Classeq WS16-SK 16Ltr Base Exchange External Water Softener

The Classeq WS16-SK is an external base exchange water softener designed specifically for use with Classeq G500, D500 and P500 series warewashers. It works by passing the incoming mains water supply through an ion exchange resin bed, which removes the calcium and magnesium ions responsible for limescale formation before that water ever enters the wash cycle. The result is consistently softened water delivered to the machine throughout service.

In hard and very hard water areas — which covers a significant portion of the UK — running a commercial warewasher on untreated mains water leads to progressive scale build-up on heating elements, spray arms and internal pipework. This reduces wash performance over time, increases energy consumption as scale insulates heating elements, and is one of the most common causes of avoidable breakdown callouts. The WS16-SK addresses this at the point of supply rather than relying solely on rinse aid and in-tank treatments to manage the problem after the fact.

From an operational standpoint, fitting this softener alongside a P500, D500 or G500 washer tends to produce cleaner, spot-free results on glassware and crockery, reduces the frequency of descaling, and helps keep the machine running closer to its designed performance over its service life. Key practical advantages include:

• Reduces limescale accumulation on heating elements and internal components
• Helps maintain consistent wash and rinse results throughout service
• Lowers the risk of scale-related breakdowns and associated repair costs
• Compatible with Classeq G500, D500 and P500 warewasher models
• Straightforward to regenerate using standard block or granular salt

Installation requires connection to the cold mains supply feeding the warewasher, with enough adjacent floor or wall space to accommodate the unit. At 20kg when loaded with resin, positioning and securing it correctly during installation is worth planning ahead. The WS16-SK is well suited to medium-volume operations — cafés, pub kitchens, school canteens and similar sites — running one of the compatible Classeq washers. For very high-throughput sites with extremely hard water, it is worth discussing whether a larger-capacity softener would be more appropriate for the volume of water being processed each day.

If you are unsure whether this softener is correctly sized for your site or water hardness level, we are happy to talk it through before you order.