Soft water salt change...

[WarEaglemtn]

We have made a change from Sodium Chloride to Potassium Chloride salts in the water softener. Will this make any kind of noticable change in mixing or using chemistry in the darkroom? Still soft water but now replacing the sodium with potassium in the drinking water for 'health' reasons. Any surprises coming up as I rinse or mix some chemicals?

 

[Jorge]

We have made a change from Sodium Chloride to Potassium Chloride salts in the water softener. Will this make any kind of noticable change in mixing or using chemistry in the darkroom? Still soft water but now replacing the sodium with potassium in the drinking water for 'health' reasons. Any surprises coming up as I rinse or mix some chemicals?

You should not see any difference. Cationic exchange resins work by replacing the Calcium with either sodium or in your case potassium to give a sodium or potassium carbonate salt. In our case, what is important is the concentration of carbonate ions present, as they act as "activators" for our developers. Since the concentration will remain the same as before you should see the same results.

 

[Aggie]

I'm supposing the change was due to high blood pressure problems. Actually get rid of the soft water all together. Calcium is natures natural sedative, and helps lower blood pressure. A study was published about this in the AMJ back in 1984. I recently had my levels checked. My calcium seemed to be up, so one Dr. (general) told me to stop taking calcium. I started getting sicker, and my blood pressure started to rise. Endocrinologist did full testing. My Vit. D level was at 2 where it should be aroudn 250. What was happening was my body needed the Vit. D to absorb the free calcium. I am back on both in large doses. My blood pressure is now back down to 95 over 50. Which for those that know me, would wonder how at my girth can have that low of blood pressure.

Moral of story - lose the soft water, save money, and get some calcium in your system.

 

[Helen B]

Softened water for drinking? You go through life thinking that everyone with a water softener has unadulterated mains water to at least one tap (faucet) in the kitchen for drinking, then you look on APUG and have your illusion shattered. Whoever heard of drinking softened water? Maybe it's OK if you drink from a broken glass.

Best,
Helen

 

[juan]

Aggie, that's proof that you need to be out in the sun shooting more.
juan

 

[Aggie]

Aggie, that's proof that you need to be out in the sun shooting more.
juan

And give up my darkroom work? If that were just the solution, I would never be home.