The product
Is it a water softener?
No. A conventional softener softens the water. Foracal is a doser: it adds a tiny dose (a maximum of 5 parts per million) of food-grade silicopolyphosphates that stops limescale building up and protects the pipes against corrosion. It is more compact, needs no electricity and its only maintenance is the cartridge.
Does it protect the whole house?
Yes. Because it goes in where the water enters, after the meter, it protects everything downstream: taps, shower, boiler, washing machine, dishwasher and pipework.
What is the difference between the Anti-limescale System and the Complete System?
Only the pre-filter. The Complete System adds a 50 micron stainless steel pre-filter that holds back sand and particles before the doser. We recommend it so the system works at its best. The doser is the same in both.
Which one should I choose?
If your home already has a particle filter where the water comes in, the Anti-limescale System. If it doesn't, or you are not sure, the Complete System.
When do you start noticing it?
The doser works from the moment it is commissioned. Within a few days you notice the difference.
Does it remove the limescale already in the pipes?
Its main job is to stop limescale building up from the day it is fitted. Over time it also helps to reduce much of the existing scale and rust inside the pipework.
Is it suitable for a flat, a villa, a holiday home or a small business?
It suits any installation with a 3/4" connection, pressure between 0.5 and 10 bar and a flow of up to 3,000 litres per hour, which comfortably covers a home. For larger installations or heavier use, ask us.
The water
Is the water still drinkable?
Yes. The product dosed is food grade and the dose is a maximum of 5 parts per million. The doser has a built-in non-return valve.
Does it change the taste of the water?
The dose is tiny and the product is food grade. If you notice anything different in the first few days, or after a spell without using the water, run the taps following your water company's advice.
Is it approved?
Yes. The system's non-return valve is approved by the drinking water certification bodies of nine countries: WRAS (United Kingdom), KIWA (Netherlands), DVGW and TÜV Thüringen (Germany), Belgaqua (Belgium), NF (France), ETA (Denmark), SP SITAC (Sweden) and NSF (United States). The dosing method complies with standard EN 1208 for products used to treat water intended for human consumption.
Does it need electricity or salt?
It needs no electricity: it works as the water passes through. And it uses no consumable other than the cartridge.
Installation
Can I fit it myself?
We recommend a plumber for the first installation: the water has to be turned off and the system fitted into the pipe, after the meter, with the head horizontal. Changing the cartridge, on the other hand, you do yourself in six steps.
Is installation included in the price?
No. Between Altea and Torrevieja we can do it ourselves: it is quoted separately, because it depends on the distance to the property and on the materials each installation needs. As a guide, a typical job within a 20 km radius comes to around €150. Everywhere else in mainland Spain we ship you the system and your plumber fits it using our data sheet.
How much space do I need?
21 cm tall and 7.5 cm deep. The Anti-limescale System takes up 11.5 cm of pipe and the Complete System 23.5 cm. There are fitting diagrams for horizontal pipes, vertical pipes and tight spaces.
Do I need a pressure reducer?
The system works between 0.5 and 10 bar. If the mains pressure at your home is above 7 bar, we recommend fitting a pressure reducer.
Can it be fitted outdoors?
Only where there is no risk of frost. The water must be between 1 and 40 °C.
Maintenance
How long does the cartridge last?
Around 35,000 litres. As a rule of thumb, reckon one cartridge per person per year. The red ball in the cartridge tells you when to change it.
How do I know when to change it?
By the red ball in the cartridge, which works as a level indicator. It is worth a glance once a month.
What does maintenance cost per year?
An anti-limescale cartridge costs €24.20 including VAT, or €121.00 for the pack of 6 (buy 5, get 1 free). In a house of four, about four cartridges a year. The stainless steel pre-filter cartridge lasts at least a year and costs €30.25.
And the pre-filter?
Its stainless steel cartridge is virtually self-cleaning and lasts at least a year. It is changed the same way as the anti-limescale cartridge.
I have a unit from another brand. Will the replacements fit?
Write to us with the model you have and we'll confirm the replacement you need. The quickest way is to send us a photo on WhatsApp.
Buying and delivery
Do the prices include VAT?
Yes, every price on the website includes VAT. They do not include installation, which is quoted separately.
How do I pay?
By bank card, on a secure Stripe page (and with Apple Pay or Google Pay if your device supports it). Your card details never pass through this website and we do not store them. Once the payment goes through you receive an email with your order number.
How much is delivery and when does it arrive?
Delivery is €7 per order, including VAT, whatever the number of items, and it is added to the total before you pay. Delivery takes a maximum of 5 working days from the moment the payment is confirmed.
Where do you deliver?
Anywhere in mainland Spain. We do not deliver to the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Ceuta or Melilla.
Can I return it?
Yes, you have 14 calendar days from delivery to withdraw from the purchase, no reason needed. You may open it and try it as you would in a shop; you are only liable for any loss in value beyond that. Return postage is yours and we refund everything else, including the €7 delivery. There is a withdrawal form, and the details are in Shipping and returns.
Is there a guarantee?
Every product carries the legal guarantee for consumers. Cartridges are consumables and are replaced according to their life.