Description
Raise the pH of mildly acidic water using natural calcite (calcium carbonate) media.
These refillable-style pH increase cartridges are available in both 10" Jumbo and 20" Jumbo sizes and are designed to fit standard 4.5" diameter Jumbo / Big Blue filter housings.
They are a simple, cost-effective option for tank, rainwater and bore water where the pH is slightly low and may be contributing to corrosion of copper pipework, fittings, hot water cylinders and other plumbing components.
Available Sizes
10" x 4.5" Jumbo
SKU: PH10J
20" x 4.5" Jumbo
SKU: PH20J
The 20" version contains considerably more calcite media, providing greater media volume and contact time than the 10" cartridge.
How It Works
The cartridge contains natural calcite media, which slowly dissolves as acidic water passes through it.
As the calcite dissolves, calcium carbonate is added to the water, helping to neutralise acidity and increase pH.
Calcite is naturally self-limiting, making it a simple alternative to chemical pH dosing for mildly acidic water.
Suitable For
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Rainwater and tank water with low pH
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Mildly acidic bore water
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Helping reduce acid corrosion of copper pipes and fittings
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Protecting plumbing fixtures and appliances
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Existing 10" or 20" Jumbo / Big Blue filtration systems
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Whole-house systems where only a moderate pH increase is required
Important – Contact Time Matters
Calcite requires contact time with the water to work effectively.
The slower the water passes through the media, the greater the opportunity it has to dissolve and increase the pH.
For this reason, the amount of pH correction achieved with a cartridge can vary depending on:
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Starting pH
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Water alkalinity and chemistry
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Flow rate
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Water usage
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Cartridge size
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Amount of calcite remaining in the cartridge
A 20" Jumbo cartridge will generally provide better contact time and treatment capacity than a 10" Jumbo cartridge, but cartridge systems still contain much less media than a dedicated pH neutralising tank.
We therefore recommend these cartridges primarily for mildly acidic water where a modest increase in pH is required.
For substantially acidic water or high-flow whole-house applications, a larger pH neutralising system may be more appropriate.
Using With a Whole-House or UV System
The pH Increase Cartridge should be considered a water treatment stage rather than your main sediment filter.
Where possible, we recommend retaining dedicated sediment filtration.
A typical installation would be:
Sediment Pre-Filter → pH Increase Cartridge → Final Sediment/Polishing Filter → UV
Placing a fine sediment filter after the calcite cartridge can also help catch any small particles or calcite fines before the water reaches the UV system.
If you currently have a two-stage whole-house system and are considering replacing one of your existing sediment cartridges with a pH cartridge, please contact us first. We can help determine the best configuration for your water supply.
When Should It Be Replaced?
Unlike a conventional sediment cartridge, the calcite media is gradually consumed as it treats the water.
Replacement frequency will depend on:
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Water acidity
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Water consumption
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Flow rate
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Cartridge size
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Amount of pH correction being achieved
We recommend periodically checking the pH of the treated water. When the treated pH begins to fall, this is a good indication that the calcite media is becoming depleted.
Not Sure Which Size You Need?
If you send us your:
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Current untreated water pH
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Water source – rainwater, tank, bore or other
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Existing filter housing size
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Approximate whole-house flow requirements
we can help determine whether the 10" or 20" Jumbo cartridge is suitable, or whether a larger pH neutralising system would be a better option.
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