Blair Water Conditioning

About

Blair Water Conditioning is a legacy water treatment company based in Clearwater and Oldsmar, Florida, serving the Tri-County area (Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough). Founded in 1947, it is one of the oldest water conditioning firms in Tampa Bay. Under the leadership of President Mark Gerhart, who purchased the company in 1989 after starting as a route specialist, the firm has transformed from a small "mom and pop" operation into a major regional provider with thousands of accounts. 🛡️ The Blair "Portable Exchange" Model The most significant differentiator for Blair Water is their focus on Portable Exchange Tank Service rather than selling expensive, permanent machines. Hassle-Free Maintenance: Instead of you owning a system that requires electricity, salt refills, and mechanical repairs, Blair provides a tank that they physically swap out on a regular schedule (typically every 2–4 weeks). Economical Entry: This service model is often marketed as costing as little as $1 a day, making soft water accessible without a large upfront investment of $2,000–$5,000. No Contracts: They rely on the quality of their service to retain customers, famously operating without long-term contracts. Environmental Impact: Because the regeneration of the resin happens at Blair’s state-of-the-art facility in Oldsmar, no salty brine water is discharged into your home’s septic system or the local aquifer. Why Homeowners Choose Blair (2026 Profile) Word-of-Mouth Heritage: Over 90% of their business comes from referrals. They offer an aggressive referral program where customers can earn several months of free service. The "Mark Gerhart" Touch: Reviews frequently mention the owner's personal involvement, even decades after taking over. The company maintains an A+ Rating with the BBB. State-of-the-Art Facility: Their move to a new, larger facility in Oldsmar has allowed them to scale their "exchange" capacity while maintaining the fast, local response times they are known for. No Salespeople: They don't employ traditional high-pressure salespeople; instead, they use technical specialists who provide honest evaluations. Comparison: 2026 Tampa Bay Landscape vs. Florida Water Treatment (FWT): FWT is best for purchasing a permanent, mechanical "Rainbow" system. Blair is the superior choice if you prefer a service-based subscription model where you never have to touch a salt bag. vs. Better Water Systems: Better Water focuses on "Medical-Grade" residential setups. Blair focuses on practical, hassle-free softness and convenience. Note on "Blair's Air": It is important to distinguish Blair Water Conditioning from Blair’s Air Conditioning & Heating. While they share a name and local history, Blair Water is a specialized water firm focusing exclusively on fluid treatment and plumbing partnerships. 🏆 Verdict: Is Blair Water Right for You? Choose Blair Water Conditioning if you want soft water without the responsibility of ownership. If you are a seasonal resident, a busy professional, or someone who simply doesn't want to lug 40lb salt bags into the garage every month, their Portable Exchange Tank Service is the most convenient solution in Pinellas County.