Kinetico Essential Series User manual

Technical Manual
Models:
Essential Gold (15759)
Essential Platinum (15210)
Kinetico
ESSENTIAL
SERIES
®
WATER SOFTENERS

Table of ConTenTs
I. About thIs MAnuAl ...................................................................................................................................................4
II. serIes overvIew ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
III. systeM DAtA sheets .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Essential Gold...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Essential Platinum...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
Essential Platinum Brine Tank ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Essential Brine Valve Settings ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Iv. DetAIleD operAtIon / FunctIon ............................................................................................................................... .9
Level One Operation ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .9
Water Metering........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .9
Meter Gearing ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. .9
AccuDial® Use Mater ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ .9
AccuDial® Meter Reset.............................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Regeneration Gearing..............................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Regeneration Control Disc.....................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Lower Valving Section ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Level 3............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Regeneration Flow Control.............................................................................................................................................................................................10
Regeneration Nozzle.........................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Flow Nozzle ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Venturi ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Level 4 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Level 5............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Level 6/Base................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Media Tank........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Resin....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Upper / Lower Distributors........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Riser Tube ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Brine Tank ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Brine Valve........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
v. vAlve MAIntenAnce..................................................................................................................................................13
Servicing the Venturi ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
System Disassembly .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14-17
Maintenance........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Valve Assembly............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 18-19
AccuDial® Assembly.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 20-21
Setting the AccuDial® ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Manual Regeneration...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
vI. regenerAtIon sequence .................................................................................................................................... 23-25
vII. systeM coMponents ................................................................................................................................................26
In / Out Adapters............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 26
In / Out Adapter Kits...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
System By-pass................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
vIII. troubleshootIng.....................................................................................................................................................29
Ten Steps to Determine the Problem................................................................................................................................................................................29-30
Hard Water .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
High Salt Use ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Frequent Regeneration.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Unit Stuck In Cycle .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Equipment Noise.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Run to Drain ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Salty Water.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................33
IX. pArts ......................................................................................................................................................................34
Level One Assembly .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................34
Gearing Stacks .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 35
Level Three Assembly .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Level Four Assembly ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................36
Level Five Assembly ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
Level Six Assembly..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................36
Levels and Level Seals.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
Brine Valves, Tanks and Tubes ....................................................................................................................................................................................................38
Essential Gold ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................38
Essential Platinum....................................................................................................................................................................................................................39

Essential Series Gold and Platinum
4
I. About this Manual
This manual provides additional technical information regarding Kinetico Essential Series Softeners. This
additional technical information gives guidance for the advanced service and set-up of these products.
This manual will use various icons to help highlight issues that are relevant to the safe operation of this
equipment. The following icons will be used as described:
General information regarding the application of this product will be highlighted by this icon.
This will include technical specifications and expected operational results.
Maintain safe pressure
This sign indicates the safe operating pressure range.
Consult Maintenance Section
Refer to the maintenance section for specific instructions.
Consult Equipment Specifications Section
Refer to the equipment specifications section for specific instructions.
Consult MSDS Sheets
A caution icon will be used to present any information that may hold a potential hazard or
concern during the installation, use or maintenance of this product. Should this information
not be followed, it may result in damage to this equipment and its surroundings.
Pinch point or crushing hazard
Chemical hazard
The warning icon will be used to present any information that may result in a severe hazard or
concern during the installation, use or maintenance of this product. Should this information
not be followed, it may result in severe physical harm.
Stay Clear
Do Not Touch
No Access
Only properly trained and authorized persons can enter area or open panel.
Any tools or materials required during the installation, use or maintenance of this equipment will be
preceded by this icon. Using these specific tools will minimize time and eort. Not using the proper
tool may result in damage to this equipment, its surroundings or even physical harm

Technical Manual
5
II. Series Overview
The Kinetico Essential Series softeners provide soft water for residential applications. The unique design of
Kinetico’s Solitaire control valve allows for all softener functions to operate automatically and non-electrically.
Service
During the service operation of the Essential, water is being processed by the softener, and the unit will
deliver soft water. While the Essential is designed as a compact water softener, its technology base provides
for a high eciency regeneration (over 4,000 grains / lb. of salt removed, which is the standard for a highly
ecient water softener), full flow at a low pressure loss.
By-pass / Regeneration
Since the Essential is a single tank softener, during the regeneration period, the unit cannot make soft
water. To alleviate this concern, two design elements are included. First, during a regeneration, the unit
automatically by-passes water, so the customer is never without water. Second, the regeneration sequence
is designed to operate as quickly as possible. In many cases, this time will be less than 15 minutes for a
complete recharge of the system.
AccuDial®
To adjust the regeneration frequency, the Essential uses a variable use meter; this meter is called AccuDial.
The AccuDial is intended to be set by an authorized service provider, so the detailed description of this
process is not described in the Owner’s Manual for the equipment.
Series Range
Two Essential models are available:
Essential Gold Essential Platinum
Tank Size 8" x 17" 9" x 35"
Service Flow Rate 9.5 gpm 10 gpm
Resin Type Fine Mesh Standard Mesh
Maximum Hardness 42 gpg 50 gpg
Brine Tank Integrated with Cabinet Stand Alone

Essential Series Gold and Platinum
6
III.System Data Sheets
Essential Gold
Design Specifications
Flow Rate @ 15 psid 9.5 gpm 36 Lpm
Pressure Range 25 - 125 psi 1.7 - 8.6 bar
Temperature Range 35˚- 120˚F 2˚- 50˚C
Free Chlorine ≤1.0 mg/L ≤1.0 mg/L
Compensated Hardness ≤42 gpg ≤684 mg/L
Iron (ferrous) <0.5 mg/L <0.5 mg/L
Iron (ferric) <0.01 mg/L <0.01 mg/L
System Components
Media Vessel (Qty. 1) 8" x 17" 203 mm x 432 mm
Media Vessel Construction Fiberglass Wrapped Polyethylene
Empty Bed Volume 0.37 cubic feet 10.5 liters
Media Type Fine Mesh Cation Resin
Media Volume (per tank) 0.37 cubic feet 10.5 liters
Total Bed Depth 17" 432 mm
Free Board None
Riser Tube 1.05" ABS 27 mm ABS
Distributor Upper 0.007" Slots, Cone Type 0.18 mm Slots, Cone Type
Distributor Lower 0.007" Slots, Cone Type 0.18 mm Slots, Cone Type
Regeneration Control Volumetric
Service Flow Upflow
Regeneration Flow Downflow
Regeneration Type Countercurrent
Hard Water By-pass During Regeneration Automatic
Salt Capacity (Pellet) 60 lb 27.2 kg
System By-pass Optional
Connections
Inlet / Outlet Connections Custom Adapter and Bracket
Drain Connection 0.5" Quick Connect Tubing
Brine Line Connection 0.375" Quick Connect Tubing
Brine Tank Overflow 0.625" Tubing Barb
Power None
System Part Number
Essential Gold 15759
Dimensions and Weight
Height 24" 610 mm
Width 12" 305 mm
Depth 18" 457 mm
Shipping Weight 50 lb 22.7 kg
Operating Weight 130 lb 59.0 kg
Regeneration Specifications at 35 psi
Oine Time During Regeneration Cycle 13.5 minutes
Total Regeneration Cycle Time 15 minutes
Total Regeneration Volume 6.6 gallons 25 liters
Salt Used per Regeneration 0.8 lb 0.36 kg
Salt Dose 2.1 lb / cu ft3 33.7 grams NaCl/liter resin
System Capacity 3,660 grains 237 grams
Backwash Flow Rate 1.0 gpm 3.78 Lpm
18” / 457 mm
12” / 305 mm24” / 610 mm

Technical Manual
7
Essential Platinum
Design Specifications
Flow Rate @ 15 psid 10.0 gpm 38 Lpm
Flow Rate @ 30 psid 15.0 gpm 57 Lpm
Pressure Range 25 - 125 psi 1.7 - 8.6 bar
Temperature Range 35˚- 120˚F 2˚- 50˚C
Free Chlorine ≤2.0 mg/L ≤2.0 mg/L
Compensated Hardness ≤50 gpg ≤855 mg/L
Iron (ferrous) <0.5 mg/L <0.5 mg/L
Iron (ferric) <0.01 mg/L <0.01 mg/L
System Components
Media Vessel (Qty. 1) 9" x 35" 229 mm x 889 mm
Media Vessel Construction Fiberglass Wrapped Polyethylene
Empty Bed Volume 1.0 cubic feet 28.3 liters
Media Type Non-Solvent, High Capacity Cation Resin
Media Volume (per tank) 0.6 cubic feet 17 liters
Free Board None
Riser Tube 1.05" ABS 27 mm ABS
Distributor Upper 0.012" Slots, Cone Type 0.30 mm Slots, Cone Type
Distributor Lower 0.012" Slots, Cone Type 0.30 mm Slots, Cone Type
Regeneration Control Volumetric
Service Flow Upflow
Regeneration Flow Downflow
Regeneration Type Countercurrent
Hard Water By-pass During Regeneration Automatic
Water Used for Regeneration Inlet Water, Unprocessed
Water Used for Brine Tank Fill Softened
Salt Capacity (Pellet) 18" x 35" Brine Drum 200 lb 90.7 kg
System By-pass Optional
Connections
Inlet / Outlet Connections Custom Adapter and Bracket
Drain Connection 0.5" Quick Connect Tubing
Brine Line Connection 0.375" Quick Connect Tubing
Brine Tank Overflow 0.5" Tubing Barb
Power None
System Part Number
Essential Platinum 15210
Essential Platinum, No Brine Drum 15195
Dimensions and Weight
Height 41.25" 1,048 mm
Width 9" 229 mm
Depth 9" 229 mm
Shipping Weight 60 lb 27.2 kg
Operating Weight 300 lb 136.1 kg
Regeneration Specifications at 35 psi
Oine Time During Regeneration Cycle 13.5 minutes
Total Regeneration Cycle Time 15 minutes
Total Regeneration Volume 9.5 gallons 36 liters
Salt Used per Regeneration 1.25 lb 0.57 kg
Salt Dose 2.1 lb / cu ft3 33.7 grams NaCl/liter resin
System Capacity 5,000 grains 324 grams
Backwash Flow Rate 2.5 gpm 9.5 Lpm 9” / 229 mm
41.25” / 1,048 mm

Essential Series Gold and Platinum
8
Essential Platinum Brine Tank
System Components
Tank Construction HDPE
Connections
Inlet / Outlet Connections 0.375" Tubing
Drain Connection 0.625" Tubing
System Part Number
Complete Assembly (18" x 35") 15062
Grid Plate Asembly (5" x 18") 1539
Brine Well (4" x 30.5") 1610A
Brine Valve Assembly (18" x 35" 7805
Dimensions and Weight
Height 35" 889 mm
Diameter 18" 458 mm
Shipping Weight 21 lb 9.5 kg
Salt Capacity 250 lb 114 kg
Operating Weight (Approximate) 335 lb 152 kg
Essential Brine Valve Settings
Essential Gold
These units come with a pre-adjusted brine valve. No additional set-up is required.
The float is preset to a 0.8 lb. salt setting. This can be confirmed by measuring the
distance of the float cup from the top of the fixed adjuster tube. This distance is 0.50
inches (drawing not to scale).
Essential Platinum
The standard settings for the float cup are located on the adjuster rod
The Essential Platinum should be set to 7 3/4”. In many cases the float
cup settings are a measured distance (in inches) from the bottom of
the valve body to the top of the float cup. Align the very top of the
float cup with the marked line or measurement on the adjuster rod.
After the cup is set, check the alignment of the brine valve guide to
ensure that it is still directly aligned over the brine valve body. Set to
one (1).
Essential Platinum Settings
Float Cup 1
Float Cup Height 7 3/4"
Adjuster Tube 1.25
Salt Setting 1.25
1
thgieHpuCtaolF
2
3
4
5
.50

Technical Manual
9
IV. Detailed Operation / Function
Kinetico’s Essential Series Water Softeners use a simplex tank design. The design allows for completely
automatic regeneration, using only the energy from the water pressure to drive all valve functions. Kinetico’s
simplex valve is called the Kinetico Solitaire™ valve
Level One Operation
Level One assembly consists of four chambers: inlet, outlet
regeneration and by-pass chambers. Hard water enters
the inlet chamber and travels to the media tank where it is
treated. Treated water moves from the media tank to the
outlet chamber. Contained in the outlet chamber is a water
meter turbine, which turns only when water is used. Gears
connect the water meter turbine to the water meter disc. The
regeneration chamber is an independent chamber, which is only
pressurized during the regeneration process. When pressurized,
the regeneration flow drives the regeneration gearing, which
in turn drives the control disc. The by-pass chamber is
situated between the inlet and outlet chambers. During the
regeneration process, the by-pass chamber is open, providing a
flow connection between inlet and outlet.
Water Metering
The amount of water metered between a regeneration will be based on three
factors: the configuration of the flow nozzle, the selection of the meter gears
and the setting of the AccuDial disc. Both the meter gears and AccuDial disc
are found as part of the Level 1 assembly.
Meter Gearing
Depending on the model used, the maximum volume of water between
regenerations will change. The gear stacks used are listed below:
Gearing Standard Nozzle
A B C D Model
11 12 13 20 Gold/Platinum
AccuDial® Use Meter
For metering water use, the fully non-electric Solitaire valve includes Kinetico’s
patented AccuDial® technology. AccuDial provides linear adjustment of
metered water volume across a very broad range, allowing the installer to set
the system to virtually any desired water use between regenerations, in eect
creating a customized system for each individual installation. No special tools
or disassembly of the valve are required during set-up, and the setting can be
re-adjusted at any time by following the illustrated step-by-step instructions
on page 22.
By-pass Inlet
Outlet Regeneration
Essential Gold & Platinum Meter Gearing
D
C
B
A

Essential Series Gold and Platinum
10
AccuDial® Meter Reset (See Setting the AccuDial Section on page 22 for detailed instructions.)
Resetting the AccuDial meter is simple:
1. Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, manually initiate a system regeneration by depressing and slowly turning the
softener valve screw – located in the center of the valve cap – clockwise until four clicks are heard, and water
begins to run through the system.
2. Determine AccuDial setting from AccuDial Selection Chart – Locate model number in left-hand column and read
across corresponding row to water hardness level; AccuDial setting will be at top of column.
3. With AccuDial mechanism in “home” position (small arrow on disc will be at the six o’clock position), adjust
AccuDial to proper setting by pushing down and turning adjustment knob.
4. Set inner numbered disc to desired position. Arrow will be pointing at the center of the numbered box for whole
settings. For half settings, arrow will be pointing to the line between boxes.
5. Release adjustment knob and ensure that knob returns to up position.
NOTE: Never set AccuDial with the small arrow pointing anywhere in the black-shaded area on the inner numbered disc.
The system will not meter water accurately if set up in this manner.
Regeneration Gearing
The regeneration gearing connects the regeneration turbine to the stem gear and
eccentric pin which drives the regeneration drive pawl and advances-the control
disc.
Regeneration Control Disc
All valve positions are controlled by the control disc. As it turns, it covers and
uncovers holes in the ceramic disc (located directly below the control disc), sending
and receiving pressure signals to open and close all valve pistons.
Lower Valving Section
Level 3
NOTE: The Solitaire valve does not have a level 2.
Level 3 assembly interfaces with the level 1, communicating pressure signals from the control disc and ceramic disc
to the valving captured by the levels 3, 4 and 5. In addition to being the pressure communication hub, the Level 3 also
contains vital components such as the regeneration flow control, regeneration nozzle, meter flow nozzle and venturi.
Regeneration Flow Control
A 0.2 gpm jet regeneration flow control is used to limit the amount of water sent through the regeneration
nozzle.
Regeneration Nozzle
The regeneration nozzle is used to accurately direct the 0.2 gpm flow at the regeneration turbine.
Flow Nozzle
Accuracy and range of the flow meter will depend on the nozzle used with the system. In the Solitaire valve, the flow
nozzle is integrated within the level three. The shape of the nozzle is molded in the level 3 and the floor of the nozzle
is a feature of the level 4.
Regeneration
Control Disc
Gearing
Regeneration Nozzle Flow Nozzle
Regeneration
Flow Control

Technical Manual
11
Venturi
The Essential Series Solitaire valve uses a one-piece venturi design
to draw brine from the brine drum or cabinet into the resin tank
for regeneration of the resin. The design of the Solitaire valve
venturi and its location allow for easy access to the venturi and
replacement/cleaning if necessary without disassembling the
entire Solitaire valve. Refer to the Servicing Venturi Section for
details.
Level 4
The Level 4 contains 5 operating valves. These valves will seal
with other levels, but in each case, the valve’s shaft is captured
in the level 4. These valves include: inlet/by-pass, outlet valve
and spring loaded control valve. The servo valves are operated
by the control disc. Together these valves control the flow of
water through the system during service and regeneration.
Level 5
The level 5 creates a surface for the valves contained in
the level 4 to seal against. It also includes the brine port
connection and drain valve.
Level 6 / Base
The final level of the valve is used to direct the normal service
path of the water. Upflow is the standard flow direction.
Since all regenerations are countercurrent, the regeneration
direction will be downflow. Also holds the check stem.
Drain Port Venturi Port
Inlet / By-pass
Control Valve
Outlet
Drain Valve Port
Drain Valve
Brine Port
Check Stem

Essential Series Gold and Platinum
12
Media Tank
Tank sizes vary from 8” x 17” to 9” x 35”. These sizes only represent the size of the tank;they do not include the base
of the tank. The media tank conforms to NSF standard 61 for components, with a structural performance exceeding
250,000 life cycles when pressurized/depressurized to 150 psi. The media tank holds the resin which is used for the
softening process.
Resin
Each softener uses strong acid, high capacity cation resin, with a minimum exchange capacity of 1.37 eq/L (30,000 gr/
cf) when regenerated with a salt dose of 0.24 kg/L (15 lbs/cf).
Upper / Lower Distributors
The distributors prevent channeling of the flow through the resin bed by dispersing the water through the entire radius
of the media tank. The distributor also helps maximize the eciency of the system by improving contact with the resin
and minimizing dead spots in the media tank. The design of the distributors also keeps the resin inside the tank as the
slots on the distributor are sized smaller than the minimum size of the resin beads.
Riser Tube
A riser tube is used to connect the lower distributor to the control valve. A 1” pipe is used for this connection.
Brine Tank
The brine tank is used for both salt storage and brine production. For some units, the brine tank can also be a cabinet
which holds the entire softener. The brine tank is manufactured from corrosion-resistant plastics as the brine makes for
a harsh environment.
Brine Valve
A brine valve is used in each brine tank or cabinet. This stops the flow of brine to the control valve when a low level is
reached and prevents air from being drawn into the tank. When the bottom check activates, it also marks the beginning
of the slow rinse process. The brine valve has a float cup that is used as the high volume level for the brine dose setting,
as well as a safety to prevent an overflow situation. There is also an overflow elbow that must be connected to the drain.

Technical Manual
13
V. Valve Maintenance
Servicing the Venturi
1. Remove screws 2. Twist plug 90˚ 3. Pull out venturi / plug assembly
Remove screws using a 1/4" nut drive
4. Remove venturi 5. Snap fit new venturi 6. Lubricate O-rings with silicone (3 places)
Use small screwdriver to pry venturi out of
plug (insert screwdriver near tab).
Snap fit in after lining up tabs on venturi
with matching holes in plug.
7. Push venturi / plug back into valve 8. Insert screws
Make sure screw holes on plug align with
screw holes on valve.
Insert screws using a 1/4" nut driver

Essential Series Gold and Platinum
14
System Disassembly
1. Put unit into by-pass 2. Remove cover 3. Depressurize system
Depress and turn actuator clockwise.
4. Disconnect and remove by-pass 5. Disconnect brine line and drain line 6. Remove brine valve
7. Remove salt 8. Remove valve 9. Unbolt valve
Unbolt using 1/4" nut driver.
10. Keep nuts secure to base 11. Remove cap 12. Disassemble cap components

Technical Manual
15
13. Remove actuator and O-ring 14. Remove reset spring 15. Inspect cap subassembly
Push out using a #2 philips screwdriver
16. Disassemble AccuDial metering 17. Remove upper disc 18. Remove meter drive pawl
19. Remove no back pawl and spring 20. Remove balance piston and O-ring 21. Remove balance piston spring
22. Remove lower disc 23. Remove regeneration start pawl with
spring
24. Remove regeneration drive pawl with
spring

Essential Series Gold and Platinum
16
25. Remove control disc 26. Remove level 1 27. Remove level 3 seal
28. Separate level 6, level 6 seal and re-
move check stem
29. Isolate level 3-4-5 assembly 30. Remove by-pass seat
Hold valve seat.
Unscrew
31. Separate level 3 from 4/5 and remove
level 3
32. Remove drain valve seat 33. Separate level 4 from level 5
Pull
34. Remove level 5 seal 35. Remove inlet and outlet seats 36. Remove inlet and outlet pistons
Unscrew
Unscrew
Hold Pistons
Pull

Technical Manual
17
37. Remove drain and safety valves 38. Remove control valve seat 39. Remove control valve
Pull
Maintenance
Service venturi
Unscrew using a 1/4" nut driver.
Service regeneration flow control and
filter disc
Regeneration flow control orientation Service backwash flow control
Concave side is installed down Concave side is installed down. Then install
filter disc.

Essential Series Gold and Platinum
18
Valve Assembly
1. Place level 6 seal on level 6 2. Connect control valve to level 4 3. Insert unitary piston into level 4
Place in check stem
Push
Push
4. Insert outlet piston into level 4 5. Add seats to inlet and outlet valves 6. Insert BWFC into level 4
Outlet Position
Push
Screw
7. Place level 5 seal on level 5 8. Place level 4 subassembly on level 5 9. Place level 4 seal on level
Drain valve
10. Insert regen flow control into level 11. Place level 3 on level 4/5 12. Add by-pass seat
Concave side is installed down. Then install
filter disc.
Hold
Screw

Technical Manual
19
13. Place 3-4-5 assembly on level 6 14. Place level 3 seal on 3-4-5-6 assembly 15. Place level 1 assembly on 3-4-5-6
16. Bolt valve together
Use a 1/4" nut driver and tighten to 1.69
Nm (15 in/lbs) in a crossing pattern.

Essential Series Gold and Platinum
20
AccuDial Assembly
1. Add support pin 2. Add eccentric pins and stem gears 3. Add control disc
4a. Add regeneration drive pawl with
spring
4b. Regeneration drive pawl with spring
in place
5a. Add a regeneration start pawl with
spring
5b. Regeneration start pawl with spring
in place
6a. Add no back pawl and spring 6b. No back pawl and spring added
7a. Add meter drive pawl 7b. Add meter drive pawl 8. Add lower meter disc
Make sure the meter drive pawl catches
the spring.