Unger remains a leading innovator in the window cleaning equipment industry. Their tradition of producing quality window cleaning tools continued a few years ago with their introduction of the HydroPower pure water system.
Having been around the industry since 1986, I have seen pure water being used for professional window cleaning take on many forms. With this latest version from Unger, the Ultra HydroPower represents one of the most efficient resin-based systems for creating pure water for window cleaning that the industry has seen. The Ultra HydroPower by Unger seems to have brought the DI pure water technology to a whole new level.
The system works by using mixed bed DI resin to filter the foreign particulate matter off of water molecules as they pass through the system. The resin compartment is where the magic really happens. As the water passes, all other minerals, calcium for example, are stripped off the water molecule. This “polishes” the water and makes it free of foreign any particulate. This allows you to rinse glass and have a spot free shine from the water produced by the Ultra HydroPower system.
While this science has been around for decades, the Unger system is the most refined DI only systems on the market. The systems little refinements are really what make the difference, the Ultra HydroPower is designed to make sure to maximize the dwell time of the water on the resin as it comes in and goes out. Also, the flow is regulated to make sure that the resin lasts much longer than prior generations of DI systems.
With all of the science behind the function of the system, what has proved to be most important to window cleaners is the ease of use. Predictable performance and easy maintenance. The Ultra HydroPower features quick connect attachment for the water input and output. These are very robust metal fittings that easily attach and release. To use you simply hook up your source hose to the water source, connect the Ultra HydroPower unit, then connect your water pole to the output. Then you are ready to create spot free results!
The design of the system makes it easy to check your water quality. It is easy to tell if the unit is working or needs to have a resin bag replaced by reading the meter mounted on top of the unit. Simply press the button and read the 3-digit number. This number represents the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the exiting water, measured in parts per millions. When the resin is in good condition and doing its job of removing the particulate, you are ready to work. As the number increases and crosses those thresholds mentioned above, the resin bag inside the unit will need to be changed out. For window cleaning, that number needs to be 10 or less. For solar panels, 40 or less. For fun things like boats and airplanes the number can be a bit higher, more in the range of 60.
Unger has made it an easy process when it is time to change the resin. Press down on the yellow lever on top of the Ultra HydroPower unit and twist the top. This unlocks the lid, then remove the lid to pull the exhausted bag from inside with the handle strap. Then insert a new bag, re-install the lid and you will be back in business!
The Ultra HydroPower really is that easy to operate. The question often asked is how long will my resin last when in use. This is a bit of a tricky question. Longevity of the resin depends on the amount of particulate, like mentioned earlier, that is in the source water that you will be running into your system. This does vary from place to place. We found this website that has an interactive TDS map on it. To be clear, we are not endorsing the product they sell, but the tool on the site is pretty neat. Go to www.zerowater.com and scroll down to the “How clean is your water?” part. Type in your zip code and you will see the average TDS in your zip code.
From our experience at Detroit Sponge, the Ultra HydroPower unit is best matched for professional window cleaning customers working in zip codes with a TDS of 150 or less. The unit will work on higher levels, but you will require changing the resin bags more frequently. For professional window cleaners, this is a big deal. To be clear, for home owners, property care keepers, or building staff, the length of resin life is not near as big of a consideration. The unit will work on higher TDS locations and you will be SAFER by staying off of ladders, making the Ultra HydroPower a great choice for you.
There are two models of the Ultra HydroPower available from Unger, a 1-stage and a 3-stage system. The difference is simply the amount of resin inside the unit. The 3-stage will last 3 times longer than the 1-stage before it needs to be changed out. But you will expire the same number of resin bags to process the same amount of water. One thousand gallons will saturate the same amount of resin, regardless of which unit you have. Choose the system according to which set up is most appropriate for your needs. Check out the systems accessories and kits on our website.
We are excited to offer and support the complete selection of the Unger Ultra HydroPower line. Check out our site for more purchasing, information, and videos. Feel free to call us at 1(800) 535-6394 or email us at customerservice.detroitsponge.com with any questions!