When we talk about water hardness in scientific terms, we're referring to the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water. But you might notice water hardness in everyday life in a few different ways. For instance, if your hands still feel a bit slimy after washing them, or if your drinking glasses aren’t as clear as they should be, that could be due to hard water. As surefire tell is if you experience slimy buildup or limescale on your sink faucets, shower heads, and even inside your coffee maker.

Here’s a quick guide to understanding water hardness levels:

• 0 to 60 mg/L: Soft water
• 61 to 120 mg/L: Moderately hard water
• 121 to 180 mg/L: Hard water
• 181+ mg/L: Very hard water

You'll need to complete a simple test to determine the exact water hardness level of your business or residence.

Aquafire works by breaking water particles into a vapor via the Ultrasonic Mist Maker. These particles ride the air column out the top vent where LED lights project onto the vapor creating the amazing 3D realistic flames we are famous for!

Unfortunately, since calcium and magnesium particles are heavier than air, these will fall out of the vapor into the fireplace housing where they will build a layer of slime and limescale on the lights, fans and other electrical components diminishing their usable life, potentially causing shorts and damaging your device.

Internally, slime and limescale attach to the inside of the water tanks affecting the performance of float sensors, pumps and internal filters.

Ultimately, these buildups increase required maintenance, decrease overall performance and shorten the life of your Aquafire.

You made an investment when you purchased your Aquafire and we believe you should protect it! While the Aquafire is built to the highest quality standards and durability, hard water is not its friend.

The Vapor Pure Water Softener system was specifically created to keep your Aquafire free of the damaging buildup that hard water causes.

We believe all Aquafire owners, no matter your hard water level, should invest in the Vapor Pure. However, we strongly recommend the Vapor Pure for hard water levels 20 mg/l and higher.

The recommended cartridge size primarily depends on three factors:

1. How often you run your Aquafire(s)
2. How many units run off a single water source.
3. How hard your water source is.

Every installation is unique, but our general recommendation is as follows:

Installations that run recreationally (3-4 days a week for 6 hours a day or less) should purchase the Residential Grade System.

Installations that run for extended hours (5+ days a week for 6+ hours a day) or run multiple units (3+) from a single water source should purchase the Commercial Grade System.

Any installation where the water source is classified as "Very Hard" should opt for our Commercial Grade System.

Vapor Pure Water Softener Cartridges are interchangeable. This means if you purchase the Residential System but find you are having to change out cartridges more often than expected, you can purchase the Commercial Replacement Cartridge on your next refill. You do not have to purchase the complete system.

Sign up for a subscription and get 15% off the complete Vapor Pure System and 10% automatic deliveries of replacement cartridges. You can pause, edit, or cancel your subscription at any time via your Customer Portal or by Contacting Us.

You can contact us through our contact page! We will be happy to assist you.