MYTH: A chlorine-based disinfection module is needed to prevent bacterial growth and Legionella

During normal use, bacteria – including Legionella – will not be able to thrive in your pipes or, consequently, in your water softener. Only water that has been standing for a long time leads to increased bacterial growth and therefore increases the risk of Legionella. Normally, water only stands for a long time if you are away from home for a considerable period, for example whilst on holiday.

Is a disinfection module required for a water softener?

Some suppliers use what is known as a disinfection module. This disinfection module produces chlorine through electrolysis regeneration salt during the regeneration process. The chlorine then disinfects the resin column, thereby preventing bacterial growth.
That sounds impressive, but it’s nonsense because this chlorine treatment only takes place during regeneration. And regeneration only takes place when you use water, whereas bacterial growth can actually occur when you aren’t using any water. In fact, if you’ve been away for a while, there’s a good chance that the first regeneration won’t take place until you’ve been back home for several days. You’ll then be using water that’s passed through a water softener which hasn’t been flushed for weeks.

So, a disinfection module sounds like a good idea, but if you think it through, a very different picture emerges. That’s why at Mooiwater we say: “prevention is better than cure”.

The Holiday Mode feature on Mooiwater water softeners: prevention is better than cure!

Our water softeners feature what is known as ‘Holiday Mode’. At the touch of a button, you can activate this mode and rest assured that, whilst you are away, the resin will be regularly flushed with clean water, just as if you were at home. Water consumption remains very low; just a few litres a week are sufficient. This solution, combined with thorough flushing of your pipes, does deliver the desired result.
And in the unlikely event that you forget to switch on the holiday mode, you can carry out a forced flush as soon as you get home and also thoroughly flush out your pipework with water as hot as possible for a few minutes.