Low water pH indicates acidic water (typically lower than a water pH of 7). Alkaline water is defined as having a pH greater than 7. (up to water pH 14).
A constant pH in your water supply requires either an acid or water neutralizer. A low pH level in your well water can be easily remedied using a well water neutralizer, so it’s worth seeing if you can work it into your budget.
In this guide, we compare and contrast the top acid neutralizers based on various criteria, including performance, durability, and overall quality of construction.
Best well water neutralizer in the market today
Our top picks for well-water neutralizers are based on the above factors.
SpringWell Calcite pH Neutralizer
Calcite Neutralizer from Springwell is among the high-capacity equipment that works well in deep wells. Best of all, it has a high-water output, is simple to set up, and is built to last. Because of its huge storage capacity, it is also effective for use in shallow groundwater.
It has a built-in auto-backwash function that can be managed via the Bluetooth-enabled control head. This system is suitable for homes of any size. Most notably, it reduces the acidity of well water, which typically has a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. It neutralizes the pH of the water, making it drinkable.
Pros
- The flow rate of 12 GPM
- Ideal for the 6 to 6.5 pH range
- With auto backwashing capability
- Convenient; has smartphone connectivity and in-app control
- With a lifetime warranty and a money-back guarantee for the first 60 days
Cons
- Expensive
- Not ideal for small homes
- Needs periodic backwashing
- Not compatible with water with below 6 pH
SoftPro pH Neutralizer Calcite Water Filter
If the volumetric flow rate is your primary concern, we recommend SoftPro’s pH Neutralizing Filter. It’s perfect for replacing slower-flowing calcite filter cartridge filters in larger houses, with flow rates of up to 15 GPM. This neutralizer is compatible with well water between the pH of 5.5 to 6.5. You can choose between three sizes – 1.5, 2, or 2.5 cubic feet.
It can transform water with high acidity into a substance with the same feel as soft water. As water enters the tank, it dissolves the calcium carbonate in the calcite media bed, achieving the desired effect. Increasing the pH level in this way is also known as neutralizing water because of its effect on the pH scale.
Pros
- Somewhat affordable
- With a built-in backwash mechanism
- With a 7-year warranty and 6-month satisfaction guarantee
- Comes with a valve for adjusting backwash duration and rinse cycles
Cons
- Requires periodic backwashing
- Not ideal for a pH of less than 5.5
- Has reported minor issues with water flow
- Professional help may be needed for the installation
Fleck 2510 SXT pH Neutralizer
The Fleck 2510 can lower pH and remove sediment and sand that could otherwise clog pipes and cause extensive damage. The Fleck 2510 SXT pH Neutralizer has an electronic control center system that can be easily programmed to run backwash cycles without effort.
After doing so, it will automatically save your preferences, so you won’t have to enter the same data repeatedly. The system has a memory backup that works even if the power goes out.
Two sizes are available, with the larger one treating water with a pH between 5.5 and 6.9, making it suitable for use in even the largest of households. The system has a low total cost of ownership due to its low annual electricity consumption (less than $3.00).
There’s a lifetime guarantee on the tank itself, plus 5-year guarantees on the valve and electronics and 1-year guarantees on everything else.
Pros
- Affordable
- Free delivery
- Energy-efficient
- Has backwashing capability
- Ideal for water pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5
- Durable; made of non-corrosive, fiber-reinforced polymer
Cons
- Occasional backwashing may be required
- Not compatible with major pH problems
- The control valve only has a 5-year warranty
APEC Water WTS-MAX-15 Heavy Duty Whole House Water Purification System
- Supreme whole house system WTS-MAX-15 is designed to treat 600,000-1,000,000 gallons of water, providing the whole...
- Using the highest grade catalytic granular activated carbon, the system is guaranteed to remove chloramine,...
- Auto self-cleaning backwashing feature enables maximum performance while eliminates the need of pre-filters which...
APEC Water WTS-MAX-15 filter’s superior functionality is a major factor in its status as the market leader. This 2-stage filter will remove any hardness from the water, even if it’s less than 25 grains per gallon. To remove pollutants like chloramines that traditional activated carbon filters have trouble with, the Whole-House-Max 15 System employs cutting-edge catalytic carbon.
Furthermore, it effectively removes many chemical and organic impurities in water, such as chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and unpleasant odors. To further improve efficiency, this filter can automatically clean itself and perform a backwash.
Pros
- Fully automated
- Does not need maintenance
- Comes with salt-free softener
- Can handle 3-6 residential bathrooms
- Self-cleaning and automatic backwash capability
- With a programmable control valve that saves settings
Cons
- Not affordable
- Requires time to assemble
Why acidic water is not good
Well, water often has a low pH and is acidic. Most of the 42 million Americans who rely on private wells for their drinking water supply will undoubtedly face problems related to acidity.
Plumbing issues caused by residue accumulation are one of the immediate problems associated with acidic water entering your home. High-acidity water is hazardous for dishwashers and other water-using appliances. Moreover, drinking acidic water is also bad for your health.
Substances that can neutralize acid
Here are some substances you can use to neutralize acid:
Caustic soda and soda ash
When the water’s pH is low, between 5.0 and 5.5, soda ash or sodium carbonate acid neutralizers will be utilized. Although soda ash water neutralizers are more effective in low-pH water, they require more upkeep than calcite water softeners.
Calcite
Acidity can be effectively neutralized, and the pH of water is balanced with calcite neutralizers. These neutralizers employ calcium carbonate, which originates from marble.
Magnesium oxide
Acidic water can also be chemically treated with calcium carbonate or magnesium oxide. It is generally accepted that magnesium oxide and manganese oxide are more abrasive than calcite. Because of this, having an abundance of magnesium oxide might cause issues, especially in the absence of a reliable chemical feed pump. It can be used alone or with calcite for water with a pH below 6.0.
What to consider when choosing an acid neutralizer
You need to consider some factors when choosing the best acid neutralizer.
pH levels
A compact acid neutralizer may be the best option for households with limited space. These are available for purchase if your water has a pH of at least 6.5 and a water hardness of at least 6.5. 2.0 cubic ft. of water.
Medium-sized neutralizers can handle lower pH levels and have improved performance in terms of gallons per minute. These are suggested for homes with up to four people because of the increased flow rate.
Large acid neutralizers with a capacity of 2.5 cubic feet or more are recommended for low-pH water and residences with up to four bathrooms and eight people.
Flow rate
You must get a tank that can handle the volume of water used in your home. Hence, the acid neutralizer tank size is determined by the water flow rate in your residence. The system’s capacity to modify water pH depends on the velocity of the water emitted from the tank.
Setting up and upkeep
Most neutralizers need to be hardwired into your house’s primary water supply. You may want to call a professional plumber if you aren’t handy around the house. It’s going to cost you more than the original estimate.
Moreover, the frequency of maintenance checks is contingent upon the system type. It is recommended to perform maintenance every six to twelve months. That is why you also consider the upkeep or maintenance of the neutralizer if you’re willing to put up with it.
Warranty
Before acquiring a system, it is crucial that you read through the warranty thoroughly. Considering the magnitude of your purchase, you should have access to refunds and free upgrades if your system turns out to be defective. A reliable warranty can put your mind at ease if a part, such as a tank, valve, or distributor tube, fails to function as intended.
Price
A good neutralizing system is an investment worth making. There is a hefty initial investment, but the ongoing costs are quite low. Calcite and corosex media is reasonably priced, especially considering how infrequently you will need to replenish your aquariums (every 8-12 months on average). Many types of this medium are cheaper per kilogram if purchased in larger quantities.
Conclusion
While the upfront expense of installing an acid neutralizer on the water line leading in from your well can be considerable, most neutralizers are built to last for many years. Adding calcite once or twice yearly is required to keep these running at near-maximum efficiency.
The number of people living in your home and the number of bathrooms you have will determine the size of the water neutralizer you will need.
If you click on the Amazon link or Add to Cart and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Last Update: 2023-03-24
Jay
Self assessed Germaphobe, specializing in everything water, water filters, health and nutrition. Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, I've acquired immense amount of knowledge when it comes to natural, biology, and everything about human anatomy.
