Popularity of spot free rinse in SS bays

[Dan-Ark]

My first wash has an IBA without dryers and so the RO system is critical to get a clean looking cars when they dry. Our second wash, bought this year, just has 3 ss bays. I have a spare RO system I planned to install in that wash but, in my original location, I don't see people use spot free rinse much in the SS bays. Many seem not to understand its function. Ive seen several try it first, then find the HP rinse. (of course Ive seen them use triple foam to clean the rug from their living room, but I digress).

Do a lot of people use spot free in SS Bays at most washes or am I wasting my time installing this system without an IBA on site? The new site is close to a nuclear plant and a small city with a university, good size hospital, ect. The original wash is in a town that has a chicken processor as the main employer so the demographics are quite different.

 

[wyatt]

I do quite well with spot free rinse in ss bays....

 

[Randy]

It all really depends on your water quality. In our area the water is naturally soft so we don't have water RO systems.

 

[srr5008]

We have hard water and our spot free is used heavily at our SS bays (we also have IBA's on-site though)

 

[wyatt]

I just tested my water a few days ago, 5 grains coming in from the city and 0 grains as spot free rinse. There's still a substantial difference IMO even though the water coming in is considered somewhat soft.

 

[Jeff_L]

Spot free isn't just about being soft, it's about reducing the TDS value. Have you tested that? Typically you want that to be less than 50 to be considered spot free water. Evening after softening the TDS value doesn't really drop, you need to dechlorinate it (carbon filter) then squeeze it through membrane(s) to get those solvents out.

To answer your question, spot free is used pretty regularly at my washes for self serve.

 

[Dan-Ark]

My first wash has spot free with an RO system. comes in around 35 to 40 ppm and the spot free is under 15ppm. If I can make RO water without having to run it through a softener, I think I'll add it to the dials on the meters.

 

[PaulLovesJamie]

spot free is a very popular function at our self serve

 

[Greg Pack]

I would first see if you truly need it. Use the system as a customer would. Wash the car in the bay, park the car outside and let the water dry on the car. Observe for spotting once it dries.

If you're truly at 35ppm TDS you probably don't need it.