[chicagofan00]

Anyone out there currently using a portable water deionizer when washing their car? If so, what brand do you recommend?

We have extremely hard water here in AZ and the new house we moved into doesn't currently have a water softener. I've found that it has become a pain in the ass to wash the car due to the hard water as I then have to go back and basically detail various sections of the car later in the day or the next day to clean up the water spots. This design really does seem to hold onto water a lot, even though I use an air compressor to make sure I've blown out the water from all the cracks and crevices.

[modat]

CR spotless is probably the industry standard. Pricey but well worth it

[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by modat

CR spotless is probably the industry standard. Pricey but well worth it

Thanks, I'll take a look at what they offer.

I was eyeing the one sold by Griot's since they are my go to for all car wash/detail products.

[M2 CCO]

Adam's polishes has a nice smaller unit that works well also!

[M2 CCO]

https://adamspolishes.com/collection...ater-deionizer

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by modat

CR spotless is probably the industry standard. Pricey but well worth it

Omg. I didn't know they sold such a thing. I want this!!! Thank you!

[chicagofan00]

Another question on this, how many washes could I reasonably expect to get out of one of these before having to replace the resin. As of right now I'm washing the car every other week so it I have to replace the resin every couple of months this along could be an expensive edition to the car maintenance…

[modat]

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

Another question on this, how many washes could I reasonably expect to get out of one of these before having to replace the resin. As of right now I'm washing the car every other week so it I have to replace the resin every couple of months this along could be an expensive edition to the car maintenance…

It depends on the size you get. You should just wash with regular water then do a final rinse with the deionized water.

But, to answer your question, yes, you'll need to replace the resin regularly depending on use

[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by modat

It depends on the size you get. You should just wash with regular water then do a final rinse with the deionized water.

But, to answer your question, yes, you'll need to replace the resin regularly depending on use

I was noticing that most recommended to wash with regular water and then do the final rinse with the deionized water. However the problem with that here in AZ is that the water dries incredibly quick during most months so I'd still likely have water spots if I didn't use it all throughout the wash process.

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

Another question on this, how many washes could I reasonably expect to get out of one of these before having to replace the resin. As of right now I'm washing the car every other week so it I have to replace the resin every couple of months this along could be an expensive edition to the car maintenance…

Great question. The reviews on both brands seem to have some negative reviews about them not lasting that long. That would be a let down to get a few washes and have to buy more filter. Like you, I have very hard water and blistering sun to the point water cant be on my car very long at all. It makes washing harder than it should be. My car gets paint correction and ceramic coating tomorrow. Hopefully that helps my process some!

[M2 CCO]

I live in the CA desert and have very hard water as well. Agree that CR spotless is the gold standard its also pretty pricey and runs thru filter media pretty quickly. A car detailing buddy of mine has one and goes thru a few filter replacements a year. I decided to give the Adams one a test run first since it was more affordable. I've had it for about a year and wash 3 cars at least once a month and I'm still good on the filter. Nice thing about the Adams was that it came with a water hardness gauge that you can test to see when your media is losing its deionizing ability. A deionizer is a must have for us hard water car washing enthusiasts!

[M2 CCO]

I should add that I use a pressure washer that runs at about 1.6 gallons per minute and I use the filter to pre-rinse, wash and final rinse. You will run thru filters much faster if you use the filter to fill your wash buckets. I just use regular tap water for that.

[FISH22]

I live on a well, so very hard water, even after being softened. I committed to the CR Spotless unit. Very happy with it. I bought this mainly for my frozen paint as I wanted to avoid touching the paint as much as possible.

The first season using it, I used it for all phases of washing. Burned through the filters in 2 months. So I switched to just using it as a rinse once I replaced the old filters. It works very well. I have not hand dried my G80 in 8 months. Paint still looks new (no spots anywhere).

[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by FISH22

I live on a well, so very hard water, even after being softened. I committed to the CR Spotless unit. Very happy with it. I bought this mainly for my frozen paint as I wanted to avoid touching the paint as much as possible.

The first season using it, I used it for all phases of washing. Burned through the filters in 2 months. So I switched to just using it as a rinse once I replaced the old filters. It works very well. I have not hand dried my G80 in 8 months. Paint still looks new (no spots anywhere).

Now that you use it just for the rinse, how often do you replace the filters/resin?

[Fins1972]

Originally Posted by modat

CR spotless is probably the industry standard. Pricey but well worth it

Absolutely agree; I have been using CR Spotless for years. You can wash your car in the dead of summer in direct sunlight and not have an issue. I initially purchased the system when I bought my first black vehicle -- what a time saver! Occasionally, you will see a couple of their systems offered at Costco for a great price. Best of luck!

[FISH22]

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

Now that you use it just for the rinse, how often do you replace the filters/resin?

The last time I replaced the filters was last August. That's with a car wash every 2 weeks. The unit has a nice meter that gives you a parts per million readout. As long as it stays at 0, you're good to keep using. I'm expecting them to need replacement soon.

[chicagofan00]

Took the plunge and ordered the CR Spotless DIC-20 last night.

Thanks for all the info!

[forza1976]

Griots too:

https://www.griotsgarage.com/portable-water-deionizer/

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

Took the plunge and ordered the CR Spotless DIC-20 last night.

Thanks for all the info!

I look forward to your review of said product.

[Corms85]

I got a great plumber in AZ if you eventually take the plunge and decide to do one for your house. I had him install a dispenser after the softener in my garage specifically for washing my car as well since exterior ones on the house don't pass through the softness. Best $2600 I have ever spent not only for my car but also for general water in the house and showers. It's a must in AZ with how crappy our water is.

[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by Corms85

I got a great plumber in AZ if you eventually take the plunge and decide to do one for your house. I had him install a dispenser after the softener in my garage specifically for washing my car as well since exterior ones on the house don't pass through the softness. Best $2600 I have ever spent not only for my car but also for general water in the house and showers. It's a must in AZ with how crappy our water is.

We are definitely considering getting the water softener. Had one at the old house and it was really nice. Will hit you up when we get closing to putting one it. The new roof is taking priority for the first half of this year's home improvement projects. 😬

[chicagofan00]

The deionizer arrived today. Heck of a unit! Hoping to get to use it on Sunday.