One more question. I ran the
watermaker initially to make sure it worked, since the
boat was new to me. Now that the Spectra is 'in commission' I have decided to flush with fresh water every 5 days to keep the bugs from growing (not running the
watermaker for actual
reverse osmosis work). I am currently in SC in the
ICW, working my way to FL. In FL, I will go outside to the Lauderdale area (I can use the
water maker outside), and then cross to the
Bahamas shortly after, where I plan on using the
water maker.
#1: Is this silly (flushing every 5 days), as opposed to pickling for the next 3 weeks? If figure I'll actually waste less water in the long run, as a flush from pickling is 20 min, vs, 2.5 min from fresh water flush to fresh water flush. Five flushes would be less water than one 20 min post pickling flush.
#2: If I do continue to go from fresh water flush to fresh water flush, is there any need to throw away the water that comes across the membrane? It seems to me that I could run the water back into my tank directly and save the water. The only issue I could see is if there were growth starting, it could inoculate the tank. I also find it odd that the manual doesn't mention whether you leave the pressure valve open or shut when
flushing. I am assuming that you leave it shut, as this should actually wash through the membrane.