Technical building equipment is becoming increasingly dense, complex and demanding. In the field of drinking water treatment in particular, expectations are rising for simple installation, flexible expandability and operation that meets the needs of both installers and end users.
The trade fair shows how much this area has developed in recent years – away from rigid individual components towards modular systems that can be adapted to real installation situations.
Grünbeck Wasseraufbereitung from Höchstädt an der Donau can look back on 75 years of company history. The anniversary is not only an opportunity to look back, but above all a chance to present a range of new products. The focus is clearly on simplification – in installation, in subsequent expansions and in daily use. It is clear that water treatment is no longer thought of in isolation, but as an integral part of modern building services.
A key highlight of the trade fair is the new pureliQ:KX filter. It is designed as a compact drinking water filter that can be flexibly integrated into different piping situations. The decisive factor here is not so much the filter itself as the system concept behind it. The filter is part of a modular design that makes it possible to replace or add individual components later on without great effort. In new buildings in particular, it is often the case that only a filter is installed initially, with a water softener to be retrofitted years later. The system is designed precisely for this application. The existing filter can be removed without having to cut or re-press pipes.
The technical heart of the new product generation is the cliQlock modular system. This is an innovative clamp solution that almost completely encloses the components and thus secures them in place. Installation is carried out using a standardised installation dimension of 100 millimetres and covers common pipe sizes. The clamp is simply attached and locked into place. The component is immediately sealed and can be rotated freely. This allows the flow direction to be flexibly adjusted, regardless of whether the installation is horizontal or vertical. For installers, this means significant time savings, especially in confined technical rooms or with complex pipe layouts.
Another advantage becomes apparent when subsequent changes are made. If, for example, a water softener is added, the filter can be removed in seconds and replaced with a connection module. The filter is then reattached – all without additional press connections.
In line with the modular approach, the softliQ:SE water softeners are presented. They are available in several sizes and can be seamlessly integrated into the cliQlock system. Technically, they aim to reliably reduce water hardness while keeping operating costs low. The control system has been completely redesigned and is now intuitive to use. Both installers and end users should be able to operate the system without extensive training. The visual presentation of information plays a central role in this.
The user interface of the softliQ:SE systems displays all relevant information at a glance. Raw water hardness, soft water hardness, current flow status and salt supply are clearly displayed. In addition, safety functions are integrated that go beyond pure softening operation. These include a frost monitor that warns of frozen pipes and monitoring for possible leaks. These functions offer additional protection, especially in holiday homes or buildings that are temporarily unoccupied. A special feature is the integration of QR codes directly into the user interface. A QR code is displayed for certain settings, such as adjusting the water hardness or refilling salt. This code can be used to access short explanatory videos that provide clear answers to typical questions. This means that knowledge is provided exactly where it is needed.
According to the company, the development of the new systems is based heavily on feedback from practical experience. Installers and end customers were specifically surveyed to identify typical problems, bottlenecks and wishes. A recurring theme is the increasing lack of space in domestic connection rooms, especially in buildings without basements. At the same time, piping systems are becoming increasingly complex, which makes it difficult to install additional components. This is where the modular concept with clickable connections comes in, designed to enable installation even under difficult conditions.
The trade fair presentation shows that water treatment is no longer an isolated issue. It is understood as part of an overall system that combines ease of installation, expandability and digital support. The trend is clearly towards systems that grow with the building and can be adapted to changing requirements. This means that the focus is not only on technical function, but also on the everyday lives of installers and users. Quick installation, easy maintenance and intuitive operation are becoming criteria that are just as important as the actual water quality. The solutions presented are positioned precisely at this interface.