The HQUA-S350 is an electronic water softener/descaler designed to address hard water problems without the need for salt or chemicals, and without requiring changes to existing plumbing systems. It utilizes a revolutionary new technology that employs frequency-modulated electromagnetic waves to treat water.
Function Description:
The HQUA-S350 operates by transmitting complex, frequency-modulated electromagnetic waves through two cable bands wrapped around the main water pipe. When these frequencies match the natural frequency of dissolved calcium/magnesium carbonate in the water, a physical phenomenon called "resonance" occurs. This causes the dissolved calcium/magnesium carbonate to precipitate out in the water. Unlike traditional limescale, the resulting crystal texture is less sticky, preventing it from adhering to surfaces of fixtures. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide released from the water aids in dissolving existing limescale deposits, which are then flushed out of the plumbing system.
A key distinction from traditional water softeners is that the HQUA-S350 does not alter the water hardness itself. Instead, it changes the crystal structure of the carbonates, making the water behave as if it were softened. This leads to benefits such as easier soap lathering, a smoother physical sensation during bathing, gradual disappearance of limescale, and cleaner fixtures.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Water Hardness Compatibility: The HQUA-S350 offers three modes to accommodate different water hardness levels:
- Soft: <7 gpg / 120 ppm
- Normal: 7-14 gpg / 120-140 ppm
- Hard: 14-25 gpg / 240-425 ppm
- For very hard water (≥25 gpg / 425 ppm), combining the HQUA-S350 with a traditional water softener is recommended for better performance. In such cases, the S350 should be installed after the traditional softener to help reduce salt usage by producing less sticky calcium/magnesium carbonate crystals.
- Pipe Diameter: The main water pipe diameter should not exceed 1.5 inches. The HQUA-S350 is not designed for larger pipes.
- Pipe Material Compatibility: The device is compatible with various pipe types, including galvanized, brass, cast iron, copper, stainless steel, PVC, and PEX. Plastic pipe systems generally show the best performance, while metal pipes may require more time to observe descaling and softening effects.
- Power Consumption: The unit consumes approximately 1 Watt of power, resulting in an annual electricity cost of about 1-2 US$, depending on local electric charges.
- Cable Bands: Two cable bands, each 40 inches (1 meter) long, are used to emit the electromagnetic wave.
- Power Supply: A UL-listed power supply with a 60-inch (1.5 meters) cord is included.
Usage Features:
- Easy Installation: The HQUA-S350 is designed for convenient installation without requiring any plumbing work. The package includes the main unit, power supply, cable ties, and two cable bands.
- Flexible Mounting: The main unit can be installed horizontally, vertically, or at any angle, and should be fixed on a wall or steady surface. The cable bands are wrapped around the pipe.
- Recommended Installation Position: It is recommended to install the unit at the entry point of the main water supply pipe. Alternatively, it can be installed on the inlet of the water heater, as limescale often accumulates in hot water lines.
- Cable Band Wrapping: The cable bands should be wrapped helically around the pipe, forming coils. It is crucial to ensure there are no gaps between the cable bands and the pipe surface for optimal performance. For a 1-inch pipe, at least 9 rounds are recommended, and for a 1.5-inch pipe, 7 rounds. The transparent tape on the cable band acts as an insulator and should not be removed.
- Operation Modes: The device features three selectable modes (Soft, Normal, Strong) that can be changed by pressing a button on the left side of the unit. Users are advised to test their water hardness first and can gradually increase the mode from soft to strong if no changes are observed. It is suggested to stay at each stage for at least 2 weeks.
- Power Saving: The screen automatically turns off after 60 seconds of inactivity to conserve power.
- Working Indicator: The unit's working condition can be verified by clicking the button; if the screen is on and waves are moving, the system is functioning correctly.
Maintenance Features:
- No Chemical or Salt Refills: Unlike traditional water softeners, the HQUA-S350 does not require periodic chemical additions or salt refills, reducing ongoing maintenance costs and effort.
- Self-Cleaning Effect: The device helps dissolve existing limescale deposits, which are then washed away as small particles, contributing to a cleaner plumbing system over time.
- Observation Timetable for Performance:
- Day 3: Noticeable increase in soap lathering, smoother skin, and silkier hair.
- After 1 Week: Limescale growth in pipes ceases, and existing limescale begins to dissolve into microscopic particles. New hard scale on surfaces like toilets, faucets, and sinks will be less prevalent and easier to clean.
- After 1 Month: Loosening of scale on showerheads, faucets, and kettles. Plastic, ceramic, metal, and glass surfaces become easier to wipe clean. Reduction or elimination of red water if rust was a previous issue. Clothes become flatter and softer, and less soap/detergent is needed for bathing, cleaning, and laundry.
- After 3 Months: Reduced heating time for water and lower power consumption in water heating systems. Significant reduction in limescale on pipes, faucets, and showerheads. Descaling observed in kettles, coffee machines, and other cooking utensils, with new sediment being a soft powder rather than hard scale, making it easy to clean.
- After 6 Months: Disappearance of limescale from showerheads, faucets, and other water fixtures. Scaly crust in toilets is significantly reduced.
- Limescale Removal Time: The total time required to descale an entire system depends on the severity of the existing limescale, potentially taking up to 12 months or more.
- Effect Duration: The mono-crystals formed by the HQUA-S350 have a better performance in warm water, lasting up to seven days. In cold water, the effect lasts approximately two days.
- Rust Removal: The device slowly helps remove rust in pipes, leading to cleaner water as limescale damage stops and recovery begins.
Precautions:
- Maintain a distance of at least five feet from TVs, radios, or other information transmission appliances to minimize potential interference.
- If installed outdoors, ensure the device is in a waterproof space without direct sunlight.
- The cable bands are not waterproof, though splashes are acceptable. Keep the entire unit dry to prevent short circuits.
- Ensure the wires are long enough to connect the main unit to the cable bands at the chosen installation point.
- If space is limited, it is acceptable to wrap the cables in branches as close as possible to the main pipe.
Warranty and Support:
- One-Year Limited Warranty: The HQUA-S350 is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Defective units will be repaired or replaced.
- One-Year Satisfaction Guarantee: If the unit, purchased from an HQUA authorized seller, does not meet the customer's needs or expectations within the first 12 months, a full refund will be provided without requiring a return. Customers are encouraged to contact technical support with their order number.
- Contact Information: For support or questions, contact the Technical Support team at hqua.tech@gmail.com, providing your order ID, address, and phone number.