Integrated Cartridge Solutions

Frequently Asked ICS Questions:

 

Frequently Asked PolyHalt® Questions:

 

 

 

Which ICS system do I need?

To answer this you must identify your water treatment problem(s) then the most appropriate ICS system. Please see the Problem and Solution Matrix to help you find the appropriate solution(s) and you can always contact your local distributor or contact us directly for assistance.

How often will I need to change the cartridges?

Typically the answer is 6 months to 1 year. In reality it all depends upon how bad your water is and how much water is filtered. You will know it is time to change filters when;

  • You notice a significant pressure drop / reduced flow
  • Bad taste returns
  • Deposits return
  • Odors return
  • Staining returns

It is always a good idea to keep a spare set of cartridges for your ICS system on hand so you can change them when needed and continue to enjoy your water.

How much space do I need for the ICS products?

Below is the physical dimensions of the 1, 2 and 3 filter assemblies. You will need to add space for your plumbing and about 12" below the ICS to allow for easy changing of cartridges.

  • Single Filter Systems – 8½” x 8½” x 26½” (width x depth x height)
  • Double Filter Systems – 15¼” x 8½” x 26½”
  • Triple Filter Systems – 23¼” x 8½” x 26½”

Are there limits to contaminant levels for ICS?

Yes, knowing the water quality where your product will be installed is very important information for successful application.

PolyHalt® limits for treatment

  • Clear iron and manganese sequestration – 6 ppm combined
  • Hardness – 15 grains (256 ppm)
  • Silica 100 ppm
  • Turbidity < 1.0

SI, SIP and SIT limits for treatment

  • Clear iron and manganese removal; pH >7.0, Manganese <1 ppm, Iron <3 ppm and <3 ppm combined
  • Silica <100 ppm
  • Iron Bacteria – None
  • Hydrogen Sulfide – None
  • Tannins – None

Can I use an ICS product with a ultraviolet light disinfection system?

Yes! It is always recommended to install pre-filtration of at least 5 microns prior to a UV disinfection system. The minimum recommended water quality prior to ultraviolet disinfection systems includes:

  • Hardness < 7 gpg (120 mg/L).
  • Iron < 0.3 ppm (0.3 mg/L)
  • Manganese < 0.05 ppm (0.05 mg/L)

If your water does not require additional treatment for hardness, iron or manganese we recommend the ICS-S5 to provide 5 micron filtration. Water with hardness, iron or manganese near or above these levels requires treatment beyond 5 micron filtration. Without treatment contaminants above these levels will deposit and coat the internal components of the UV system rendering the UV ineffective. Installation of an ICS system when contaminants are over these levels with reduce or eliminate the coating and depositing problems.

If your water quality requires treatment for these contaminants there are several ICS products to choose from. Use the Problem and Solution Matrix and select a two or three sump ICS system for sediment, hardness, iron or manganese.

 

What are the pressure and temperature limits for ICS?

  • Maximum Pressure – 90 psi.
  • Maximum Temperature - 100° F

What is the Warranty on ICS systems?

In the unlikely event that you have trouble with your ICS system we will at our option repair, modify or replace it at no cost to you. To qualify for this warranty use only replacement cartridge kits which are designed for the ICS Integrated Cartridge Solutions and available from O3 Water Systems or its distributors. See Warranty.

What is in the PolyHalt® cartridge?

Inside each PolyHalt® is a precisely measure amount of phosphate material that is fused to a rigid glass like structure that looks like a glass bead. PolyHalt® is tasteless, odorless and colorless. The PolyHalt® cartridge is mostly empty space but don't be alarmed, this is by design. Each cartridge contains a measured amount of PolyHalt® required to perform as specified.

Will I have spot free water after treatment with PolyHalt®?

Same as a water softener, PolyHalt® does not create spot free water but any spots will be much easier to clean compared to no treatment.

Does the PolyHalt® wear out?

Not exactly; PolyHalt® is released from the glass bead structure that holds it as water passes through the beads. Over time PolyHalt® is used up and all that remains is the supporting glass bead material. It is important to replace you r PolyHalt® cartridge on a regular basis otherwise when PolyHalt® is used up all that remains inside your PolyHalt® cartridge is the glass bed like supporting structure. Don't be fooled into thinking you have PolyHalt® when only the supporting structure remains.

How do I know when it is time to replace the PolyHalt® cartridge?

How long a PolyHalt® cartridge will last before needing replacement depends upon how much water you use and other things. Each installation will be different. As a rule of thumb your PolyHalt® cartridge might last 10 to 12 months. You will know it is time to replace the cartridge when the problems start recurring. Replace on a regular basis, keep a spare cartridge ready at all times and order replacements when you use them.

Will the 12 gpm rated your PolyHalt® cartridges last twice as long as the 6 gpm cartridges?

Considering the same installation the answer is NO. The 12 gpm cartridge has more PolyHalt® beads so it will treat a higher flow rate. If you don't use 7 to 12 gpm on a regular basis don't use the 12 gpm rated PolyHalt® cartridges. If you don't use high enough gpm you stand a chance of too much PolyHalt® in the water which can cause PolyHalt® deposits.

How do I know if I need a 6 gpm or 12 gpm PolyHalt® cartridge?

Most homes and other applications will rarely use more than 6 gpm on a regular basis. Some larger homes and other applications with high flow appliances may need the 12 gpm cartridges. If unsure, refer to owners manuals and specifications for specific flow rates.

Can I install more than one PolyHalt® system to get higher flow rates?

Yes; if you install multiple PolyHalt® system in parallel the flow rate that can be treated is equal to the combined rating of the individual PolyHalt® systems.

Is PolyHalt® safe?

Yes, PolyHalt® is a natural material and is completely safe for human consumption. PolyHalt® is tasteless, odorless and colorless. PolyHalt® is third party certified to NSF standard 42 (Drinking Water Treatment Units - Aesthetic Effects) and NSF standard 60 (Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals - Health Effects).

How does PolyHalt® Work?

PolyHalt® cartridges are not your typical filter cartridge, in fact thy do not remove anything but rather they change the way ions in your water behave. PolyHalt® gives itself up over time as water passes through glass like beads that serve to proportionally release PolyHalt® as water flows through the cartridges.

PolyHalt® works in two primary ways;

1. By keeping soluble metal ions, including iron and hardness minerals from precipitating and depositing.

2. By forming a very thin protective layer on the inside of pipes and water using appliances such a hot water heaters. This thin layer protects the pipes and appliances from attack from deposits and aggressive water.

Why is my water worse after installation of the PolyHalt® system?

After the PolyHalt® system is installed you may see a temporary worsening of water quality for a period of time. If this happens it is because the existing deposits in your plumbing system are "breaking loose" and your plumbing is being cleaned.

Does the PolyHalt® system soften water?

By some definitions - Yes.

Explanation; PolyHalt® cartridges use a process called sequestration to prevent hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) and other metals such as iron and manganese that are in solution from precipitating and depositing therefore they don't cause problems with spotting or appliances. BUT, PolyHalt® systems do not physically filter out or remove by traditional exchange process (softener) hardness minerals, they are left in the water unable to deposit therefore unable to cause hardness related water quality problems.

Because the PolyHalt® systems do not use ion exchange like a traditional softener there is no added sodium to the diet and some feel leaving the minerals in the water makes nutritional good sense.

How much hardness will the PolyHalt® system treat?

The hardness limit for successful treatment is 256 ppm (mg/L) or 15 grains hardness.

Will chlorinated water affect PolyHalt®?

No, chlorine does not affect nor is affected by PolyHalt®.

Do tannins affect PolyHalt®?

Tannins should not affect PolyHalt®.  PolyHalt® may help with the staining that tannins can cause.

Does hot water effect PolyHalt® ?

In short - NO. Once in the water PolyHalt® is designed to maintain all its features at temperatures up to a maximum of 200 degrees F. It is because of this ability that PolyHalt® works so well to keep dishes clean and hot water tanks working efficiently. Above 200 degrees F PolyHalt® will begin to lose its ability to keep metals in solution but will still prevent them from depositing.

Can I install a PolyHalt® system on my circulating hot water loop?

No, proper application would be at the cold water inlet to your hot water or boiler. If installed on a circulating loop PolyHalt® will build up in the water and may cause too high a concentration and PolyHalt® deposits. Always install in the cold waster line to the hot water heater.

Will the PolyHalt® harm my reverse osmosis unit?

No, PolyHalt® will not harm your reverse osmosis unit. Your reverse osmosis unit will reject PolyHalt® along with all sequestered constituents and send them to the waste line.

Can I install a PolyHalt® system on my irrigation system?

Yes; keep in mind high water volumes decrease cartridge life and increases the frequency of which the PolyHalt® cartridge will need changing.

What is the Warranty on the PolyHalt® system?

In the unlikely event that you have trouble with your ICS system we will at our option repair, modify or replace it at no cost to you. To qualify for this warranty use only replacement cartridge kits which are designed for the ICS Integrated Cartridge Solutions and available from O3 Water Systems or its distributors. See Warranty.

 

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