Whirlpool WHES45 User manual

7281453 (Rev. A 12/28/05)
Product No. 8580422
Model WHES45
How to install, operate and
maintain your Demand
Controlled Water Softener
If you have questions or concerns when
installing, operating or maintaining your
softener, call our toll free number:
1--866--986--3223
Monday -- Friday, 8 am -- 9 pm EST
Do not return water softener to store
System Tested and Certified by
NSF International against NSF/ANSI Standard 44
forsoftenerperformance.

2
Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s
Water Softener Safety 3..........................................................................
Before You Start 3...............................................................................
Inspect Shipment 4..............................................................................
Water Softener Dimensions 5.....................................................................
How a Water Softener Works 5....................................................................
Softening Cycle 5............................................................................
Regeneration Cycle 5.........................................................................
Water Conditioning Information 6..................................................................
Water Conditioning 6.........................................................................
Installation Requirements 8.......................................................................
Tools and Parts Needed 8.....................................................................
Location Requirements 8......................................................................
Air Gap Requirements 9......................................................................
Valve Drain Requirements 9...................................................................
Plan the Installation 10............................................................................
Inlet --- Outlet Plumbing Options 10..............................................................
Installation 11....................................................................................
Turn Off Water Supply 11.......................................................................
Move the Water Softener into Place 11...........................................................
Assemble Inlet and Outlet Plumbing 12..........................................................
Connect Inlet and Outlet Plumbing 12...........................................................
Install Valve Drain Hose 13.....................................................................
Connect Brine Tubing 13.......................................................................
Install Salt Storage Tank Overflow Elbow and Hose 14.............................................
Te s t f o r L e a k s 14..............................................................................
Add Water and Salt to the Salt Storage Tank 15...................................................
Sanitize the Water Softener/Sanitize After Service 15...............................................
Plug In the Water Softener 15...................................................................
Program the Water Softener 16.....................................................................
Set Time of Day 16............................................................................
Set Water Hardness Number 17.................................................................
Start a Recharge 17...........................................................................
Customize Features/Options 18....................................................................
Recharge 18..................................................................................
Recharge Tonight 18...........................................................................
Po w e r --- O u t a g e M e m o r y 18.....................................................................
Data Displays 19..............................................................................
Regeneration (Start) Time 20...................................................................
Maximum Days Between Regenerations 20.......................................................
Efficiency Mode 21............................................................................
Heavy Duty Backwash 21......................................................................
Set Model Code 22............................................................................
Set12or24HourClock 22.....................................................................
Gallons or Liters 23............................................................................
Routine Maintenance 24...........................................................................
Adding Salt 24................................................................................
Breaking A Salt Bridge 24......................................................................
Cleaning the Nozzle and Venturi 25..............................................................
Troubleshooting Guide 26.........................................................................
Automatic Electronic Diagnostics 27.............................................................
Manual Advance Diagnostics 27................................................................
Manual Advance Regeneration Check 29........................................................
Product Specifications 30..........................................................................
Performance Claims 30............................................................................
Variable Salt Dose 30..............................................................................
Wiring Schematic 31..............................................................................
Warranty 31......................................................................................
Softener Components 32..........................................................................

3
Water Softener Safety
For installations in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
Installation by a licensed plumber is required. Plumbing code 248--CMR of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts must be used for installation.
For installations in the state of California:
You must turn the Salt Efficiency Feature setting to ON. This may initiate more frequent re-
charges, however, it will operate at 4,000 grains per pound of salt or higher. To turn on the Salt
Efficiency Feature, follow the instructions in the “Salt Efficiency” section of this manual.
Before You Start
See “Location Requirements” section before installing water softener.
Follow the installation instructions carefully. (Failure to install the water softener properly voids the
warranty.)
Before you begin installation, read this entire manual. Then, obtain all the materials and toolsyou will need
to make the installation.
Check local plumbing and electrical codes.
Use only lead--free solder and flux for all sweat-solder connections, as required by federal codes.
Use care when handling the water softener. Do not turn upside down, drop, or set on sharp protrusions.
Avoid installing in direct sunlight. Excessive sun heat may cause distortion or other damage to
non--metallic parts.
The water softener requires a minimum water flow of 3 gallonsper minute at the inlet. Maximum allowable
inlet water pressure is 125 psi. If daytime pressure is over 80 psi, nighttime pressure may exceed the
maximum. Use a pressure reducing valve if necessary. (Adding a pressure reducing valve may reduce the
flow.) If your home is equipped with a back flow preventer, an expansion tank must be installed in
accordance with local codes and laws.
The water softener works on 24 volt 60 hz electrical power only, supplied by a direct plug--in transformer
(included). Be sure to use the included transformer and plug it into a nominal 120V, 60 cycle household
outlet that is properly protected by an overcurrent device such as a circuit breaker or fuse. If transformer
is replaced, use only the authorized service, Class II, 24V 10VA transformer.
This system is not intended to be used for treating water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown
quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.
European Directive 2002/96/EC requires all electrical and electronic equipment to be disposed of
according to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) requirements. This directive or
similar laws are in place nationally and can vary from region to region. Please refer to your state and
local laws for proper disposal of this equipment.

4
Inspect Shipment
The parts required to assemble and install the water softener are included with the water softener.
Ground clamp Single valve bypass 20 ft. drain hose
Hose adaptor Hose clamps Installation adaptors
Grommet Clips O--rings
Water hardness test strip
Thoroughly check the water softener for possible shipping damage and parts loss. Also inspect and
note any damage to the shipping carton.
Remove and discard (or recycle) all packing materials. To avoid loss of small parts, we suggest you
keep the small parts in the parts bag until you are ready to use them.
Do not return the water softener to store.
If you have any questions, or there are missing parts or damage, please call
1 --- 8 6 6 --- 9 8 6 --- 3 2 2 3 , M o n d a y --- Fr i d a y, 8 a m --- 9 p m E S T.
Before you call please have your model number, date of purchase, water
conditions and number of people living in your home.
For future reference, enter the following information.
Model No. no
Code n
*Water hardness gpg
Serial No. no
Installation date
**Iron content ppm
non registration decal (located under salt hole cover) oon shipping carton
* A hardness test strip is provided with your water softener.
** Kits are available at retail hardware stores for testing water hardness and iron content. Some retail
stores will also test your water for a fee.

5
Water Softener Dimensions
INLET
OUT
INLET -- OUTLET
14”
3---7/8”
39”
18”
11”
41---5/8”
50---3/8”
MODEL NOMINAL RESIN TANK SIZE
WHES45 10” DIA. X 40”
How a Water Softener Works
Softening Cycle
When the water softener is providing soft water, it is called “service” or the “softening cycle”. During
this cycle, hard water flows from the main water pipe in the household into the water softener. Inside
the resin tank is a bed made up of thousands of tiny, plastic beads. As hard water passes through the
bed, each bead attracts and holds the hardness minerals. Water without the hardness minerals (soft
water) flows from the water softener to the rest of the house.
Regeneration Cycle
Eventually the beads become coated with calcium or magnesium ions. At this point, the water softener
needs to replenish the beads with sodium ions. This process is called “regeneration”.
Regeneration occurs when the resin beads are washed with a strong salt water solution. The sodium
forces the calcium and magnesium ions to be released where they are then discharged as waste during
the regeneration cycle. The beads are then ready to once again collect the hardness minerals (calcium
and magnesium) from the water. Regeneration consists of five cycles; brine fill, brining, brine rinse,
backwash and fast rinse. The total time of the regeneration cycle is approximately two hours.

6
Water Conditioning Information
Water Conditioning
Water conditioning is the treatment of four general conditions. These are:
Hardness
Iron
Acidity
Sediments
1. Hardness is a term to describe the presence of calcium and magnesium minerals in water. A
chemical analysis accurately measures the amount of minerals in grain weight. For example, one
gallon of water with 5 grains per gallon (gpg) hardness has dissolved minerals, that if solidified,
about equals the size of one ordinary aspirin tablet. One gallon of water, 25 gpg hard, has a mineral
content equal in size to 5 aspirin tablets. Water hardness varies greatly across the country. It
generally contains from 3 to 100 gpg.
Hardness minerals combine with soap to make a soap curd. The curd greatly reduces the cleaning
action of soap. Precipitated hardness minerals form a crust on cooking utensils, appliances, and
plumbing fixtures. Even the tastes of foods are affected. A water softener removes the hardness
minerals to eliminate these effects, and others.
IMPORTANT: Water softeners using sodium chloride (salt) for regeneration add sodium to the
water. Persons on sodium restricted diets should consider the added sodium as part of their overall
intake. Water softeners using potassium chloride (salt) for regeneration add potassium to the water.
Persons on potassium restricted diets should consider the added potassium as part of their overall
intake.
Factor into your diet the amount of sodium or potassium shown below, based on your water
hardness and consumption.
Sodium Added to Water from Cation Exchange Softening
Initial Water Hardness Sodium added by Cation
Exchange Softening of Water*
Potassium added by Cation
Exchange Softening of Water**
Grains per Gallon Milligrams Na+/qt. Milligrams K+/qt.
17.5 12.75
537 62.9
644 74.8
752 88.4
860 102
968 115.6
10 75 127.5
15 112 190.4
20 150 255
30 225 382.5
40 300 510
*If your water supply is 15 grains hard and you drank 3 quarts of softened water you would
consume 335 milligrams of sodium. That is equivalent to eating 2--1/2 slices of white bread.
**One large banana, about 9 inches in length, has approximately 600 milligrams of potassium.

7
2. Iron in water can cause stains on clothing and plumbing fixtures. It can negatively affect the taste
of food, drinking water, and other beverages. Iron in water is measured in parts per million (ppm).
The total* ppm of iron, and type or types*, is determined by chemical analysis. Four different types
of iron in water are:
Ferrous (clear water),
Ferric (red water),
Bacterial and organically bound iron,
Colloidal and inorganically bound iron (ferrous or ferric).
*Water may contain one or more of the four types of iron and any combination of these. Total iron
is the sum of the contents.
Ferrous (clear water) iron is soluble and dissolves in water. This water softener will remove
moderate amounts of this type of iron (see specifications). Ferrous (clear water) iron is usually
detected by taking a sample of water in a clear bottle or glass. Immediately after taking, the sample
is clear. As the water sample stands, it gradually clouds and turns slightly yellow or brown as air
oxidizes the iron. This usually occurs in 15 to 30 minutes.
When using the softener to remove Ferrous (clear water) iron, add 5 grains to the hardness setting
for every 1 ppm of Ferrous (clear water) iron. See “Set Water Hardness Number” section.
Ferric (red water), and bacterial and organically bound irons are insoluble. This water softener will
not remove ferric or bacterial iron. This iron is visible immediately when drawn from a faucet
because it has oxidized before reaching the home. It appears as small cloudy yellow, orange, or
reddish suspended particles. After the water stands for a period of time, the particles settle to the
bottom of the container. Generally these irons are removed from water by filtration. Chlorination
is also recommended for bacterial iron.
Colloidal and inorganically bound iron is of ferric or ferrous form that will not filter or exchange
out of water. This water softener will not remove colloidal iron. In some instances, treatment may
improve colloidal iron water. Colloidal iron water usually has a yellow appearance when drawn.
After standing for several hours, the color persists and the iron does not settle, but remains
suspended in the water.
3. Acidity or acid water is caused by carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. This water softener will
not improve an acid condition in water. Acid water can be corrosive to plumbing, plumbing
fixtures, water heaters, and other water using appliances. In can also damage and cause premature
failure of seals, diaphragms, etc., in water handling equipment.
A chemical analysis is needed to measure the degree of acidity in water. This is called the pH of
water. Water testing below 6.9 pH is acidic. The lower the pH reading, the greater the acidity. A
neutralizer filter or a chemical feed pump are usually recommended to treat acid water.
4. Sediment is fine, foreign material particles suspended in water. This water softener will not
remove sediment. This material is most often clay or silt. Extreme amounts of sediment may give
the water a cloudy appearance. A sediment filter installed ahead of the water softener normally
corrects this situation.

8
Installation Requirements
Tools and Parts Needed
Assemble the required tools before starting installation. Read and follow the instructions provided with
any tools listed here.
•Screwdriver •Tape Measure
•Pliers
If using Soldered Copper Pipe
•Tubing cutter •Lead--free solder and flux
•Propane torch •Emery cloth, sandpaper or steel wool
•Misc. copper pipe fittings
If using Threaded Pipe
•Pipe cutter or hacksaw •Pipe joint compound
•Threading tool •Misc. threaded pipe fittings
If using CPVC Plastic
•Pipe cutter •Solvent cement
•Hacksaw •Primer
•Adjustable wrench •Misc. CPVC pipe fittings
If using Other
•Other pipe and fittings suitable for potable water supply as required by piping system
manufacturer and local codes and/or ordinances.
Location Requirements
Consider all of the following when selecting an installation location for the water softener.
•Do not locate the water softener where freezing temperatures occur. Do not attempt to
treat water over 120_F. Freezing, or hot water damage voids the warranty.
•To condition all water in the home, install the water softener close to the water supply
inlet, and before all other plumbing connections, except outside water pipes. Outside
faucets should remain on hard water to avoid wasting conditioned water and salt.
•A nearby drain is needed to carry away regeneration discharge (drain) water. Use a floor
drain, laundry tub, sump, standpipe, or other options (check your local codes). See “Air
Gap Requirements” and “Valve Drain Requirements” sections.
•The water softener works on 24 volt 60 hz electrical power only, supplied by a direct
plug--in transformer (included). Provide an electrical outlet in accordance with NEC and
local codes.
•Always install the water softener between the water heater and water inlet. Any other
installed water conditioning equipment should be installed between the water softener
and the water inlet (see Figure 1).

9
water softener
cold to
water heater
optional
sediment
filter
pressure tank
well pump
city water supply
well water supply
OR
Figure 1
Air Gap Requirements
A drain is needed for regeneration discharge water. A floor drain, close to the water softener, is
preferred. A laundry tub, standpipe, etc., are other drain options. Secure valve drain hose in place.
standpipe
1---1/2”
airgap
drain
hose
1---1/2”
airgap
drain
hose
laundry tubfloor drain
drain
hose
1---1/2”
airgap
Figure 2
Valve Drain Requirements
Use the flexible drain hose, that is included, measure and cut to the length needed. Flexible drain hose
is not allowed in all localities (check your plumbing codes). If local codes do not allow use of a flexible
drain hose, a rigid valve drain run must be used. Buy a compression fitting (1/4 NPT x 1/2 in. minimum
tube) and 1/2” tubing from your local hardware store. Then plumb a rigid drain as needed (see Figure
3).
NOTE: Avoid long drain hose runs, or elevating the hose more than 8’ above the floor. Make
the water softener valve drain as short and direct as possible.
1/4” NPT thread
Barbs for 3/8”
I.D. tubing
1/4” NPT thread
barbs
1/2” outside
diameter copper
tube (not provided)
Clip
Cut barbs from valve drain
elbow (pull clip and remove
drain valve elbow from valve)
Compression fitting
1/4 NPT x 1/2” O.D.
tube (not provided)
Hose clamp
Drain hose
Figure 3

10
Plan the Installation
Inlet --- Outlet Plumbing Options
Always install either a single bypass valve (provided) or, if desired, parts for a 3 valve bypass system
(not included) can be purchased and assembled, as shown in Figure 4. Bypass valves allow you to turn
off water to the softener for maintenance if needed, but still have water in house pipes.
Single valve bypass
push in
for bypass
pull out for
service/soft water
3 valve bypass
outlet
valve
inlet
valve
bypass
valve
to
water softener
from
water softener
Figure 4
Use either:
•Copper pipe •Threaded pipe
•CPVC plastic pipe •Other pipe approved for use with potable water
NOTE: Shown with salt hole cover and top cover removed.
To keep over floor drain, secure
valve drain hose in place.
hard water
conditioned
water
floor drain
salt storage tank
overflow hose *
inlet
outlet
valve drain
hose *
direct plug---in
transformer
to timer
NOTE: See “Air Gap Requirements” section.
1” pipe
1” NPT
threaded
sweat adaptor
(not included)
1” NPT
threaded
adaptor
o---ring
single valve
bypass
clips
to outside
faucets
grounding clamp
lubricated
o --- r i n g
overflow
drain elbow
valve drain
elbow
water softener valve
grounding
clamp
*Do not connect the
water softener valve
drain tubing to the salt
storage tank overflow
hose.
Figure 5 (typical installation)

11
Installation
Turn Off Water Supply
1. Close the main water supply valve, near the well pump or water meter.
2. Open all faucets to drain all water from the house pipes.
NOTE: Be sure not to drain water from the water heater, as damage to the water heater
elements could result.
Move the Water Softener into Place
1. Move the water softener into desired location. Set it on a level surface. If needed, place the water
softener on a section of plywood, a minimum of 3/4” thick. Then, shim under the plywood to level
the water softener, see Figure 6.
IMPORTANT: Do not place shims directly under the salt storage tank. The weight of the tank,
when full of water and salt, may cause the tank to fracture at the shim.
Shim Plywood
Figure 6 (if needed for leveling)
2. Visually check and remove any debris from the water softener valve inlet and outlet ports.
3. Remove and discard the yellow plug and make sure the turbine assembly spins freely in the “out”
port of the valve.
4. If not already done, put a light coating of silicone grease or petroleum jelly on the single valve
bypass o-rings.
5. Push the single valve bypass into the softener valve as far as it will go. Snap the two large holding
clips into place, from the top down as shown in Figure 7.
IMPORTANT: Be sure the clips snap firmly into place so the single valve bypass will not pull
out.
correct assembly
clip
outside diameter of clip
channel on single valve
bypass
outside diameter of
water softener valve
inlet and outlet
clip
NOTE: Be sure all 3 tabs of the clip go through the match-
ing holes on the water softener valve inlet or outlet, and ful-
ly into the channel on the single valve bypass.
channel
single valve bypass
Figure 7

12
Assemble Inlet and Outlet Plumbing
Install the provided grounding clamp before cutting into metallic main water piping. It should be
installed on two parallel and vertical pipes (inlet and outlet) spaced so as to align with the softener
connections. In some new installations where vertical pipes are not yet available, a temporary bond
will need to be established prior to cutting into the water piping. Contact a qualified electrician for
assistance.
Measure, cut, and loosely assemble pipe and fittings from the main water pipe to the inlet and outlet
ports of the water softener valve. Be sure to keep fittings fully together, and pipes squared and straight.
Be sure hard water supply pipe goes to the water softener valve inlet side.
NOTE: Inlet and outlet are marked on the water softener valve. Trace the water flow direction
to be sure hard water is to inlet.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to fit, align and support all plumbing to prevent putting stress on the water
softener valve inlet and outlet. Undue stress from misaligned or unsupported
plumbing may cause damage to the valve.
Connect Inlet and Outlet Plumbing
Complete the inlet and outlet plumbing for the type of pipe as shown.
Ground Clamp
Ground Clamp
Figure 8

13
Soldered copper
1. Thoroughly clean and apply solder flux to all joints.
2. Make all solder connections.
NOTE: Do not solder with plumbing attached to installation adaptors and single valve
bypass. Soldering heat will damage the valve and adaptors.
IMPORTANT: Secure ground clamp to metal pipes.
Threaded pipe
1. Apply pipe joint compound or TeflonRtape to all male pipe threads.
2. Tighten all threaded joints and make all solder connections.
IMPORTANT: Secure ground clamp to metal pipes.
CPVC plastic pipe
1. Clean, prime and cement all joints, following the manufacturer’s instructions supplied with the
plastic pipe and fittings.
Other
1. Follow the piping system manufacturer’s instructions when using other pipe approved for potable
water.
IMPORTANT: Secure ground clamp to metal pipes.
Install Valve Drain Hose
1. Measure, cut to needed length and connect the 3/8” drain line (provided) to the water softener
valve drain fitting. Use a hose clamp to hold the hose in place.
IMPORTANT: If codes require a rigid drain line see “Valve Drain requirements” section.
2. Run the drain hose or copper tubing to the floor drain. Secure drain hose. This will prevent
‘‘whipping’’ during regenerations. See “Air Gap Requirements” section.
Connect Brine Tubing
Route the brine tubing out, through the largest hole in the salt storage tank sidewall. Connect the tubing
to the nozzle housing, as shown in Figure 9, using a nut--ferrule. Tighten the nut, by hand only.
nut--- ferrule
brine tubing
nozzle/venturi
brinewell
Figure 9

14
Install the Salt StorageTank Overflow Elbow and Hose
1. Install the brine tank overflow grommet and elbow in the 13/16” diameter hole in the salt storage
tank sidewall.
NOTE: The brine tank overflow elbow accepts either 1/2” or 3/8” I. D. hose.
2. Measure, cut to needed length and connect the 3/8” drain line (provided) to the salt storage tank
overflow elbow and secure in place with a hose clamp.
3. Run the hose to the floor drain, or other suitable drain point no higher than the drain fitting on the
salt storage tank. (This is a gravity drain). If the tank overfills with water, the excess water flows
to the drain point. Cut the drain line to the desired length and route neatly out of the way.
IMPORTANT: For proper operation of the water softener, do not connect the water softener
valve drain tubing to the salt storage tank overflow hose.
hose
adaptor
overflow
drain hose
grommet
to floor
drain
Figure 10
Te s t f o r L e a k s
To prevent air pressure in the water softener and plumbing system, do the following steps in order.
1. Fully open two or more softened cold water faucets close by the water softener, located
downstream from the water softener.
2. Place the single valve bypass valve or 3 valve bypass in “bypass” position. See “Plan The
Installation” section.
3. Fully open the main water supply valve. Run water until there is a steady flow from the opened
faucets, with no air bubbles.
4. Place bypass valve(s) in “service” or soft water position as follows:
•Single valve bypass: Slowly move the valve stem toward “service”, pausing severaltimes
to allow the water softener to fill with water.
•3 valve bypass: Fully close the bypass valve and open the outlet valve. Slowly open the
inlet valve, pausing several times to allow the water softener to fill with water.
5. After about three minutes, open a hot water faucet until there is a steady flow and there are no air
bubbles, then close.
6. Close all cold water faucets and check for leaks at the plumbing connections that you made.

15
Add Water and Salt to the Salt Storage Tank
1. Using a container, add about three gallons of clean water into the salt storage tank.
2. Add salt to the salt storage tank. Use nugget, pellet or coarse solar salts with less than 1%
impurities.
NOTE: See “Routine Maintenance Section” for additional information on salt.
Sanitize the Water Softener/Sanitize After Service
1. Open salt hole cover and remove the brinewell cover and pour about 1--1/2 oz. (2 to 3 tablespoons)
of household bleach into the softener brinewell. Replace the brinewell cover.
2. Make sure the bypass valve(s) is in the service (open) position.
3. Sanitize procedure will be completed when first cycle is run and sanitizing solution is flushed from
the water softener.
Plug in Water Softener
During installation, the water softener wiring may be moved or jostled from place. Check to be sure
all leadwire connectors are secure on the back of the electronic board and be sure all wiring is away
from the valve gear and motor area, which rotates during regenerations.
1. Plug the water softener into an electrical outlet that is not controlled by a switch.
NOTE: The water heater is filled with hard water and, as hot water is used, it refills with
conditioned water. In a few days, the hot water will be fully conditioned. To have fully
conditioned hot water immediately, wait until the initial recharge is over. Then, drain
the water heater (following instructions for water heater) until water runs cold.

16
Program the Water Softener
UP button
DOWN Button
PROGRAM button
RECHARGE button
Display
DATA Button
Figure 11
If you have questions about installation, programming, operating and routine maintenance...
call 1--866--986--3223, Monday -- Friday, 8 am to 9 pm, EST.
When the water softener is plugged in, a model code and a test number (example: U3.0), will flash in
the faceplate display. Then the words“PRESENT TIME”will show in the display alongwith a flashing
“12:00 AM”.
NOTE: If “A -- -- --” shows in the display, press the UP or DOWN buttons until
“L 45” shows in the display. Then, press the PROGRAM button to set, and
the display will change to the flashing “PRESENT TIME” display.
Set Time of Day
If the words “PRESENT TIME” do not show in the display, press the PROGRAM button until
they do.
1. Press the Up or Down buttons to set the present time. Up sets the display ahead; down
sets the time back.
PM
PRESENT TIME
AM
PRESENT TIME
Be sure AM or PM is correct.
NOTE: Press buttons and quickly release to slowly advance the display. Hold the buttons
down for fast advance. This procedure applies for all following settings.

17
Set Water Hardness Number
1. Press the PROGRAM button once again to display a flashing 25 and the word
“HARDNESS”.
HARDNESS
2. Press the Up or Down buttons to set your water hardness number.
NOTE: If your water supply contains iron, compensate for it by adding to the water hardness
number. For example, assume your water is 20 gpg hard and contains 2 ppm iron. Add
5 to the hardness number for each 1 ppm of iron. In this example, you would use 30
for your hardness number.
20 gpg hardness
2ppmironx5=10 +10
(times) 30 HARDNESS NUMBER
Start a Recharge
Press the RECHARGE button and hold for three seconds until Recharge begins to flash in the
timer display, starting a recharge. This recharge draws the sanitizing bleach into and through the water
softener. Any air remaining in the water softener is purged to the drain.
If you have questions about installation, programming, operating and routine maintenance...
call 1--866--986--3223, Monday -- Friday, 8 am to 9 pm, EST.

18
Customize Features/Options
Recharge
Recharge button is used to initiate an immediate recharge.
•Press and hold the RECHARGE button until the words “RECHARGE NOW” flash
in the display. The softener enters the fill cycle of regeneration immediately.
“RECHARGE NOW’ will flash during the regeneration. When over, full water
conditioning capacity is restored.
RECHARGE Initiated
PM
RECHARGE NOW
NOTE: Avoid using hot water while the conditioner is regenerating, because the water heater
will refill with bypass hard water.
Recharge Tonight
If you do not want to start an immediate recharge, but would like an extra recharge at the next preset
recharge time, do the following to schedule a recharge.
•Press and release (do not hold) the RECHARGE button. The words “RECHARGE
TONIGHT” flash in the display, and the softener will recharge at the next recharge time.
The words “RECHARGE NOW” will flash during the regeneration. When over, full
water conditioning capacity is restored.
P o w e r --- O u t a g e M e m o r y
If electrical power to the water softener is lost, memory built into the timer circuitry will keep all
settings for up to six hours. While the power is out, the display is blank and the water softener will not
regenerate. When electrical power is restored, the following will occur.
You have to reset the present time only if the display is flashing. The HARDNESS and RECHARGE
TIME never require resetting unless a change is desired. Even if the clock is incorrect after a long
power outage, the softener works as it should to keep your water soft. However, regenerations may
occur at the wrong time of day until you reset the clock to the correct time of day.
NOTE: If the water softener was regenerating when power was lost, it will now finish the
cycle.

19
Data Displays
The water softener has a DATA button to get information about your water softener.
•CAPACITY (remaining) -- This is the percentage of water softening capacity remaining.
Immediately after a regeneration, 100% shows. Then, as water is used, the percentage
decreases until the next regeneration. During regenerations, the percentage increments
upward.
NOTE: Zero (0%) shows until after the first regeneration begins, after connecting to
electrical power.
WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
%
CAPACITY
•FLOW RATE, GPM* -- When using soft water, this display shows the gallon per minute
flow rate passing through the softener. Zero shows if water is not in use.
FLOW RATE
WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
GPM
•GALLONS* TODAY -- Each day, beginning at midnight, the timer keeps a running count
of the total gallons of water passing through the softener.
GALLONS TODAY
WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
•AVERAGE DAILY GALLONS* -- The figure displayed is the average gallons of water
used by the household each day, over the past seven day period.
PM
RECHARGE TONIGHT
AVG DAILY GALLONS
x10
WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
* If preferred, you can set the timer to show the reading in liters instead of gallons. If gallons today,
or average daily gallons exceeds 1999, a (x 10) indicator appears. This means you must multiply the
number shown times 10.

20
Regeneration (Start) Time
Starting at the 2:00AM regeneration start time, the softener begins regenerations, ending
approximately at 4:00AM. This is a good time in most households because water is not in use (see
Automatic Bypass section). If a different time would be better for your needs, do the steps below to
change the starting time.
1. Press and hold in the PROGRAM button until “RECHARGE TIME” shows steady in the
display and 2:00 AM begins to flash.
AM
RECHARGE
TIME
2. Press the Up or Down button to display the desired start time. The up button moves the
time ahead; the down button moves the time back. Press the PROGRAM button to select time. If
no more settings need to be changed, press the PROGRAM button until the display returns to the
present time of day.
Maximum Days Between Regenerations
The default setting allows the timer to control regeneration frequency based on water usage readings
from the water meter. It provides the most economical operation. You can set a maximum time (in days)
between regenerations. For example, no more than 3 days will pass without a regeneration occurring
if you set dY 3 in the display. 1 to 7 days are available settings. To make a change from the default
setting follow the steps below.
1. Press and hold in the PROGRAM button until the Regeneration (Start) Time screen begins
to flash. Press the PROGRAM button once more to move to the Maximum Days Between
Regenerations screen. dY -- will flash on the display, with RECHARGE remaining steady.
RECHARGE
2. Pressing the Up button will increase the number of days, the Down button will decrease
the number of days. Press the PROGRAM button to select the number of days. If no more settings
need to be changed, press the PROGRAM button until the display returns to the present time of
day.
IMPORTANT: Initiating this option may reduce the efficiencies and increase salt usage of this
softener.