Acidity in well water is a common issue. It looks like a big problem but you can neutralize acidity using an acid neutralizer for well water. Acid neutralizers are costly compared to conventional water filters, but they are a better and inexpensive option than relocating your well or applying for city water.
In this article, we will review the 6 best acid neutralizers for well water. We have spent considerable time picking the best ones and analyzing user reviews and specs to make the selection easy for you.
Let’s check out the top 6 acid neutralizer for well water!
What’s on this page
- Our Top Picks
- Comparison Table
- Buying Guide: Factors to consider before buying an Acid Neutralizer for Well Water
- Review of Our Top Picks
- Frequently Asked Questions
Our Top Picks
- Editor’s Choice: SpringWell Calcite pH Neutralizer
- Best Overall: AFWFilters Acid Neutralizer Calcite pH Filter for Well Water
- Best with Fleck Control Head: AFWFilters Acid Neutralizer Calcite ph Filter for Well Water, 1.5 Cubic Foot
- Best for pH <6: Premier Water Systems 1.5 Cubic Ft. Whole House Calcite pH Acid Neutralizer
- Best for Small Homes: AFWFilters Water Neutralizer Backwashing System
- Best Budget Pick: Premier Water Systems Whole House Calcite pH Acid Neutralizer
Comparison Table
Filter | Image | Image | pH range | Flow Rate | Warranty | Dimensions | Price |
SpringWell Calcite pH Neutralizer |  | Calcite | 6.0-6.5 | 12 gallons per minute | Lifetime warranty on tanks and valves | 54 x 13 x 13 inches | |
AFWFilters Acid Neutralizer Calcite pH Filter for Well Water |  | Calcite or calcite/corosex | 5.5-6.8 | 7 gallons per minute | Tank: 10 years, control head: 5 years | 54 x 10 x 10 inches | |
AFWFilters Acid Neutralizer Calcite ph Filter for Well Water, 1.5 Cubic Foot |  | Calcite | 5.5-6.9 | 3.2 gallons per minute | Tank: 10 years, control head: 5 years | 54 x 10 x 10 inches | |
Premier Water Systems 1.5 Cubic Ft. Whole House Calcite pH Acid Neutralizer |  | Calcite | Below 6 | 3.2 gallons per minute | - | 10 x 10 x 54 inches | |
AFWFilters Water Neutralizer Backwashing System |  | Calcite | below 7 | 3.6 gallons per minute | Tank: 10 years, control head: 5 years | 10 x 10 x 44 inches |
Buying Guide: Factors to consider before buying an Acid Neutralizer for Well Water
Types of Acid Neutralizers
Calcite-Based Neutralizers: These neutralizers use calcium carbonate to increase water’s pH. These systems are affordable and easy to work with.
Magnesium Oxide Neutralizers: They are best for private wells with a pH below 6. Magnesium oxide is more aggressive than calcium carbonate. Many people often add a little magnesium oxide in calcite media to make the neutralizer more powerful.
Soda Ash and Caustic Soda: These are high-maintenance units and require frequent media replacement. These units typically treat well water with a pH below 5.
Water Quality
Before installing an acid neutralizer, private well owners must first test the water for pH. This is very important as a neutralizer will not work if your water’s pH exceeds its maximum working capacity. Hence, getting your water tested for pH at home or in a lab is critical before installing an acid neutralizer.
Size
Acid neutralizer’s size is directly controlled by the number of bathrooms and people living in your home. A 1 cubic foot neutralizer is best for 1-2 people; 1.5 cubic foot neutralizers are good for 4-5 people with 1-3 bathrooms. We suggest selecting at least a 2.0 or 2.5 cubic foot neutralizer for larger homes.
Flow Rate
Calcite-based neutralizers don’t have a high flow rate. The maximum you will find is up to 7 gallons per minute. Chemical injection acid neutralizers are recommended for larger homes because they have higher flow rates.
Installation & Maintenance
Generally, acid neutralizers are easy to install. But some people opt for professional installation because acid neutralizers are expensive, and any mistake can cost a lot.
You would also need to regularly add calcite media to the system. Hence, choose one that is easier to maintain and doesn’t involve complex or costly maintenance.
Price
Price is a two-dimensional factor for acid neutralizers. You have to pay for neutralizer and also pay for calcite media replacement periodically.
Warranty
The average age of an acid neutralizer is 10-12 years. AFWFilters offer a 10-year warranty on its tank and 5 years on the control head. Make sure you buy one with a warranty.
Review of Our Top Picks
1. Editor’s Choice: SpringWell Calcite pH Neutralizer
Features
- Media: Calcite
- pH Range: 6.0-6.5
- Flow Rate: 12 GPM
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on tanks and valves
The biggest limitation with most acid neutralizers is the slow flow rate. With SpringWell’s pH neutralizer, this problem is fixed. The unit provides up to 12 GPM flow rate that is good enough for a large family and homes with up to 6 bathrooms.
The unit can neutralize acidic water with a pH range of 6 to 6.5. So, make sure you get the water tested before buying. SpringWell is committed to providing quality water treatment solutions for well water. You can upgrade the system with a whole house water filter, RO drinking water, and UV water purification systems.
SpringWell’s pH neutralizer is the most user-friendly system on the market. The Bluetooth-enabled control head can be programmed to adjust system settings like regeneration, backwash, cycles, and timing.
The users are satisfied after installing the unit. Buyers mention that it is easier to install and comes with all the supplies. They mention good build quality, easy programming, and excellent results.
Pros
- Easy installation
- 100% results
- User-friendly operation
Cons
- Costly
- Not for water with a pH below 6
2. Best Overall: AFWFilters Acid Neutralizer Calcite pH Filter for Well Water
Features
- Media: Calcite or calcite/corosex
- pH range: 5.5-6.8
- Flow Rate: 7 gallons per minute
- Warranty: Tank: 10 years, control head: 5 years
AFWFilter’s pH filter is the second best pick in our selection. It is reasonably priced and can handle a wide range of acidic pH in well water. The manufacturer suggests using calcite for pH levels 6.0-6.8 and a mixture of calcite and corosex for pH levels between 5.5 and 6.0.
The 1.5 cubic feet filter is good for medium-sized homes as it can deliver a flow rate of 7.0 GPM. You can easily run 1-3 bathrooms on this flow rate.
The calcite media needs to be added as calcite is used up by acidic water. However, the calcite media for first-time use is loaded in the neutralizer, so you can get started immediately.
The system doesn’t come with a control head. You’ll have to buy it separately. Overall, the user feedback is great. Buyers like its competitive pricing, good flow rate, and hassle-free installation. It will only take a couple of hours for DIY installation if you know how water connections work. Many users suggest installing a sediment filter before it.
Pros
- Excellent results
- Don’t need Teflon tape; it has o-rings
- Well-built plumbing attachments
- Helpful customer service
- Easy installation
Cons
- Not for large homes
3. Best with Fleck Control Head: AFWFilters Acid Neutralizer Calcite ph Filter for Well Water, 1.5 Cubic Foot
Features
- Media: Calcite
- pH range: 5.5-6.9
- Flow Rate: 3.2 gallons per minute
- Warranty: Tank: 10 years, control head: 5 years
This model from AFWFilters is a powerful acid neutralizer for small homes. It can treat acidity levels as low as 5.5, and makes water neutral or slightly alkaline.
The system comes with a digital Fleck control head to let you manage the system and set the backwash cycle. You can also set it to metered backwash, meaning it will only backwash when required.
The manufacturer recommends using a sediment filter before the filter and adding a water softener after the filter to maintain good water quality and extend appliances’ life.
Overall, the filter is easy to install. All the things required to complete a DIY installation are included in the box. Users mention that it will take 2-3 hours to install the unit if you know how to make basic plumbing connections. Surprisingly, there are no complaints about this system till now.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Sturdy parts
- Good price point
Cons
- Only for small homes
4. Best for pH <6: Premier Water Systems 1.5 Cubic Ft. Whole House Calcite pH Acid Neutralizer
Features
- Media: Calcite
- pH range: Below 6
- Flow Rate: 3.2 gallons per minute
Wells located at geological sites with high acidity need more powerful acid neutralizers. This system from Premier Water Systems can handle pH below 6.
The unit is reasonably priced but doesn’t come with a control head. So, you must keep this in mind before buying.
One remarkable feature of this neutralizer is that it doesn’t need a drain like a conventional system.
Overall, the unit can manage 1-3 bathrooms in homes with 3-4 people. You cannot use this system in large homes.
Pros
- No discharge required
- Can handle ph as low as 5.5
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a control head
- No credible reviews
5. Best for Small Homes: AFWFilters Water Neutralizer Backwashing System
Features
- Media: Calcite
- pH range: below 7
- Flow Rate: 3.6 gallons per minute
- Warranty: Tank: 10 years, control head: 5 years
This neutralizer is best for small homes with relatively better quality water. If the pH level in your water is below 6, we suggest you don’t buy this unit.
The filter comes with a control head for the backwash setting. The calcite media is loaded for 1st-time use for easy installation. All other things required to complete a DIY installation are included in the box.
The flow rate is 3.6 GPM, making the neutralizer suitable for small homes with 1-3 bathrooms and 3-4 people.
Users mention that it works like a charm when the incoming water pressure is high. It fails to work steadily when pressure drops. Other than this, there are no issues with its working. Customers are happy to see a drastic change in water quality in pre and post-installation tests.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Good build quality
Cons
- Pressure drop issues
6. Best Budget Pick: Premier Water Systems Whole House Calcite pH Acid Neutralizer
Features
- Media: Calcite
- pH range: 6.0-6.9
- Flow Rate: 3.2 gallons per minute
This is another quality neutralizer from Premier Water Systems. The neutralizer doesn’t need a drain like standard calcite neutralizers. The drain-less installation makes it easy for homeowners to install it.
The neutralizer cannot handle pH below 6.0, so test your water before buying it. It has a 1.0 cubic foot capacity compared to other neutralizers with 1.5 cubic foot capacities.
The system doesn’t come with a control head. You’ll have to buy one separately to manage the system. Moreover, it is good for small homes with 1-3 bathrooms and 3-4 people.
The installation is easy. All the tools required to complete the installation are included in the box. You’ll need a couple of hours and basic plumbing knowledge for installation.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Easy installation
Cons
- Not for pH below 6.0
Why is my Well Water Acidic?
There are several reasons your well water may get acidic. The natural rainwater is slightly acidic (pH of 5-6) due to atmospheric pollution. The rainwater seeps through the soil and becomes a part of underground water. The underground water is then pumped via a water well.
Acidic waste from nearby industries and dumping sites can also increase the pH of well water. Moreover, chemical storage and animal manure sites on your property can make the water acidic through leakage and seeping.
You’ll be surprised to know that shallow wells are more prone to producing acidic water than deep wells. The main reason is that shallow wells pump water near the earth’s surface compared to deep wells.
Natural processes also affect the acidity of well water. For example, if the rainwater, after seeping, comes in contact with granite, it will stay acidic. On the contrary, if water comes in contact with alkali rocks, it will increase the pH of water. Most rocks are acidic, so the chances that rainwater stays acidic after moving over rocks are high compared to it becoming alkaline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an acid neutralizer worth it?
Yes. An acid neutralizer is the only device to effectively increase well water’s pH for whole house use. However, you must test the water and ensure that you install a system that can handle your well water’s acidity.
Is there any alternate solution to treat acidic well water?
Yes. You can use a neutralizing solution made from soda ash to neutralize acidic water. However, this method isn’t practical with private wells because water is continuously replaced. Most municipal water treatment centers use it to increase water pH.
What is the normal pH of well water?
The US EPA states that 6.5 to 8.5 is an acceptable range for pH for well or city water. The standard helps prevent metallic or sour taste, slippery feeling, and oiliness. This range is also safe for plumbing, appliances, plants, laundry, dishwashing, showering, and washing your vehicles.
Is it safe to drink acidic well water?
The pH of water is not an issue as long as it is between EPA’s guidelines (6.5 to 8.5). However, a pH below 6.5 starts leeching metals from water pipes. The metals usually include lead, copper, iron, and manganese. This makes the water taste bitter and can be a health risk. The risk is even greater for the elderly, kids, and those with compromised immune systems.
The common health problems associated with drinking highly acidic well water include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and respiratory problems.
Does an acid neutralizer make my well water hard?
Yes. Acid neutralizers utilize calcium carbonate to remove acidity from water. On the flip side, calcium and magnesium are the main culprits for hardness in water. You can remove this extra hardness in water by using a water softener.
How to check if I need an acid neutralizer for my well water?
Not all wells require an acid neutralizer, but you can’t rule out the possibility. Hence, you must test your well water to find its pH and decide if you need an acid neutralizer. However, there are some other signs that indicate acidic well water.
- Metallic and bitter taste
- Red/brown color
- Red stains on toilet tanks and bathtubs
- Blue-green stains especially on copper fixtures
- Plumbing leaks
- Pipe corrosion
Can I check my well water’s pH at home?
Yes. Using a test strip, you can check your well water’s pH at home. Usually, these strips are reliable but may falter at times. Hence, lab testing is recommended for 100% accurate results. You can also use a digital pH meter and litmus paper to check well water pH. The digital meter gives 100% accurate results, but it is costly.
Can acid neutralizers remove other contaminants?
Acid neutralizers are not typical filters. They cannot remove anything from water other than acidity.
How often should I backwash my acid neutralizer?
Each unit has different backwashing needs. It also depends on your usage. We suggest you follow the user manual for the exact time of backwashing.
Where should I install an acid neutralizer?
The acid neutralizer is typically installed after a sediment filter so the neutralizer gets sediment-free water. Other systems, such as iron filter, softeners, and carbon filters, must be installed after the neutralizer. These systems perform better when they get neutral pH water.
