Culligan Platinum Series User manual

Culligan
Platinum Series™
Automatic
Water Conditioner
Owners Guide

THANKYOU
ANDWELCOME TOYOUR NEWWORLD OF BETTER
LIVING WITH CULLIGAN WATER.
The Culligan Platinum Series™water softeners with Soft-Minder®meter and
Aqua-Sensor®sensing device are tested and certified under ANSI/NSF
Standard 44 for softener performance.
For installations in Massachusetts,the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plumbing code
must be adhered to.Consult your licensed plumber for installation of the system. This
system and its installation must comply with state and local regulations.
If this is your first experience having soft, conditioned water in your home, you’ll be amazed at
the marvelous difference it makes.We promise that you’ll never want to be without it again.
Congratulations,too, on selecting one of the“first family”of water conditioners in the
prestigious Culligan Platinum Series.With Culligan’s many years of knowledge and experience
in water treatment,you can be confident that the model you selected has been designed and
engineered to provide years of service with a minimum of care and attention.
Some localities have corrosive water.A water softener cannot correct this problem and so its
printed warranty disclaims liability for corrosion of plumbing lines,fixtures or appliances.If you
suspect corrosion,your Culligan Dealer has equipment to control the problem.
SODIUM INFORMATION: Water softeners using sodium chloride for regeneration add
sodium to the water. Persons who are on sodium restricted diets should consider the added
sodium as part of their overall sodium intake.
i

PerformanceDataSheetsareincludedinthismanualforvariousPlatinumSeriesSoftenermodels.
Refer to the Performance Data Sheet for your specific softener,as there are slight differences be-
tween the models.The softener waranty is located on page 17 of this Owner’s Guide.
Platinum Series 9”Water Softener with Soft-Minder®Meter
Performance Data Sheet - Page 13
Platinum Series 9”Water Softener with Aqua-Sensor®
Sensing Device
Performance Data Sheet - Page 14
Platinum Series 12”Water Softener with Soft-Minder®Meter
Performance Data Sheet - Page 15
Platinum Series 12”Water Softener with Aqua-Sensor®
Sensing Device
Performance Data Sheet - Page 16
1
Softener Model

Culligan®Platinum SeriesWater Conditioners with Aqua-Sensor®Device or
Soft-Minder®Meter 9”Model 12”Model
Control Valve 5-cycle Reinforced 5-cycle Reinforced
Thermoplastic Thermoplastic
Overall Conditioner Height 53in. (1,346mm) 53-½in. (1,346mm)
Media Tank Dimensions (Dia. x Ht.) 9 x 44in. 12 x 44in.
229x1,118mm 305x1,118mm
Salt Storage Tank Dimensions 16x43in. 18x43in.
(Dia.xHt.) 457x1,092mm 457x1,092mm
18x43in.
457x1,092mm
Exchange Media,Type & Quantity Cullex®Media,0.86 ft3Cullex Media,1.4 ft3
Cullex Media,24.5 L Cullex Media,40 L
Underbedding,Type & Quantity Cullsan®Underbed, 12 lb. Cullsan Underbed, 30 lb.
Cullsan Underbed, 5.4 kg Cullsan Underbed, 13.6 kg
Exchange Capacity @ Salt 15,700 gr @4 lb. 19,800 gr @6 lb.
Dosage Per Recharge 1,017g @ 1.6 kg 1,283g @ 2.7 kg
22,000gr @ 8 lb. 30,900gr @ 12 lb.
1,426g@3.6 kg 2,003 g @ 5.4 kg
24,000gr @ 12 lb. 36,300gr @ 18 lb.
1,555g @ 5.4 kg 2,353 g @ 8.2 kg
Freeboard to Media115.5in. 18.25in.
394mm 464 mm
Freeboard to Underbedding239in.(991 mm) 39 in.(991mm)
Salt Storage Capacity 250lb.or375 lb. 375lb.
114 kg or 170 kg 170kg
Rated Service Flow @ Pressure Drop 14gpm @ 15 psi 16.8 gpm@15psi
49Lpm@ 103 kPa 72 Lpm @ 103 kPa
Total Hardness,Maximum 75 gpg (1,300 mg/L) 99 gpg (1,692 mg/L)
Total Dissolved Iron,Maximum 5 ppm (5 mg/L) 5 ppm (5 mg/L)
Hardness to Iron Ratio,Minimum 8 gpg to 1 ppm 8 gpg to 1 ppm
140 mg/L to 1 mg/L 140 mg/L to 1 mg/L
Operating Pressure 20-125psi(140 -860 kPa) 20-125psi(140 -860 kPa)
Operating Temperature 33- 120°F (1 - 50°C) 33- 120°F (1 - 50°C)
Electrical Requirements 24V/60Hz 24V/60Hz
Electrical Power Consumption,Min./Max. 3 Watts/45 Watts 3 Watts/45 Watts
Drain Flow, Maximum32.0 gpm (8 Lpm) 3.5 gpm(14 Lpm)
Recharge Time, Average468min. 57 min.
Recharge Water Consumption 43 gal.(162L) 83 gal.(314 L)
1 Measured from top of media to top surface of tank surface.
2 Measured from topof underbedding to top surface of tank surface.
3 Backwash at 120 psi (830 kPa).
4 10 minute backwash, 4 lb. (1.8 kg) 9”model or 6 lb.(2.7 kg) 12”model salt dosage.
2
Specifications

IT’SALLSO EASY,SO ECONOMICAL,SO EFFICIENT,SO ENJOYABLE!
KIND TO SKIN AND COMPLEXION
Soft water will help prevent red, itchy or dry skin because there are no hardness impurities to cause
soreness,no soap curd to coat the skin.Shaving is easier, smoother - either with blade or electric shaver.
BATHING AND SHOWERING
You’ll use far less soap with conditioned water.Use your soap very sparingly - not as you did before soft
water.Just a quick rinse removes all lather,leaving your skin pleasantly smooth and silky - because now it’s
free of sticky soap curd and film.
SAVES WASHING COSTS.HELPS CONTROL ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Soft water washes whiter and cleaner with less soap or detergent.Because the hardness impurities are
removed,your soap can concentrate solely on washing.People usually find that they can reduce the
amount of soap they use substantially. If you normally used a cup per wash load with hard water, try using
only 1/3 cup depending on the size of your wash load and the degree of soil. Different amounts are
required, but you can use less with softened water.An added bonus is the fact that your washable fabrics
will last longer.
SUPER HAIR CONDITIONING
Soft water is great for scalp and hair care. No insoluble deposits are formed.Hair is shinier, softer,more
manageable. Reduce the amount of shampoo you have normally used.
DISHES ARE A DELIGHT
Washed by hand or in a dishwasher,glassware, dishes and silver wash cleaner,easier.Follow your dish-
washer manufacturer’s instructions. Soft water promotes sanitation because no greasy hard water film can
form to collect or harbor bacteria.
EASIER HOUSEKEEPING, GLEAMING FIXTURES
You’ll be amazed at the marvelous difference.Just a swish of the cloth, and the bathtub or shower and
fixtures are clean and sparkling.Imagine, no scouring! No hard water scum to cause rings, streaks,spots
and stains.To keep their gleaming luster,simply wipe fixtures with a towel after use. Formica, tile,walls,
floors, woodwork surfaces clean easier, stay clean longer.You’ll save on cleaning aids and save on time.
SAVES WATER-HEATING ENERGY HELPS WATER-USING APPLIANCES
Soft water reduces the formation of rock-like hard water scale which encrusts water heaters, hot water
pipes, shower heads,and water-using appliances.This scale can cause premature maintenance and failure.
Elimination of hard water also provides substantial energy savings because scale acts as an insulator,
wasting electricity or gas used to heat water.
Introduction
3

SAVINGS GALORE
A water conditioner is frequently referred to as“the appliance that pays for itself”.You’ll find that your
savings on soaps, detergents,cleaning aids, and personal care products will help your family’s household
budget.And if you place a price on your time,you’ll be most happy with the time saved by your new
family servant.
WATER FOR LAWNS AND HOUSEHOLD PLANTS
If possible,lawn sprinkling faucets should be supplied with hard water primarily because it is
uneconomical to soften so much water.
Household plants are much more sensitive than lawns with respect to the kind of water which is best.
First,because they receive no rainfall and, second,there is little or no drainage of the soil. Preferably they
should be watered with rainwater or water which is low in mineral content such as distilled or
demineralized water.Softened water is not recommended for house plants because a build-up of sodium
in the soil may interfere with efficient absorption of water by the plant root system.Additional
information may be obtained fromyour independently operated Culligan dealer.
Introduction (cont.)
4

HowYourWater ConditionerWorks
WhyWater Gets Hard And HowIt’s Softened
All of the fresh water in the world originally falls as rain,snow,or sleet. Surface water is drawn upward by
the sun,forming clouds. Then,nearly pure and soft as it starts to fall, it begins to collect impurities as it
passes through smog and dust-laden atmosphere.And as it seeps through soil and rocks it gathers
hardness,rust, acid, unpleasant tastes and odors.
Water hardness is caused primarily by limestone dissolved from the earth by rainwater.Because of this,in
earlier times people who wanted soft water collected rainwater from roofs in rain barrels and cisterns
before it picked up hardness from the earth.
Some localities have corrosive water.A softener cannot correct this problem and so its printed warranty
disclaims liability for corrosion of plumbing lines,fixtures or appliances.If you suspect corrosion,your
Culligan Man has equipment to control the problem.
Iron is a common water problem.The chemical/physical nature of iron found in natural water supplies is
exhibitedin four general types:
1. Dissolved Iron - Also called ferrous or“clear water”iron. This type of iron can be removed from the
water by the same ion exchange principle that removes the hardness elements,calcium and
magnesium. Dissolved iron is soluble in water and is detected by taking a sample of the water to be
treated in a clear glass.The water in the glass is initially clear,but on standing exposed to the air,it may
gradually turn cloudy or colored as it oxidizes.
2. Particulate Iron -Also called ferric or colloidal iron.This type of iron is an undissolved particle of iron.
A softener will remove larger particles, but they may not be washed out in regeneration effectively and
will eventually foul the ion exchange resin.A filtering treatment will be required to remove this type of
iron.
3. Organic Bound Iron - This type of iron is strongly attached to an organic compound in the water. The
ion exchange process alone cannot break this attachment and the softener will not remove this type of
iron.
4. Bacterial Iron - This type of iron is protected inside a bacteria cell. Like the organic bound iron, it is
not removed by a water softener.
5

When using a softener to remove both hardness and dissolved iron it is important that it regenerates
more frequently than ordinarily would be calculated for hardness removal alone.Although many factors
and formulas have been used to determine this frequency,it is recommended that the softener be
regenerated when it has reached 50 - 75% of the calculated hardness alone capacity.This will minimize
the potential for bed fouling.
If you are operating a water softener onclear water iron, regular resin bed cleaning is needed to keep the
be from coating with iron.Even when operating a softener on water with less than the maximum of
dissolved iron,regular cleanings should be performed. Clean every six months or more often if iron
appears in your conditioned water supply.Use resin bed cleaning compounds carefully following the
directions on the container.
CAUTION: Do not use where the water is microbiologically unsafe or with
water of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the unit.
HowYourWater ConditionerWorks (cont.)
6

The Culligan Process
Your Culligan water conditioner consists of three basic components,(A) the Control Valve,(B) the
Mineral Tank,and (C) the Brine System.
A. The exclusive Culligan control valve automatically performs a variety of tasks that are necessary for the
proper operation of your water conditioner.These tasks, commonly referred to as cycles or operating
positions,are:
SERVICE, REGENERATION,AND BRINE REFILL.
1. SERVICE:While the control valve is in the“Service cycle”,hard water is directed down through the
column of Cullex®resin where hardness minerals are removed from the water.The softened water
is then directed into your household plumbing lines.The ability of the Cullex resin to remove
hardness minerals needs to be periodically replenished; this is referred to as . ..
2. REGENERATION: While the control valve is in the“Regeneration cycle”,water is first directed up
through the column of Cullex resin to flush accumulated sediment out of the resin and down the
drain. Then,the regenerant brine solution is slowly drawn from the bottom of the salt storage tank
of the Brine System and is directed down through the column of Cullex resin, restoring the ability
of the resin to remove hardness minerals from your water supply. Once completed, the
regeneration cycle is followed by . ..
3. BRINE REFILL: While the control valve is in the“Brine Refill cycle”, a predetermined amount of
water is directed to the salt storage tank of the Brine System so that additional salt can be dissolved
to provide the brine solution that will be needed for the next regeneration cycle.
B. The exclusive Bonded Tripl-Hull™Mineral Tank contains the Cullex resin column,Cullsan®
underbedding, and an outlet manifold.Note: The Mineral Tank of Aqua-Sensor®models also contains
a mineral sensor device that determines when the Cullex resin needs regeneration. The number of
gallons of hard water that can be softened by the Cullex resin column before it needs regeneration is
called the“capacity”of the resin column,and depends upon the amount of hardness minerals in each
gallon of water (expressed as grains per gallon) and upon the amount of regenerant brine solution
(expressed as pounds of salt) passed through the resin column during regeneration.
Your Culligan serviceperson,taking into account the hardness of your water and the amount of
softened water your household may reasonably expect to use each day, has carefully established how
often the softener will regenerate and how much salt will be used for each regeneration.This will
ensure that all of your soft water needs will be fulfilled without using an excessive amount of salt.
C. The Brine System consists of a salt storage container and hydraulic Dubl-Safe™valve.The salt storage
container holds the salt that is used to make the regenerant brine solution.The hydraulic Dubl-Safe
valve limits the amount of water that is returned to the salt storage tank during the brine refill cycle.
Since a predetermined amount of salt is dissolved with each brine refill cycle,the salt must be
periodically replenished in order to maintain efficient operation.Your Culligan serviceperson will be
able to tell you about how often salt must be added to the salt storage container.
7

8
Display
As shipped from the factory,the display of the board will turn off if there has been no
keyboard activity for a 1 minute period.To have the display constantly lit,press the STATUS button until
the number 10 icon is lit.Next,press the UP arrow.A“d”for disable will appear in the display.To have the
display blank again,press the UP arrow.An“E”will appear in the display.
Power Loss
TheAccuSoft®circuit board is equipped with a Hi-Cap Capacitor and EEPROM memory chip.The
capacitor is capable of maintaining the time,for at least one day, in the event of a power outage.The
EEPROM ensures that the individual programming parameters of your softener are not lost.
If the power outage lasts long enough to drain the Hi-Cap Capacitor,the control will flash“12:00 PM”
when power is returned to the control.The unit will continue to keep time from the moment power is
restored, and will initiate a full regeneration at the preset regeneration time. The time of day will need to
be reset in order to return the regeneration to its preset time.
If you live in an area where power outages occur with a regular frequency,a battery backup option is
available for ensuring that the time of day is properly maintained. Contact your Culligan Dealer for more
information.
Meter Operation
For units equipped as a Soft-Minder®meter,the gallons remaining can be viewed by pressing the STATUS
button until the screen is blank.Press the“-”key.The display will blink“F10”for 3 seconds and then
display the gallons per minute flow rate.Press the“-”key.The display will blink“GAL”for 3 seconds and
then display the gallons remaining before regeneration (multiply the displayed number by 10).
Regeneration
To initiate an immediate regeneration, press and hold the“REGEN”button for at least five seconds.The
“REGEN”will light and blink.An immediate regeneration will also occur if a power outage has lasted for
more than four hours and the Immediate Regeneration option is chosen.Ask your Culligan Dealer about
this feature.
A regeneration at the Time of Regeneration will occur if so signaled by the Soft-Minder meter.The
“REGEN”enunciator on the display will also be lit.
Service
The Culligan®Platinum Series water softener is equipped with a self diagnostic program to insure optimal
operation of your water softener.Should service become necessary, a phone icon will appear in the
display.If this condition occurs,call your local Culligan Dealer for assistance. The phone icon will be the
only item displayed when service is required on the control.
Familiarization