Aluminum Water Tank Pulls Moisture from Skin

[BotorHome]

I have an alluminum water tank in my boat. We have a problem when washing, our skin dries out as if the water coming from the aluminum tank intantly sucks the moisture from our skin. Is there an additive I can add to soften the water?

[Hud3]

Our tank was aluminum and we never had any problems like you describe. On the other hand, when we moved to El Paso, Texas, the water there was extremely harsh on our skin until we got used to it. Lots of minerals in it--sulfates etc.

Could your problems be from the water you're putting in your tank?

[colemj]

I can't think of anything the aluminum tank could add chemically that would cause your symptoms. I think it is more likely the water you put in them or the activities you are doing before washing (on a boat, swimming and sun can dry your skin and you just notice it when you clean).

Mark

[BotorHome]

Others in the marina don't seem to have this problem with the marina's water source, I assumed it was because of the Alluminum Tank.

[colemj]

It would be difficult to judge by anecdote - you may be more sensitive. The only way to know is to shower on another boat that does not have an aluminum tank, as well as shower on another boat that does have an aluminum tank.

Pick the boats owned by young Swedish coeds…

Mark

[BotorHome]

I'll give that a try, thanks

[goboatingnow]

Is the water very hard. ? , that can cause issues which manifest themselves as dry ness . Or you could have a minor dermatological issue. I've used aluminium thanks in a previous boat for several years. The water I was using wasn't chlorinated , as public chlorinated water can react with aluminium to form crystals of alumiumin corrosive byproducts , maybe that's causing done skin reaction ?

Dave

[Tx J]

Unless you have something in the tank leaching the fool out of the aluminum it isn't likely to be the source of the perceived problem.
After all one/main active ingredient of most deodorants is an aluminum compound (look at a label), are you sensitive to deodorants?.

[MarkJ]

Add soda bi carbonate.
I do it to my solar water shower bag, but i dunno if i would bung it in the tank.

[Rapanui]

Could it be you have used tank cleaner in the past and there is a residue. I would use Puraclean in my tank over winter and then use the tank water to clean the boat down in the spring fitout. It was murder on the hands

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, BotorHome.

[a64pilot]

Have you just changed locations when this happened? I ask because when my wife and I travel occasionally we go places where the water just dries us up bad, makes your skin crack and itch like crazy. Worse in winter too.

[s/v Jedi]

Taste it, it may be wodka!

[Bud man]

Are you using different soaps or shampoos on the boat?

It could be a difference in water chemistry. Might be the pH of the water is different. Pool supply companies will do an analysis free - pH, total calcium, etc. Just don't buy any inhibitors or shock. .

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Have you just changed locations when this happened? I ask because when my wife and I travel occasionally we go places where the water just dries us up bad, makes your skin crack and itch like crazy. Worse in winter too.

Quite right. Our organization has skippers who have reported issues even with plastic tanks, primarily where well water was involved. Could be the source.