The main symptoms I saw that indicated to me that I need some form of water conditioning were red stains and metallic tastes in water. I have not noticed any odors.
My water was tested by a local water company that sells conditioning products and suggested a water softener for approximately $2000, but they did not mention anything to treat the iron (3.2 PPM) or address the pH (6.9). The water has a 4 grains per gallon of hardness. I would like to make an informed decision to purchase the right product the first time. My well pump can deliver 21 GPM.
Paul
Alaska
Paul - For water with 4 grains/gallon of hardness, normally we would not recommend a water softener, since the water is already relatively soft. A better approach would be to use a good quality iron filter, which will filter out the iron and eliminate the red staining and metallic tastes. Your well has a good strong flow rate, so you can use the MangOX iron filter, which lasts for many years with little or no maintenance. Here is more information on those:
MangOX Iron Filters
A very effective approach to remove high levels of iron without using filter cartridges is with the use of our automatic MangOX iron filter. The result is clean, non-staining, odor-free water throughout the house without reducing your flow or water pressure.
The MangOX-7000 series of professional-grade filter systems feature high-flow rates with a minimum of pressure loss and are completely automatic, and very maintenance-free. MangOX is the longest lasting iron filter media, and lasts years longer than Birm, Greensand or other types of iron filter media, often 10 to 15 years or more.
If there is sand or grit in the water, it is a good idea to protect the MangOX control valve by installing a filter screen before the iron filter
No filter cartridges are needed for this filter, and it can be cleaned by opening up the bottom valve and flushing it for a few seconds.
MangOX Iron Filter 7000-SXT 1.5 CF
MangOX is a media that utilizes an oxidation-reduction reaction and filtration process similar to Greensand, but at a much higher level of performance. Uses the Enpress tank with Vortech distributor which allows the MangOx media to be backwashed at lower flow rates with less water, saving water and energy.
Dimensions: 10" diameter x 54" height 1" or ¾" pipe size