Soft Water Required for RO?

[Easy Clean]

Is soft water required for RO systems to operate properly? I know a carbon filter is required to remove the chlorine, but will not using a water softener upstream from the RO unit cause problems?

The RO for my automatic does receive soft water, but the softener for my SS RO has been down for quite a while.

 

[jprb]

My softner went out recently and ruined the RO membranes. The spot free water checked the same TDS as tap water. They might make membranes that would work with hard water, by I think most require soft water if you want them to last.

JRPB

 

[MEP001]

It does depend on the hardness of your water, but it's a matter of time before the membranes begin to clog. I've seen washes with 6 or 7 grain per gallon water run without softeners and replace membranes every couple years, and I've seen washes running on 24 grain water that have the membranes clog in a week if the softener quits regenerating.

You may also have a higher TDS product if the incoming water isn't soft.