How Does a Water Fed Pole System Work for Window Cleaning
Water fed window cleaning uses purified water to clean windows up to 90 feet high safely from the ground. "Purified water" refers to water that has been cleaned, or "purified," by removing the vast majority of contaminants, or "total dissolved solids." This is done by running the tap water through a water purfication system, then through a water fed pole (WFP) and brush to clean the window. The brush scrubs the contaminants from the glass, then the purified water rinses all the dirt and grime away, and leaves the windows spot free.
Let's look at what a water fed pole system consists of and why it's a smart and profitable way to clean windows.
What are the parts of a Water Fed Pole?
Here are the key components of a water fed pole:
The Pole: The water fed pole is just what it sounds like: a pole that is used to reach the windows from the ground. Poles come in a variety of materials and lengths, and can reach varying heights depending on how they are designed.
The Hose: The hose or tubing runs water from the purification system to the brush. Water Fed Pole hoses are available in different diameters and lengths.
Clamps: Water fed poles have to be assembled. The clamp is used to hold the various pieces, or modular sections (for Gardiner Poles) together.
The Gooseneck: Also referred to as the angle adapter, the gooseneck connects the brush to the pole. With Gardiner poles, this is the adjustable QuicK-LoQ Angle Adapter or the QuicK-LoQ Angle Adapter Long, which provides more reach if needed.
Brush: The WFP brush attaches to the gooseneck at the top of the pole, and is used for scrubbing the window clean, then spraying the purified water on the glass for a spot-free rinse.
Rinse Bar: The rinse bar is an option that some people like to add to the top (or bottom) of the water fed brush. The spray bar has multiple small holes all the way across the bar, allowing small jets of water to come out each hole and rinse the window.
What are the Parts of a Water Purification System?
TDS Meter: Water used for washing windows needs to have a total dissolved solids (TDS) count of just 10 or less. A TDS meter is a simple tool with an electrical probe in the bottom of it that runs electricity through the water, and tells you how clean (or dirty) the water is.
Filters: To remove solids from water, you must run it through filters. There are three types of filters, which is why some systems are called "three-stage" water purification systems. Here are the three types:
- Carbon Filters: are the first stage in the 3-stage system, and are used to catch not only the biggest debris, but remove chlorine from the water.
- RO Membrane: Reverse Osmosis, or RO, is the second stage of the 3-stage system, and uses an RO membrane to remove removing about 98% of the water's impurities, but the membrane is susceptible to damage from chlorine, which is why the carbon filter must come first.
- DI Filter: The remaining water goes through a deionization (DI) resin to clean up the rest of the water. Deionization is a powerful water purification process, but the resin is expensive. In some cases, you may only need a DI filter. In other, though it's more cost effective to have an RODI system.
Input Hose: The water for a water purification system comes from a regular garden hose from the house or building, or from a tank.
Cart: You will need to be able to roll your water purification system around with you as you move around the house/building, which is why RODI systems like the ProTool Eco Cart and the H2Pro are placed on compact but rugged carts.
What Are the Benefits of Water Fed Pole Cleaning?
Safer
One of the biggest benefits of using a WFP is that you can clean tall windows safely from the ground. In fact, with the Gardiner Ultra, you can clean up to 90 feet (approx. 8 stories) safely and efficiently.
Easier to Learn and Use
Traditional window cleaning with a mop and squeegee is an art form, and one that a lot of companies shy away from. With WFP cleaning, companies that already offer other exterior cleaning services like power washing, soft washing, and gutter cleaning can easily add window cleaning.
More Efficient
With a water fed pole system, you aren’t having to over windows manually with a mop and squeegee. You simply brush the windows a couple of times, rinse, and move on to the next one. Set up and tear down time is minimal and cleaning is much faster, providing you with immaculate results. You can also clean windows and frames at the same time.
Less Physically Demanding
Climbing up and down ladders is not only time consuming and dangerous, it’s exhausting. Gardiner poles are extremely lightweight, which makes them easier to use and put less wear and tear on the body.
More Convenient
With a water fed pole system, you aren’t having to over windows manually with a mop and squeegee. You simply brush the windows a couple of times, rinse, and move on to the next one. Set up and tear down time is minimal and cleaning is much faster, providing you with immaculate results. You can also clean windows and frames at the same time.
Less Liability
With water fed poles, you can not only stay off of ladders, but you can avoid lifts and chairs and still reach up to 8 story windows. Staying on the ground means less risk, and potentially smaller insurance premiums.
More Environmentally Friendly
Water fed pole systems use only purified water. There are no chemicals involved, so it’s better for the environment.
Less Intrusive
Being able to clean higher windows from the ground means your crews will not be looking into your customers windows, helping them maintain privacy while still enjoying sparkling clean glass.
Cleaner Glass
Pure water dries spot free, meaning there is no residue left on the window. Left over detergent also attracts more dust and grime, so using pure water keeps windows cleaner longer.
More Profitable
Using a WFP not only means you can take on projects you would otherwise have to turn down, it also cuts your costs, which can make you more competitive and more profitable. Not having to rent a lift or use a chair can significantly save you and your client money.