Scalemaster Softline 150 Owner's manual

SOFTLINE 150, 150 MINI & 450
Non - Electric Water Softeners
Installation & Operation Manual Effective: 2021
PLEASE READ FULLY BEFORE INSTALLATION

1
PAGE
Contents
Introduction 2
Features & Benefits 2
Before You Start 3 - 4
Installation
Your Softline Water Softener 5
Installation 6 - 10
Settings 11
Commissioning & Operation 12 - 14
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE NOTE:
Before you start installing your Softline Water Softener, ensure that you have all the
correct parts and tools required to install your Water Softener.
YOUR SOFTLINE WATER SOFTENER IS COVERED BY A 5 YEAR PARTS & 2 YEARS LABOUR
WARRANTY. TO ENSURE YOUR WATER SOFTENER IS COVERED IT MUST BE INSTALLED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS & REGISTERED ONCE INSTALLED.
YOUR WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER RESIN DAMAGE OR DAMAGE TO YOUR WATER
SOFTENER THROUGH INGRESS OF DEBRIS OR CHEMICALS FROM EXTERNAL SOURCES,
INCORRECT INSTALLATION, ON-SITE DAMAGE OR INCORRECT SETTING UP OF THE
UNIT.
In the interests of continuing product development, we reserve the right to make
modifications to the specification of the unit without notice.

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Thank you for choosing a Softline Non Electric Water Softener.
It is important that you take the time to read this installation guide. It will tell you in a simple
format how to install your Water Softener and how to start enjoying the benefits of
softened water.
This instruction manual applies to the SL150, SL150 Mini & SL450 models only.
1. Introduction.
The SL Non-Electric range of Water Softeners from Scalemaster present a new approach to
the world of water softeners. Based on proven technology, Because these softeners are
non-electric there are no issues relating to electrical installation compliance. These units
are still fully automatic. The units operate purely through the hydraulic pressure of the
incoming water whether that be from the mains or from a well. Scalemaster non-electric
water softeners have no motors and no wires, they just do not need them! The moving
parts are operated by dynamic water pressure above 1 bar (dynamic).
Scalemaster SL Water Softeners are one of the most efficient water softeners on the
market. For example, through it’s advanced technology, the SL150 version typically uses
only 330 grams of salt and 18 litres of water for every regeneration making it one of the
most environmentally friendly water softeners on the market today. Water usage is less
than 4% per regeneration which meets the minimum performance requirements of the
Code for Sustainable Homes published by the Buildings Research Establishment.
2. Features & Benefits.
• NON-ELECTRIC: The 150 & 450 range work entirely without electricity.
• EASE OF INSTALLATION: Far simpler than standard water softeners to install due to the
simple and unique ‘clip-connect’ design and integrated bypass manifold.
• COMPACT DESIGN: The SL150 is designed to fit into a standard kitchen cabinet and
other areas where space is at a premium.
• MINIMAL PROGRAMMING: Just set the water hardness for your area.
• ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: Designed to use minimal salt & water during regenera-
tion.
• HIGH TEST STANDARDS: The units are all ‘wet tested’ before leaving the factory.
• HIGH FLOW RATES: Nominal flow rate (1 bar loss of pressure) 25 litres per minute (1500
litres per hour).
DID YOU KNOW?
The salt used in a water softener is not used to soften the water, it’s used
as part of the cleaning process (regeneration) that the softener will go
through periodically.

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3. Before You start
• Make sure you have all necessary parts and tools required before starting the
installation.
• Follow all regulations regarding drainage. If in doubt see the relevant WRAS
guidance notes which can be found at www.wras.co.uk.
• Read this manual carefully. If you have any questions please contact the
Technical Helpline on 07990 064096.
• Check incoming water pressure: minimum 1 bar (dynamic), maximum 6 bar
(static) (15 - 100 PSI). If necessary fit a pressure reducing valve to reduce the
incoming water pressure.
• Do not install the water softener close to a heat source. (environment ambient
temperature must be below 40°c ).
• Protect the water softener drain hose (item 11, page 5), and all fittings against
frost.
• Make sure you have tested the water for Total Hardness for the area. If in doubt
telephone the Technical helpline on 07990 064096 to obtain this information.
• Remember, if you are not sure ASK!
It is recommended that any water softener is installed by a professional.
Although Softline water softeners are probably the easiest and safest softener on
the market, it is imperative that all necessary precautions are taken.
This installation guide is written to help the professional installer and assumes that this
person has a working knowledge of hydraulic softeners and domestic plumbing.
Proper operation of the softener depends on correct installation,
commissioning, maintenance and maintaining the salt level with suitable
salt manufactured for use in water softeners.
Identification of your Water Softener
Softline SL150 Mini Softline SL150 Softline SL450

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3.1. Positioning the water softener
• Remember to measure your water softener and the space where it will be installed.
Remember to allow extra space for connecting pipework when you do your
calculations along with adequate space to allow for future servicing, maintenance
and topping up of salt.
• Keep the distance of the incoming main and drainage to a minimum. While 2 metres is
an adequate distance this can be longer in circumstances where water pressure
allows.
• The weight of the water softener is greatly increased when fully operational and filled
with both salt and water so this must be taken into account when choosing where to
site the water softener.
• Your water softener is designed to operate effectively with an incoming water pressure
of between 1 bar and 6 bar. If your water supply is likely to fall outside of these param-
eters we recommend that either a booster pump or pressure reducing valve should be
fitted accordingly.
• Do not install your water softener next to a boiler or other heat source that will exceed
ambient temperature of 40°c.
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING INSTALLING YOUR WATER SOFTENER IN A LOFT, THE FOLLOWING
INSTRUCTIONS SHOULD BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO.
3.2. Loft Installation
• The water softener may be installed in a loft or roof cavity but must be situated within a
safety tank of not less than 100 litre capacity. A suitable tank would be a plastic roof
storage tank with an overflow pipe of not less than 20mm diameter. This tank should be
mounted on a board strong enough to spread the weight over a load bearing wall.
3.3. Drinking Water
• When fitting your water softener allowance should be made for at least one drinking
water tap that is not fed by the water softener. Where practical this should be at the
kitchen sink but a utility room or other suitable alternative will suffice.
• It is recommended that people on a low sodium diet should not drink artificially sof-
tened water. Water used for mixing infant powder for babies must only be taken from
unsoftened water as artificially softened water contains an increased level of sodium
to which young babies have a limited tolerance.

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1. Bypass Manifold 8. Blending Regulator (Always left at 0)
2. Valve Housing 9. Water Hardness Regulator
3. Resin Vessel 10. Brine Pick-Up Tube
4. Salt Chamber 11. Discharge Connector to Drain
5. Brine Float Assy (Under Lid) 12. Pre Drilled Overflow (3 options)
6. Water Inlet 13. Serial Number (under barcode).
7. Water Outlet
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
12
5
10
11 PLEASE NOTE
While the outward appearance of
the 150, 150 mini & 450 are different
the look of the component parts will
look similar or the same as described
on this page.
13

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4. Installation:
4.1 Close the main valve (stop tap) and make sure pressure is released from the piping.
This can be done by opening at least one tap.
4.2 Cut into the cold water mains supply in order to install two isolation valves, one for
the mains inlet and one for the mains outlet. These are not supplied with the
Softener.
4.3 ENSURE THE BYPASS VALVE IS SET TO “BYPASS” (see bottom picture) Connect the
mains inlet to the bottom port of the bypass unit using the hose supplied and the
mains outlet to the top port of the bypass unit with the remaining hose.
4.4 Connect the bypass unit to the softener, by gently pushing the bypass into the two
ports on the back of the valve ensuring that the inlet filter does not fall out. Insert the
two clips fully to secure the bypass. (note that the 450 has two extenders).
Ensure that bypass is the correct way up with the Service / Bypass knob at the top.
OUTLET
INLET
NOTE:
When ‘BYPASS’ is facing the
arrow (as in the picture) the
softener is isolated from the
mains water supply.
BYPASS = OFF
SERVICE = ON

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4.5 Connect the straight drain outlet (part 11. page 5) to a local drain by means of
the 13 mm flexible drain hose supplied in the installation kit. ENSURE THE HOSE IS
FULLY PUSHED ON TO THE STRAIGHT DRAIN OUTLET. This drain pipe has been
reinforced to avoid possible problems caused by kinking of the pipe. IT IS
IMPORTANT HOWEVER TO PROTECT THE DRAIN HOSE FROM FROST & EXCESSIVE
HEAT. If the drain hose is being taken outside ensure a suitable insulation material
is used to stop water freezing in the pipe. (min. temp. 5°c, max. temp. 40°c).
NOTE: The discharge drain hose may installed with a rise of up to 1m but this
must be over a 5 metre run.
CAUTION: Follow all regulations regarding connection of the flexible drain
hose to the drain. If in doubt check the relevant WRAS guidance notes at
www.WRAS.co.uk
STRAIGHT DRAIN
OUTLET - DO NOT
CONNECT THE
DISCHARGE TO
THE OVERFLOW!
Maximum height and distance of flexible drain hose
5m
1m

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4.6 Connect the brine float assembly (part 5, page 5) to the softener by means of the
4mm flexible tubing. Insert the tube as far as possible (to stop) into the quick release
couplings. Make sure not to squeeze the tube and avoid kinks.
4.7 Install the supplied overflow fitting. Remove one of the 3 rubber plugs in the salt
cabinet. Insert the overflow fitting and secure it from inside the salt cabinet with the
supplied nut and washer. Connect the pipework so that any overflowing water runs
downhill to drain or through an outside wall. Do not connect the overflow to the
discharge connector.
NOTE:
The 13mm Flexible hose is supplied in 1 piece which can be cut as
required for use on the discharge and the overflow.

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4.9 On the SL150 the valve & vessel can be installed in the salt container in three
different orientations: with the bypass at the back, to the left, or to the right simply
by rotating the base plate so that the arrow faces the direction required, right, left
or to the back. (installation on the SL150C, SL150 Mini and the SL450 is to the rear
only).
4.8 Place the softener (valve & vessel) in the salt bin; use the side with the round
opening (for correct installation, see 4.9). To install the brine float assembly, open the
small hinged lid (open by pressing gently on both sides) Insert the brine float
assembly inside the space provided, ensuring that it is the correct way up (see
diagram below). The brine float should be gently pushed all the way to the bottom
of the channel and the tube fitted so as to go behind the blue bar (see below).
Left Hand Install* Rear Install* Right Hand Install*
*IMPORTANT: if the brine float assembly
is inserted upside down or not pushed to
the bottom of the channel, the water
softener will not work.
*SL150 ONLY