US Water Systems 080-FSC-075 User manual

Two-Tank Economy Water Softener
Owners Manual
Models:
080-FSC-075, 080-FSC-100, 080-FSC-150, 080-FSC-200
REVISION # 1.2
REVISION DATE December 2, 2014
US Water Systems Corporate Office
1209 Country Club Road
Indianapolis, IN 46234
Visit us online at
www.uswatersystems.com

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Safety Guide
For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the
risk of electric shock, property damage or personal injury.
Be sure to check the entire softener for any shipping damage or parts loss. Also note dam-
age to the shipping cartons. Contact US Water Systems at 1-800-608-8792 to report any
shipping damage within 24 hours of delivery. Claims made after 24 hours may not be hon-
ored.
Unpacking / Inspection
PAGE
Unpacking / Inspection 2
Safety Guide 2
Proper Installation 3
Specification 6
Before Starting Installation 6
Softener Preparation 8
Installation Instructions 12
System Start Up 17
Programming Instructions 18
Advanced Menus 19
Immediate Regeneration 23
Power Outage Memory 23
Power Head Assembly 24
Valve Body Assembly 25
Sanitizing Procedure 27
Warranty 28
Table of Contents
 Check and comply with your provincial /
state and local codes. You must follow
these guidelines.
 Use care when handling the water soften-
ing system. Do not turn upside down, drop,
drag or set on sharp protrusions.
 The water softening system works on 24
volt-60 Hz electrical power only. Be sure to
use only the included transformer.
 Transformer must be plugged into an in-
door 120 volt, grounded outlet only.
 Use clean water softening salts only, at
least 99.5% pure. Extra Course Grade or
Crystal salts are recommended. Do not
use rock, block, granulated or ice cream
making salts. They contain contaminants
that could cause maintenance problems.
 Keep the salt lid in place on the softener
unless servicing the unit or refilling with
salt.
 WARNING: This system is not intend-
ed for treating water that is microbiologi-
cally unsafe or of unknown quality without
adequate disinfection before or after the
system. Contact US Water Systems for
disinfection treatment equipment.

3
Proper Installation
This water softening system must be properly installed and located in accordance with the
Installation Instructions before it is used or the warranty will be void.
Do not install or store where it will be ex-
posed to temperatures below freezing or ex-
posed to any type of weather. Water freez-
ing in the system will break it. Do not attempt
to treat water over 100°F.
Do not install in direct sunlight. Excessive
sun or heat may cause distortion or other
damage to non-metallic parts.
Properly ground to conform with all govern-
ing codes and ordinances.
Use only lead-free solder and flux for all
sweat-solder connections, as required by
state and federal codes.
Maximum allowable inlet water pressure is
125 psi. If daytime pressure is over 80 psi,
night time pressure may exceed the maxi-
mum. Use a pressure reducing valve to ro-
duce the pressure.
Softener resins may degrade in the presence
of chlorine or chloramines above 2 ppm. If
you have chlorine or chloramines in excess
of this amount, you may experience reduced
life of the resin. In these conditions, you may
wish to consider purchasing a whole house
carbon filter softener system with a chlorine
reducing media. Contact US Water Systems
for Chlorine and Chloramine removal equip-
ment.
WARNING: Discard all unused parts and
packaging material after installation. Small
parts remaining after the installation could be
a choke hazard.
32° - 100° F
No Direct Sunlight
Conform to all
Governing Codes
125 Max. PSI
2 ppm Max. Chlorine &
Chloramine
Discard All
Unused Material

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Focus Two-Tank Water Softeners
Model Tank Size ABC
FSC-075 8” X 44” 51.5 46” 8”
FSC-100 9” X 48” 55.5” 50” 9”
FSC-150 10” X 54” 61.5” 56” 10”
FSC-200 12” X 52” 59.5” 54” 12”
Two-Tank Model System Dimensions
A
C
13”
34.5”
B

5
Specifications
Before Starting Installation
Tools, Pipe, and Fittings, Other Materials
 Channel Locks
 Screwdriver
 Teflon tape
 Razor knife
 Two adjustable wrenches
 Additional tools may be required if modification to
home plumbing is required.
 Plastic inlet and outlet fittings are included with the
softener. To maintain full valve flow, 3/4” pipes to
and from the softener fittings are recommended.
You should maintain the same, or larger, pipe size
as the water supply pipe, up to the softener inlet
and outlet.
 Use copper, brass, or PEX pipe and fittings.
 Some codes may also allow PVC plastic pipe.
 ALWAYS install the included bypass valve, or 3
shut-off valves. Bypass valves let you turn off water
to the softener for repairs if needed, but still have
water in the house pipes.
 5/8” OD drain line is needed for the valve drain.
 Extra Course Grade or Crystal water softener salt
is needed to fill the cabinet or brine tank.
 Continuous operation at flow rates greater than the service flow rate may affect capacity and efficiency performance.
 The manufacturer reserves the right to make product improvements which may deviate from the specifications and
descriptions stated herein, without obligation to change previously manufactured products or to note the change.
 The above capacity and flow rate specifications have not been validated by WQA.

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Where To Install The Softener
How Your Water Conditioner Works
The principle behind water softening is simple chemistry. A water softener contains resin
beads which hold electrically charged ions. When hard water passes through the softener,
calcium and magnesium ions are attracted to the charged resin beads. The result is remov-
al of calcium and magnesium ions which produces soft water.
This system is controlled with simple, user-friendly electronics displayed on a LCD screen.
 Place the softener as close as possible to
the pressure tank (well system) or water
meter (city water).
 Place the softener as close as possible to
a floor drain, or other acceptable drain
point (laundry tub, sump, standpipe, etc.).
 Connect the softener to the main water
supply pipe BEFORE the water heater.
DO NOT RUN HOT WATER THROUGH
THE SOFTENER. Temperature of water
passing through the softener must be less
than 100 deg. F.
 Outside faucets and irrigation systems
should be supplied with hard water prior to
the water softener.
 Do not install the softener in a place where
it could freeze. Damage caused by freez-
ing is not covered by the warranty.
 Put the softener in a place where water
damage is least likely to occur if a leak de-
velops. The manufacturer will not repair or
pay for water damage.
 A 120 volt electric outlet is needed within 6
feet of the softener. The transformer has
an attached 8 foot power cable. Be sure
the electric outlet and transformer are
in an inside location, to protect from
wet weather.
 If installing in an outside location, you must
take the steps necessary to assure the sof-
tener, installation plumbing, wiring, etc. are
protected from the elements and contami-
nation sources.
 Keep the softener out of direct sunlight.
The sun’s heat may soften and distort
plastic parts.
Unwrap and lay out the parts in the brine tank. The following parts should be with
each system;
 Control Valve (1)
 Funnel (2)
 Upper Distributor Basket (3)
 Brine Line (4)
 Power Transformer (5)
 Brine Connector Packs (6)
65
43
21

7
Softener Preparation
Focus Tank Installation Instructions
WATER PRESSURE: A minimum of 20 pounds of water pressure is required for regeneration valve to oper-
ate effectively.
ELECTRICAL FACILITIES: An uninterrupted alternating current (A/C) supply is required. Please make sure
your voltage supply is compatible with your unit before installation.
EXISTING PLUMBING: Condition of existing plumbing should be free from lime and iron buildup. Piping
that is built up heavily with lime and/or iron should be replaced.
LOCATION OF FOCUS TANK AND DRAIN: The Infusion tank should be located close to a drain to prevent
air breaks and back flow.
CAUTION: Water pressure is not to exceed 80 psi, water temperature is not to exceed 110°F (43°C), and
the unit cannot be subjected to freezing conditions.
Media Installation
1) Remove the resin tank from carton.
2) Verify the riser tube is centered in the bottom center of the tank. A flashlight may be
necessary. There is an indentation in the bottom of the tank that will center the dis-
tributor tube. The distributor tube should be flush with the top of the tank when it is
installed properly.

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Softener Preparation
3) Place a piece of duct tape over the riser tube so no media enters the riser while filling.
4) Use the Blue Funnel provided, to pour the softening resin into the tank. Pour it evenly
around the hole to ensure it is well distributed in the tank and pour slow enough, to keep
from plugging the hole. A helper may be needed to hold the funnel during the filling pro-
cess. It is recommended that a dust mask and safety goggles be worn to prevent possible
injury. Pour all the media sent with the system in the tank. US Water does not ship “extra”
media.
5) When media is installed move tank side to side to settle the media. Remove the funnel
and tape from the distributor tube.

9
Softener Preparation
6) Lubricate both O-rings on the bottom of the control valve. Install the upper basket on the
bottom of the valve by lining up the tabs then turning the basket clockwise to lock it in
place. Place the upper basket over the distributor tube and push the valve on the tank.
Thread the valve on the tank by turning it clockwise. Be sure not to cross-thread the valve
on the tank. Tighten the valve hand tight, then snug it further by tapping it with the palm of
the hand. DO NOT use tools to tighten the valve or damage could occur. The Split-
Cabinet system must be put on its’ side and pulled out of the cabinet. A helper is needed
to hold the tank while the valve is tightened. DO NOT use tools to tighten the valve or
damage could occur. Once the valve is tight, stand the tank back up.

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Installation Instructions
1. If your hot water tank is electric, turn off the power to it to avoid damage to the element
in the tank.
2. If you have a private well, turn the power off to the pump and then shut off the main wa-
ter shut off valve. If you have municipal water, simply shut off the main valve. Go to the
faucet, (preferably on the lowest floor of the house) turn on the cold water until all pres-
sure is relieved and the flow of water stops.
3. Locate the softener tank and brine tank close to a drain where the system will be in-
stalled. The surface should be clean and level.
4. Connect the inlet and outlet of the softener using appropriate fittings. Perform all plumb-
ing according to local plumbing codes.
 ON COPPER PLUMBING SYSTEMS BE SURE TO INSTALL A GROUNDING
WIRE BETWEEN THE INLET AND OUTLET PIPING TO MAINTAIN GROUND-
ING.
Any solder joints being soldered near the valve must be done before connecting any piping
to the valve. Always leave at least 6" (152 mm) between the control valve and joints being
soldered when soldering pipes that are connected to the valve. Failure to do this could
cause damage to the valve.
The Focus is equipped with 3/4” male NPT connections. It is recommended that these con-
nections are made using Teflon tape.
The inlet and outlet can be identified on the bypass valve. There are arrows stamped in the
bypass valve showing flow. The arrow pointing toward the valve is the inlet and the arrow
pointing away from the valve is the outlet.
All piping should be secured to prevent stress on the bypass valve and connectors.

11
Hose barb fitting for drain line.
Be sure to use a hose clamp to
secure the line.
5. Connect the drain hose to the valve and secure it with a hose clamp. Run the drain
hose to the nearest laundry tub or floor drain. This can be ran up overhead or down
along the floor. Drain hose should be a minimum of 1/2”. If running the drain line more
than 20 ft overhead, it is recommended to increase the hose size to 3/4”. A DIRECT
CONNECTION INTO A WASTE DRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED. A PHYSICAL AIR
GAP OF AT LEAST 1.5” SHOULD BE USED TO AVOID BACTERIA AND
WASTEWATER TRAVELLING BACK THROUGH THE DRAIN LINE INTO THE SOF-
TENER.
Be sure to secure the drain line. The softener will drain with force and it should
be secured to prevent a leak. Hose clamps should be used to secure the drain
line at the connection points.
Installation Instructions

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6. Connect the brine line to the control valve by removing the nut on the control valve and
sliding it on the brine line. Then install plastic sleeve on the brine line. Push the brass
tube stiffener in the brine line. Install the cone shaped screen in the brass tube stiffener.
Push the brine line in the brass fitting on the control valve until it stops. Then push the nut
down on the fitting and tighten it hand tight. Use channel locks to tighten the nut an addi-
tional 1/2 turn.
Installation Instructions

13
Installation Instructions
Remove the lid from the brine tank. Remove the brine well cap. Remove the plastic tube
stiffener taped to the brine well cap. Remove the nut from the brine safety valve in the brine
well. Push the brine line through the hole in the brine tank and brine well. Install the nut on
the brine line. Now install the tube stiffener. Push the brine line into the brine elbow on the
brine safety valve. Now tighten the nut hand tight. Tighten the nut and additional 1/2-1
turns. Make sure both brine line connections are tight.

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Installation Instructions
7. Place the unit in the bypass position (see below). Slowly turn on the main water supply.
At the nearest cold treated water tap nearby remove the faucet screen, open the faucet and
let water run a few minutes or until the system is free of any air or foreign material resulting
from the plumbing work.
8. Make sure there are no leaks in the plumbing system before proceeding. Close the water
tap when water runs clear.
9. Open the brine tank lid and add 5 gallons of water to the brine tank. Add a minimum of
80lbs of salt to the brine tank.
10. Proceed to start up instructions.
Note: The unit is not ready for service until you complete the start-up instructions.
BYPASS POSITION SERVICE POSITION

15
System Start-Up
Key Pad Configuration
Start-up Instructions
“GEAR” This function is to enter the programing mode
required at the time of installation. This button
serves as the “Save” button.
REGEN
“Triangle
Arrows”
This function is to initiate a regeneration. This
button also unlocks each parameter to be
changed in the programming mode.
DOWN / UP Increase or decrease the value of the settings
while in the programming mode.
IMMEDIATE REGENERATION
To start an immediate regeneration (or step
valve through each position), press and hold
the MANUAL REGEN. Button for 3 seconds
(until beeps). The valve will start an immedi-
ate regeneration. Press any key to skip to
the next cycle.
Manual Regeneration (Step / Cycle Valve)
1. Plug the power transformer into an ap-
proved power source. Connect the power
cord to the valve.
2. When power is supplied to the control, the
screen will display the time of day, gallons
remaining and the mode. Press and hold
the “Manual” regen button. The valve will
display “goto BW”. Once the valve stops
moving the valve
3. Once in the backwash (BW) cycle the dis-
play will show a time value (10), open the
inlet on the bypass valve slowly and allow
water to enter the unit. Allow all air to es-
cape from the unit before turning the by-
pass fully open. Then allow water to run to
drain for 3-4 minutes or until all media
fines are washed out of the softener indi-
cated by clear water in the drain hose.
4. When the backwash cycle is complete, the
valve will advance to the brine draw (BD)
position. Once the valve reaches the BD
cycle, push and release the “Regen” but-
ton. The display will show “goto
RR” (Rapid Rinse). Allow the system to
rinse to the drain. Allow the water to run
for the entire rinse cycle.
5. When the rinse cycle is complete, the
valve will advance to the REFILL position.
Check that the control valve is pushing wa-
ter into the brine tank (remove brine well
cap to confirm that the water level is rising
in the brine tank). Allow the valve to refill
for the full amount of time as displayed on
the screen to insure a proper brine solution
for the next regeneration.
6. The valve will automatically advance to the
SERVICE position. Open the outlet valve
on the bypass, then open the nearest
treated water faucet and allow the water to
run until clear, close the tap and replace
the faucet screen.
7. Program unit.

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Advanced Menus
Within the Advance Menus, the Regeneration Mode, Regeneration Cycle Peri-
od Lengths, and Unit Capacity are adjustable.
To enter, press both the
Gear and Regen button at
the same time. All mode
types will be flashing.
Press the Regen button
again to select the mode
type you wish to be in. Use
the up and down arrow to
scroll through the selec-
tions. “TM” should be used.
Time Mode: Home screen will display
days and hours left until the unit re-
generates.
Meter Mode: Meter mode tracks the
number of gallons used instead of re-
generating on a specific time. In this
mode immediate regeneration will oc-
cur once the unit hits its target calcu-
lated number of gallons based on
hardness settings.
Timed Meter Mode: Timed Meter
Mode tracks the number gallons used,
like the Meter Mode, but waits until its
set time to regenerate instead of im-
mediately. A buffer period is factored in
to prevent you from running out of soft
water. The water droplet to the right of
Current Time signifies the unit tracking
water flow.

17
Advanced Menus
After selecting the mode, the
time of day the unit is set to re-
generate will appear.
Pressing the Regen button will
allow the time to be changed.
Use the up and down arrows to
adjust the hours and A.M. and
P.M. settings. The regen time
should be set to (2) two hours
after usage has stopped for the
day.
Pressing the gear again will
bring you to phase 1, Backwash.
BW will be present and P1-10
will be flashing.
Total minutes spent in backwash
will be flashing. The unit can be
programmed for 0-99 minutes.
This should be set to “10” (10
minutes).
Next menu displays brine draw
settings. BD will be present and
P2-60 will be flashing.

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Advanced Menus
Total minutes the unit draws
brine will be flashing. Unit can
be set anywhere from 0-99
minutes. This should be set to
“60” (60 minutes).
This menu displays Rapid Rinse
settings. RR will be present and
P3-12 will be flashing.
Total minutes the unit rinses will
be flashing. Unit can be set any-
where from 0-99 minutes. This
should be set to “10” (ten
minutes).
This menu displays Brine Refill
settings. BF will be present and
P4-10 will be flashing.
Total minutes the unit fills the
brine tank for will be flashing.
Unit can be set anywhere form 0
-99 minutes. Use the table be-
low for the correct setting for the
unit purchased.

19
Advanced Menus
This last menu is to change the
unit’s capacity.
Unit has a range of 1-199 Ca-
pacity (for Meter and Timed Me-
ter Modes only). Multiply capaci-
ty setting by 1000 to get grains.
Example: A setting of 064 is
equal to 64,000 grain capacity.
Use the table on the bottom of
page 18 for the correct capacity
setting for the unit purchase.
Press the gear button to save
and exit the advanced program-
ming mode. The scree will show
“goto SR”. The unit is returning
to the service mode.

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The following menus will allow you to change the current time, unit hardness,
and calendar day override settings within the Meter and Timed Meter Modes.
Current Time settings: Press the
gear to begin menu selections.
Current time and 12 hour cycle of
the day will be flashing.
After pressing the Regen button,
only the hour portion will be flash-
ing.
Use the up and down arrows to
adjust the time. Press the gear
again to switch to the minute por-
tion. Note, once the timer passes
a 12 hour period it will automati-
cally change A.M. to P.M.
Unit Hardness settings: Hard-25
will be flashing.
Pressing the Regen button will al-
low changes to hardness to be
made. The unit has a range of 1-
99 grains per gallon. The hard-
ness should be set to 5 GPG high-
er than the actual feed water hard-
ness.
Programming Instructions