Same high pressure tactics they used on me

Does your whole house filter catch very much?

We use the whole house Nova system, no problems, water is great. We didn’t feel the need for a softener.

Be sure to check into lightning Rod systems, Deer whistles for the Car and the Golf Cart, monitored security system, crown molding, textured driveway, and elaborate landscaping. All are necessary essentials here in the Villages.

Don't Overbuy
 

The biggest mistake made by most people is buying a softener and filter system that has far too much capacity for their needs. For example, Nova is a reputable local seller/installer with a good product. However, both their softener and their 3-filter system is easily double or triple what is needed for a two person household. Instead, go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy a basic softener where the exchange tank sits inside the plastic bin that holds the salt. GE has a nice unit, although there are many similar ones. Next, buy a two-filter system (Nova sells a three-filter unit, the third filter being for heavy metals, which is completely unnecessary with The Village's water). Again, HD or Lowes has what you will need. Finally, buy the 10 inch model filter and not the 20 inch filters. One is for sediment and the other of activated charcoal is to remove the chlorine smell. Again, the 10 inch filters are more than you will ever need. However, the best reason to buy 10 inch filters is that the 20 inch models are very difficult to change. The filters are vertical and the plastic body screws into the metal head. When changing the filters (most likely once/year), you will be working on your knees, wrestling with a large wrench that slips over the plastic body, and unscrewing the plastic body upside down. The filter and body are filled with water and are very heavy, particularly as you will be working in an awkward position. That's why it is much easier with the 10 inch vs. 20 inch filters. Changing the 10 inch filters once/year is more than enough. Once/year with the 20 inch filters is overkill. You'll know when you need to change the filters when the chlorine smell returns.

If you have minimal DIY skills, you can install the system yourself. It is nothing more than cutting, fitting and gluing plastic pipes. You will need an electric drill to install the two, three, or four concrete bolts in the concrete block where you will be mounting the head of the filters. You can photograph and measure any of your neighbor's or friend's systems. There are several videos on YouTube. If you don't like doing it yourself, there are plenty of plumbers and handymen to do the job.

If you had a softener/filter system at a previous home, you know their benefits. If this will be your first system, you'll be amazed how much better the water will smell; how there will be no "white" build-up on your faucets and shower head, how much better your skin and hair will feel after showering; how there is no soap "scum" on your bathtub or shower walls, and how much cleaner your clothes are after being laundered.

Unhappy with Nova
 

We have a Nova system, softener and filter, and are very unhappy with the performance. The water is barely soft, we have mineral stains on our fixtures and get water spots when washing the car. The softener has failed more than once and we have had several service calls just to get back to barely soft performance. The filters need to be changed every four months based on our volume usage.

We will probably swap to a new system should the Nova fail again.

I am bypassing the Pelican system and searching for another one. Pentair was not helpful with my problems with Pelican, so I would not recommend that company, nor the system.

Something is wrong. Unless you drilled your own well in your backyard, you should have none of the complaints you've listed with any water softener (I'm trying to be humorous-even if you drilled your own well, a softener/filter would eliminate your problems). The "matrix" inside the exchange tank can fail, but this is unusual. If it does, you have to swap out the tank (the black cylinder). I'd be inclined to check the "clock" that programs the softener's cycles. Also, check that the "bypass" valves in the plumbing are closed and that all incoming water is going through the filters and the softener.

We use Nova and are happy with the system and company.

As I search for a substitute for the whole house Pelican system, I'm using a countertop distiller to purify my drinking water. It hums away on my porch, where I've stationed it to minimize the noise and heat it generates.

We used Culligan when we moved in a little over 2 years ago, no issues, we put in a softener and whole house filter system. It may cost you a little more than the other systems, but there is no comparison, have been using Culligan systems for nearly 30 years. Culligan of Ocala - 352-291-5900

Nova
 

I would recommend Nova Water Systems.

I had installed Pelican about 6 years ago and it works perfectly, I use to change my refrigerator water filter every 4 months because it would clog with settlement. After it was installed, I never had to change it again.

Now for the bad news, the company itself was going through some changes and were becoming unreliable and were overcharging for their maintenance service.

The good news was I was approached by a service man who no longer worked for the company who drains the tanks and changes the filter twice a year and the UV light once a year which is on a timer. The cost $300 a year less than the company was charging, and I have clean water throughout the house. You can learn how to maintain it yourself, but at my age I'd rather let someone take care of it. Also, the refrigerator filters were about $60 a pop so if you deduct that amount from the $300, I'm only paying $120 for the yearly service.

Why? We love ours.

Which system do you need to stop the calcium buildup on the faucets? Filters, water softener, or both?