Client
Halcyon Hotel in Denver, Colorado
Services
Installation of triplex backwashing filtration system and triplex water softener; water testing pre- and post-treatment installation
Hard Water and Scale Buildup From Denver Water: Finding the Right Solution
Halcyon Hotel in Denver, Colorado was struggling with issues related to hard water including unsightly scale build up in sinks, toilets and shower heads, as well as on dishes and flatware. Aware of the damage that hard water causes, including reduced energy efficiency and shortened appliance life span, they reached out to Kinetico® Advanced Water Systems of Denver.
Background & Water Testing
Efficiency Losses From Hard Water & Chlorine
The municipal water supply for Halcyon Hotel contained high levels of hardness minerals and chlorine. The elevated chlorine and chloramines in the city water led to unpleasant odors in the hotel’s water and damage to water-using appliances and fixtures, such as accelerated corrosion.
Hard water can drastically reduce energy efficiency and shorten the lifespan of water softeners, dish washers, washing machines, coffee makers and other appliances.
Thin layers of just 1-2 mm of mineral scale can lead to losses in efficiency ranging from 7-12%. Given the hardness of water in Denver, it is realistic to expect more significant efficiency losses of:
- Year 1: 8-10%
- Year 2: 20-25%
- Year 3: 30-35% (with potential of up to 50%)
This correlates to energy cost increases of those percentages, that is, 25% more natural gas or electricity per year for the same hot water output.
Solution
Installing Water Filtration and Softening Systems
We installed a triplex backwashing, granular activated carbon filtration system followed by a triplex water softener. The carbon filters remove 90-95+% of the chlorine, chloramines and disinfection byproducts like chloroform. Doing so addresses prior issues as well as prolonging the life of the water softener resin.
The water softener works to effectively eliminate hardness minerals (calcium, magnesium) and reduces iron, manganese and other dissolved metals in the water, preventing scale formation and protecting equipment.
Additionally, the Kinetico softener regenerates using soft water, reducing the chance of internal mineral buildup within the resin bed and control valve, for long-term reliability.
Results
Up to 50% Greater Efficiency for Savings on Utilities and Maintenance
Implementing this solution greatly decreases maintenance costs by reducing equipment damage and unscheduled downtime. It will also deliver natural gas and electric savings of between $10,000 and $20,000 per year by preventing additional efficiency loss, and gradually restoring the efficiency of the water heaters and appliances.
Treating the chlorine and chloramines in the water eliminates the unpleasant odor and taste for both guests and staff. This reduces the risks of a guest having a bad reaction to the chlorine and minerals while bathing, such as dry hair and itchy skin.
| Pre-Treatment | With Kinetico Installed | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Chlorine | 2.15 parts per million (ppm) | 0 ppm |
| Compensated Water Hardness | 11 grains per gallon (gpg) | <0.5 gpg |
Reduced Scaling, Enhancing Guest Experience
Benefits also extended to the kitchen and food & beverage experience, as well as the building’s cooling system:
- Soft water improves the appearance of glassware and flatware by eliminating the potential for hard water spots
- Softer water reduces scaling for more efficient HVAC
Our solution allowed for the water supplying the HVAC’s cooling tower to be softened, reducing the risk of scale formation on the chillers and cooling tower. This allows the building’s cooling system to operate much more efficiently, saving potentially tens of thousands of dollars annually in energy and maintenance savings.
Overall, installing Kinetico systems enhances the overall guest experience at the hotel, improves and protects reputation and saves money on long-term maintenance and upkeep.
Cleaner Water, Improved Business Operations With Kinetico
Every business faces its own unique water challenges, from contamination to efficiency and meeting industry regulations. Improving water quality can greatly improve your long-term cost savings through fewer down times, reduced machine wear and more efficient operations.
Contact Kinetico to learn more about our commercial water treatment services, starting with a free water analysis
