Simple carwash filter (water spots) | FerrariChat

Simple carwash filter (water spots)

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by gaw111, Sep 12, 2013.

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  1. gaw111

    gaw111 Formula Junior
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Sep 24, 2012
    662
    Rainelle WV
    Full Name:
    George Wheeler
    I have a water spotting problem when I wash my car. So, I did a little search on the web and found this little hookup. Went to Home Depot and got all the parts and put it together, took about 5 min and total cost $38.00. Thought I'd post it, just in case anyone was interested.

    How to: Add water filter to your garden hose (no more water spots!)
     
  2. Kevin Rev'n

    Kevin Rev'n Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Nov 29, 2009
    24,551
    Honolulu
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    Great! Thanks for the idea. Those RV ones look like the way to go!
     
  3. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jul 3, 2006
    27,855
    Aspen CO 81611
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    FelipeNotMassa
    Thanks for posting.

    Looks like they have solved the water pressure/supply problems in the Keys since my in-laws lived there years ago.
     
  4. gaw111

    gaw111 Formula Junior
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    Sep 24, 2012
    662
    Rainelle WV
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    George Wheeler
    Haven't had any pressure problems since we've been here for over 2 years now, so, guess your right. Good thing about living on a boat, always have internal tanks and watermaker. Of course, not enough to wash the car! haha
     
  5. Arnie

    Arnie Formula Junior

    Oct 5, 2011
    465
    New Jersey
    The problem is the filter is too small it will only last about 5 washes. I use the Groits water filter it lasts about 1 1/2 years and cost 100.00
     
  6. gaw111

    gaw111 Formula Junior
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    Sep 24, 2012
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    Rainelle WV
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    George Wheeler
    It suppose to last 6 mo. It's made for daily shower use, I figured it should last longer, I guess I'll find out.
     
  7. gaw111

    gaw111 Formula Junior
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    Sep 24, 2012
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    Just thought I would update this thread for anyone who might want a good car washing system for cheap!

    I've been using this setup for a couple of months and still working fine. Wash 2 vehicles every week with no degradation.
     
  8. IDriveM5

    IDriveM5 F1 Rookie

    Jul 2, 2012
    2,675
    Central Ohio
    Full Name:
    Raj
    George,
    Thank you for posting this information. I washed my 360 outdoors (first time washing a car outdoors) on Tuesday, because it was cloudy / overcast, but it was windy.

    I use AIR to dry the car afterwards, and was only about 50% happy with the results this time. At least half of the car had water spots dried on. So, I finished it with a Grand Finale spray and all is well - no spots and a nice slick finish.

    I have been considering adding a water filter to my car wash operation, and was debating the install. Then, I read this thread and found it to be very simple. I will go and buy the parts and put them in place before my next (last for the season) car wash. Thanks!
     
  9. Ak Jim

    Ak Jim F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 23, 2007
    9,635
    North Pole AK
    Do you use the filter for the entire wash or just final rinse?
     
  10. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
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    Feb 1, 2005
    8,349
    Mississippi
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    Nathan
    Great thread. I have bad spotting problems with our water. I need to give this a try.
     
  11. gaw111

    gaw111 Formula Junior
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    Sep 24, 2012
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    Rainelle WV
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    George Wheeler
    I think this will help you. When I found this idea, I was having a difficult time with water spots. I started using this and it really made a difference! I still dry the car with a drying towel but the spots were really minimized. The water here in the Keys is piped in from Miami, so, I always filter it, even for drinking. I'm glad I could help.
     
  12. gaw111

    gaw111 Formula Junior
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    Sep 24, 2012
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    For the whole wash! made very little difference on the pressure, really can't tell a difference.
     
  13. gaw111

    gaw111 Formula Junior
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    Sep 24, 2012
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    It was really cheap and I too had a big problem! For the price, you really can't go wrong. Let me know if you end up trying it and if it helps..
     
  14. DCNSX

    DCNSX Formula Junior

    Feb 5, 2007
    639
    Winston-Salem, NC
    Looks like nice solution. I tried Mr. Clean and was not real happy with that. I do dry my cars and use the California Water Blade which speeds up the process. It's a hand held silicone squeegee that removes 85 percent of the water before you finish up with a towel. WARNING- always make sure it is perfectly clean. A small amount of grit can scratch the paint. Retails for $15-25.
     
  15. IDriveM5

    IDriveM5 F1 Rookie

    Jul 2, 2012
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    Raj
    I used to use the water blade on other non Ferrari cars I had. Actually, I use it on the Ferrari for only the windows / glass. Scratching the paint is the biggest reason why I use air to dry the car, rather than a waffle weave microfiber towel. The air works wonderfully.
    Going to HD tomorrow to buy the filter supplies!
     
  16. gaw111

    gaw111 Formula Junior
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    Sep 24, 2012
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    I've thought about using a squeegee before, might try that as well.

    I don't have a compressor, so not an option but an excellent idea!
     
  17. DCNSX

    DCNSX Formula Junior

    Feb 5, 2007
    639
    Winston-Salem, NC
    Soon will have a new garage. And will make sure the air compressor hose can reach the driveway. One benefit of the air hose is being able to blow water out of seams, vents, etc.
     
  18. SCKOMS

    SCKOMS F1 Rookie
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    Oct 21, 2011
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  19. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
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    Feb 1, 2005
    8,349
    Mississippi
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    You are using the shower filter system, correct? Has anyone tried the RV filters? I was looking at those pretty close.

    Also, what about this passage from the waterstick link in that thread? How do you know if you just need the "regular" filter resin or if you need the more expensive resin to remove all TDS?

    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  20. IDriveM5

    IDriveM5 F1 Rookie

    Jul 2, 2012
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    My professional detailer recommends using DI water. However, at my home, I'm not really prepared for that level of adventure. So, for now, I'm going to settle with the shower-style filter solution. I bought the parts today - hopefully it wasn't a waste of $30.
     
  21. ebobh15

    ebobh15 F1 Rookie
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    Nov 18, 2012
    3,661
    I have one. I bought it after watching the guy who detailed my car use one. You can shop around, but it will be about $200-230. The power of this unit is unbelievable. If I move the cars out of my garage, I can use this thing to clean the floor in about 2 minutes. It takes a couple times to get used to the way you'll get water out of crevices (light assemblies, trunk and hood lines, etc.) but the car gets completely dry without me ever touching it. There is a smaller version for about half the price, but that one won't knock over small children or change the course of passing aircraft, so I got the bigger one...

    I was looking into a way to soften the hose water, and appreciate the thoughts on this thread. With my hard water, I do get some micro-spots after air drying. I use a Meguiar's quick detail spray with a microfiber towel to lift those away. Once this is done, the car looks like it never leaves the garage.
     
  22. gaw111

    gaw111 Formula Junior
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    Sep 24, 2012
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    It truly helped me out. I still have to dry the car afterwards but it's not anything like it was before. After washing the car and during, I would have to keep the car wet or it would spot before I could even dry it off.

     

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