the plaster in only a few short hours. Other man-made objects can cause damage as well; fertilizer, for example, that can be blown into the pool has iron-rich minerals that can create dime-sized rust spots along the interior sides of the pool. In general, items that contain metal can also leave rust stains throughout the plaster, such as lost coins or hairpins from past swimmers.

Address the Problem Before Significant Damage Occurs

If you believe there is a problem starting to occur with your pool plaster, don’t ignore it! Once an issue begins and if left unattended, the damage will be more challenging to handle. Before trying to do any DIY fixes, it is advised to consult with a professional plaster company that specializes in the repair. You may need to take a few pictures of the damage and send them to a pool contractor where they can then guide you with advice or they may need to make an appointment to assess the damage in person. Simple fixes can be applied if the damage is caught early on, such as brushing out stains or rebalancing the water’s chemistry. If the problem can not be resolved with a quick fix, the pool may need to be drained or partially drained for hand sanding or for an acid wash to be completed. If all else fails and the damage is too extensive for repair, it will ultimately need a complete and costly replaster of the pool.

Pound Pool Plastering serves both commercial and residential settings and provides a variety of selections to service your pool, including plaster, caulk, tiling, cement decks, and plumbing. More information can be found at https://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.



How Expensive Is LASIK?

Choosing a procedure such as LASIK comes with many questions and concerns that should be considered carefully. It is essential to consult with a LASIK surgeon and be sure that you are a good candidate for the surgery. A lingering question in your mind, of course, will be, “How much does LASIK cost?” In 2019, the average cost for LASIK surgery was about $2,246 per eye. This is an out-of-pocket expense for most vision insurance plans don’t cover LASIK because it is considered a cosmetic procedure and not medically necessary. Below we will further discuss factors that influence the costs of LASIK and tips on how to prepare financially for this investment for your eyes.

Key Cost Factors for LASIK

Several factors should be considered when budgeting the expense of LASIK surgery. The surgeon’s experience and reputation are one. The more experience a surgeon has may affect the cost of the procedure, and you need to determine if this is worth the extra cost. Also, the type of laser technology used to perform the correction can cause a swing in costs. Traditional treatment options that have been used since the 1990s may cost less than some of the newer advancements, such as custom wavefront technology. Lastly, your overall eye condition will also be a factor that is taken into consideration during the quoting process. A person may be quoted a higher price than someone else due to having a stronger prescription level and more impaired vision. No matter the surgeon or technology you decide is best for you, always do the research required and choose the option that you feel 100% comfortable with.

Use Caution with LASIK Bargains & Deals

It can be tempting to shop for the best deal and choose an option based solely on price but beware of something that sounds too good to be true. Often in media, it is advertised for LASIK for lower than $1000 per eye or less, but typically, you may be surprised to find that there may be additional costs that are not displayed as clearly. It is highly advised at your initial consultation to ask your surgeon for a written quote that itemizes everything included in the offer. Read the fine print and ask if there are additional fees for follow up visits, glasses, and post medications. Another warning regarding bargain LASIK procedures, their “solution” may not resolve all of your corrective issues with your eyes. If you have a mild condition, this may work out for you. Remember always to read the fine print and ask questions until you fully understand the entire process.

Financing Options for LASIK

Although there may not be an easy way around cutting costs for LASIK surgery, there are plenty of options available to help make payments more manageable and affordable. Many patients choose to pay for their procedure overtime at a monthly rate with finance companies that sometimes can offer deals with no-interest or special limited-time offers. Some employers offer subsidized health plans that can cover a portion of elective corrective LASIK costs, so be sure to investigate if this is available to you.  Another great option when preplanning is the use of a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA). If you are part of the military, there is a possibility that LASIK is free or at a discounted rate. No matter your situation, it is important to research all of your options before committing. The professionals at Rohr Eye and Laser Center are always happy to answer any of your questions and they will help you come up with a solution that will be sure to make your LASIK experience enjoyable.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  For more information, visit our website at https://michiganlasik.com.



Event Planning Vs. Event Coordinating

The event industry is constantly changing and continues to grow in popularity as people’s lives are on overdrive. They can’t take the extra time to plan an upcoming event, or they don’t need the added stress. Often, in this line of work, there are several terms used that are misunderstood or defined loosely. Certain words or even job titles can mean different things to different people. An easy example of this is the word “event” in which some people will interpret it to be a birthday party, business conference, wedding, sporting game, and the list goes on. These varying descriptions can be confusing in the event industry and so can job titles, such as “event planner” verse “event coordinator.” What is it precisely that separates these two careers?

Choosing an Event Planner

No matter the type of event you are in the process of planning, whether it is a social or corporate gathering, an event planner is not a “party planner.” Throwing a grand party may seem like the profession’s main job goal but it’s not nearly as simple as that. The first step in event planning is to visualize the big picture and understand the purpose of the occasion and how to achieve it. The planner oversees making critical decisions such as who, what, where, when, and why factors of the event. An event planner communicates directly with the customer to incorporate their vision to create an affair that aligns with the client’s needs and budget. After the initial meeting, the planner will select a venue, entertainment, and discuss menu options, among other things. This career holds a considerable amount of responsibilities to ensure that the event is everything the customer is expecting.

Hiring an Event Coordinator

A coordinator, on the other hand, is responsible in making sure all the details are carried out smoothly with each vendor showing up on time and that they provide the services correctly. This specific job is typically a milestone in becoming an event planner down the line. An event coordinator requires skills such as excellent written and verbal communication and the ability to work well with others since the central portion of their job is to collaborate with vendors, their clients, and guests at the party. Once an event planner has completed the vision of the event, the coordinator can step in and provide management to the individual components to guarantee it goes smoothly. Event coordinators are hired for specific lengths of time during the planning process, whether it’s from day one of planning or if needing extra assistance on the actual day for several hours.

Which Professional to Select

Although the two roles are very different from each other, they often work hand in hand. As discussed earlier, many event planners early on are trained as event coordinators and depending on the level of expertise your event requires will help you decide which option will be best for your needs. Both professions have similar skill sets; well organized, creative, and can work well under pressure. No matter if an item turns up missing or a vendor is running late, or if an outdoor event has a sudden downpour of rain – your professional will be able to help guide your event to a successful and memorable day.  

 Event Planning DC provides full event planning, partial event planning, wedding planning, month-of (day-of) event coordination, event styling/design, and decorating services throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With access to local and national vendors who may provide additional services suitable for your event and budget, we pride ourselves in delivering only the highest quality event coordination. We promise to give you and your guests the perfect day, no matter what the occasion, including exclusive corporate and non-profit events, weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, community events, and milestone celebrations. For more information, visit https://www.eventplanningdc.com.



Using Header Tags in SEO

There is no denying that header tags still serve an essential role in SEO for your website and the users who visit it. SEO can influence your rankings through Google by making your content more natural and enjoyable for a visitor to read. Headers also provide keyword-rich context about the content on the site which the search engine uses to find you. SEO continues to evolve and the heading tags should be optimized to provide the best results in today’s world of change.

History of SEO Heading Tags

HTML header tags are created to separate the headings (H1) and sub-headings (H2-H6) of a website page from the rest of the content. Heading tags (H1, H2, H3) were legitimate ranking factors in the early 2000s and it was required to add keywords into the heading if you wanted to rank. This practice in SEO has changed quite a bit in recent years.

SEO Habits Vs. Useful Practice

Adding keywords to heading tags has become a habit more than actual usefulness in SEO. Taking a closer look at top ranking websites shows evidence that header tags no longer require keywords to succeed anymore. Another example of an old habit is the belief that H1 headings are more important than H2 headings or other listed tags after that. This belief 15 years ago would have been a real ranking factor but presently, this is no longer the case. Currently, the primary purpose of heading tags is to explain what the content on the page is about. It helps visitors understand what the text or images are portraying on the website.

Following Best SEO Practice

To improve your website’s visibility and grow your online traffic, it is vital to continue the practice of comprehensive and thoughtful SEO strategy. Google along with other search engines are shifting from authority rankings towards the quality of content that is provided. The structure, relevance to the topic, and the whole user experience are all taken into consideration to be successful online in today’s world. A few essential SEO practices that you should include on your website are:

  • Create a unique title and meta description that explain the page’s content easily and accurately.
  • Use the most descriptive and important keywords in header tags but don’t overuse them; they should be used naturally for a visitor to follow and read easily.
  • Provide content to a webpage that is meaningful and accurate. The content should provide specific information to meet the user’s intent and be found in search queries. Long-form content appears to be ideal for backlink acquisition; however, John Mueller, Google’s Webmaster Trends Analyst, has stated publicly that word count itself is not a ranking factor.

Creative Programs and Systems is an all-inclusive tech company that specializes in Custom Development, Managed IT Services, and Digital Marketing. All work is done in-house and we never outsource our services – from custom server builds and workstations, custom software programming and phone app development to search engine optimization and paid advertising. Our professionals provide results. For more information, check out our website at https://www.cpsmi.com.



Solutions for Cooling Systems of a LINAC

LINACs are a type of particle accelerator that increases the kinetic energy of a particle that can be used in a variety of different areas such as scientific research or during radiation therapy to remove cancer cells of a patient. As with most medical and lab-related equipment, particle accelerators are negatively affected by thermal changes, especially with an increase of heat. It is of most importance to maintain temperature control of the equipment components to guarantee the integrity, performance, and reliability of the system. A solution that helps maintain temperature control is using a custom liquid cooling system. We will further discuss this option below so you can adequately care for your LINAC equipment.

How A LINAC Works

A medical linear accelerator (LINAC) produces and delivers a radiation beam using high energy x-rays or electrons to a targeted area to destroy cancer cells while carefully not damaging the surrounding normal and healthy tissues nearby. The medical equipment accelerates electrons in part of the accelerator called the waveguide and then allows the electrons to collide with a heavy metal target to create the high-energy x-rays. The radiation beams are shaped as they exit the machine to conform to the shape of the patient’s tumor. The patient lies on a movable treatment couch and the lasers are designed to be sure that the patient is in the correct position. The couch can move in a variety of directions along with the gantry – the part of the accelerator in which the radiation beam comes from.

Cooling System Needs

When using a LINAC during IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy), the thermal consistency is necessary to maintain beam energy and stability. All the parts inside the equipment such as the tungsten target, waveguide, acceleration chamber, and the magnets need accurate thermal control to eliminate heat buildup and to allow the temperatures to remain the same for optimal usage for operation. Some of the parts within the machine, like the waveguide and filament material, require temperatures within .5 degrees Celsius. The solution to this is to install a liquid cooling system as the best option. In an IMRT system, the cooling path can be complicated. The water starts by cooling the charging drawer and oil pump. It then leads to the liquid cooling system that will decrease the temperature of the entire system, including the linear accelerator.

Types of Liquid Cooling

Liquid cooling systems are ideal for temperature control and stabilizing. They are designed to remove large amounts of heat that is generated in a densely packed electronic environment of a linear accelerator. It may cause concern that liquid coolant is so near all these electrical products but if the cooling system is designed and assembled correctly, there should be no issues. A few reasons these systems are more beneficial opposed to air-based heat exchangers is the ability to provide faster cooling, runs more quietly, and is more reliable with less downtime. Three options for cooling systems are:

  1. Liquid – Air Heat Transfer Configuration – a high-pressure pump that recirculates the liquid coolant and an air heat exchanger to remove heat in the liquid system
  2. Liquid – Liquid Configuration – the pump recirculates the coolant and the facility water is used for a liquid heat exchanger to remove heat from the higher temperature side
  3. Compressor – Based Chiller System – the pump recirculates coolant that is chilled to well below standard temperature

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment.  Radparts provides high quality, user-friendly, low-cost parts and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. More information can be found at https://www.radparts.com/.



Purchasing a CT Simulator and X-Ray Tubes

Before a patient begins treatment with radiotherapy, a team of experts will meet to develop a specific plan for each individual patient. The first step in the planning process may involve the use of a CT simulator, which includes a CT scan of the area of the body that needs radiation treatment. This piece of equipment is essential during the initial planning process and is a great asset to any clinic or organization to have available for use. Many considerations should be made when purchasing radiotherapy equipment such as a CT simulator, the software and cooling systems, and the purchase of an x-ray tube.

Choosing a CT Simulator Based on the X-Ray Tube

The most expensive component of a CT Simulator that also needs to be replaced the most is the x-ray tube. The x-ray tube is required to endure very high heat loads, preferably having the ability to store 5 million heat units (MHU) or more. The use of high heat unit tubes provides a longer life of the unit, which will, in turn, save on downtime when needing to be replaced. In choosing a CT Simulator to purchase, it is best to base the decision on the tube it comes with. A system that may be less costly upfront may have a tube that does not last very long and could ultimately cost more in the long run than if initially purchased with a better tube, to begin with.

Best X-Ray Tubes for Your Buck

When looking at CT Simulators for purchase, the tubes as explained above are important to consider in longevity. Each system comes with a specific tube and no upgrade options are available. Some of the most popular x-ray tubes for CT Simulation include:

  • GE RT 4 MCS7079 Varian Mini Hercules 7.5 HUU – This tube is well known for not being the best, but perhaps one of the worst-performing tubes with a short life span as well. Another downfall is that Dunlee replacement tubes are not offered for this model and must have a Varian tube from GE that can cost roughly $200,000 new. There are used options for replacements for under $100,000. Overall, this tube should come with a large caution sign showing the many reviews from users to stay away from this system if possible.
  • GE RT 16 Hercules MX240 8.0 MHU – These next tubes have a reasonable life expectancy of about 6,000 to 10,000 patient scans performed however, they have been known to exceed this amount and go beyond 15,000 scans. The tubes are warranted from GE and Dunlee for 6,000 scans. There are new replacement options from the Dunlee manufacturer and Reevo 240G that are priced at $195,000 new. They can be purchased used for $75,000- $100,000 as well. 
  • Philips MRC 600 8.0 MHU – This third option is by far the best in value with tubes that are among the longest-lasting on the market. The x-ray tubes exceed 800,000 to 1,6000,000 scan seconds or roughly 4 to 7 years at a mid-range patient occupancy level. On average, they can cost $140,000 new and $40,000-70,000 used.

Weighing Pros and Cons

Purchasing equipment for radiotherapy is never an easy task with having so many options available, both new and used provided as well. When choosing tubes at a lower price point, it may give a company good value in the short-term, but keep in mind, it will need to be replaced more frequently. If you don’t want to worry about needing to replace the tubes as often, a higher-end tube is your best option, but it will cost more. Ultimately, you need to take into consideration your facilities’ unique needs for the best solution available.

As an independent LINAC service company, Acceletronics is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and services for linear accelerators and CT scanners across all major brands and models, as well as new and refurbished LINAC systems for sale.  More information can be found online at https://www.acceletronics.com/.



Choosing the Right Finish for Your Pool

When installing a pool there are many options that need to be considered to give homeowners that picturesque view they dream about when coming home every day for relaxation and leisure. One of the many choices that need to be made is the type and style of finish the pool will have; whether it’s made of plaster, tile, or aggregate. Each finish has a variety of materials, colors, and textures to choose from. The options seem endless; which is the best to use and in what combination? If you’re renovating or installing a new inground pool it’s important to select the best finish that compliments your design and vision. Below, we’ll discuss the different types of finishes so you can find an option that fits your budget and your pool needs perfectly.

Plaster

Plaster is the most common material used for pool surface finishing. It is made from a mixture of water, Portland cement, and either silica sand or marble dust. Many choose a traditional white plaster, also known as marcite, which gives the pool a clean, smooth appearance.  An available option with plaster is to mix color pigments or dyes to give the pool finish more depth and create a unique appearance. The color that is most popularly added is medium grey because it gives the pool water an amazing blue tint that many are looking for. Darker colors like dark grey and black are used to create more depth or to appear like a natural lake or pond. Plaster finished pools remain the least expensive pool finish and generally lasts 5 to 7 years before signs of repair are needed.

Aggregates

The newest form of pool plaster surfaces is called aggregates. They are a combination of white or colored plasters mixed with little pieces of stones such as quartz, granite, or glass beads. Aggregate finishes are growing in popularity due to its resistance to chemicals and staining compared to standard plaster and it also extends the life of the finish by 12 to 20 years. Since there is a beautiful variety of colors and textures to mix together, every finished pool has a one-of-a-kind look that many people are after making this another great choice.

When choosing aggregates, you’ll need to decide if you want the stones polished or exposed. A polished aggregate finish has crushed colored stones that are applied by hand to the pool shell by a professional plaster company. It is then polished to show the stone’s luster more clearly and makes the surface smooth. Exposed aggregates contain small river pebbles or glass beads that are also hand-applied. After application and while still wet, the exposed aggregates are power washed using a mixture of muriatic acid which removes the top layer of concrete exposing the colored pebbles or glass beads. This style has a rough texture to create traction to the pool surface.

Tile Finishes

If your looking for one of the most durable finishes with endless design options, look no further than tile. Tiles are typically applied at the waterline of a pool or onto steps to accent the pool, but they can be used to finish the entire interior of the pool as well. The biggest disadvantage in using tile, however, is most definitely the cost and the amount of time required for installation. It may be well worth it in the end though since the life of the tile should never need to be redone, unlike other finishes. Tile can be made from ceramic, porcelain, glass, and even stone which gives a large variety of shapes and colors for a unique appearance.

No matter which finishes you choose, they all offer stunning beauty to your pool in which you’ll enjoy for many years to come. Consult with a professional plaster company to help you decide between the many options available for your pool. Pound Pool Plastering serves both commercial and residential settings and provides all pool-related services to meet your needs including plaster, caulk, tiling, cement decks, and plumbing. More information can be found at https://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.



Water Filters 101


Water is one of the most important elements on this planet and without it, we would only live a few short days. Our bodies are made up of roughly two-thirds of H2O and to keep a healthy balance, we need to consume 2.4 liters of water each day. It comes to no surprise that new ways are constantly being found in order to provide us with more clean, pure water to nourish ourselves. In order to remove many of the harmful impurities from our water, the use of water filters is a solution to this problem. How important are water filters you may ask? Let’s take a closer look at what a water filter is.

How Filters Work

Water filters use two different techniques in the removal of dirt and debris. The first is physical filtration in which water is strained by a physical barrier such as a thin gauze or fine textile membrane to remove the larger particles. The second method is done thorough chemical filtration, which involves water passing through an active material, such as carbon, that removes impurities as they pass through chemically. There are 4 primary methods used for water filters that use a combination of physical and chemical filtration:

Activated Carbon Filters

This type of filter is the most common and popular of the options available that are based on charcoal. Charcoal is a form of Carbon that is very porous because it has a big internal surface area that can trap foreign particles. Larger contaminants are stuck on the outside, thus being removed from the water. Carbon can also act as a magnet for items such as lead and VOCs that continue to remove particles internally as water passes through the filter. On the chemical aspect, chemicals like Chlorine are removed during a chemical reaction when water is in contact with Carbon. The main disadvantage of this type of filter is after time it will get clogged with impurities and need to be replaced, which can add additional costs down the road. 

Reverse Osmosis

Filtration that removes contaminants by water pressure to force tap water through a semipermeable membrane is called Reverse Osmosis. The membrane is an effective, very fine filter that allows the water to pass through but the contaminants like Lead, Mercury, and Iron stay behind. The downside is certain items such as some pesticides, solvents, and metals like Chlorine and Radon can not be removed with Reverse Osmosis.

Distillation

A natural option for filtration can be done with the simple process of steam distillation that involves heating water to boiling and then cooling the steam to remove the contaminants. Most contaminants have a higher boiling point than water which is why they are left behind when the water becomes steam. The steam is collected and transformed back to water in a separate container. The disadvantage to this type of filtration is some contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) boil at a lower temperature than water and they evaporate with the steam and can remove beneficial minerals in natural water during the filtration process.

Ion Exchange

This filter is very good at softening hard water by removing limescale. The process is done with chemical filtration method by releasing ions, like sodium, and exchange them for unwanted ions like heavy metals found in your water. The result is better-tasting water, however, the sodium is simply another form of contaminant, so the ion exchange doesn’t exactly make the water “pure”. This option is not the best for people on low-sodium diets. The second disadvantage of ion-exchange filtration is that it will need to recharge the filters occasionally with more sodium ions by adding a certain type of salt.

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your homes unique water quality needs including: arsenic, bacteria, chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more.  More information on our water treatment solutions including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron & odor removal can be found online at https://reynoldswater.com.