WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR ULTRA COMPACT
METER CONTROLLED WATER SOFTENER
2
All water softeners work on the same basic principal. Hard water flows through a bed of resin and
the calcium and magnesium (the minerals responsible for hard water) are removed. This process
does NOT affect the ph value of your water softener. Unfortunately, the resin cannot perform this
process indefinitely and requires regenerating (refreshing). Most machines perform this process
automatically after a set period, or volume of water, has passed through the resin.
Salt/Brine Tank
The water softener that you have purchased is supplied with a brine tank; most models have the brine
tank integrated into the softener cabinet (the cabinet space under the lid where the internal tank or tanks
are) however on some units this can be separate cabinet. When filling the tank with salt make sure not to
over fill; the tank is fitted with an external overflow
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never fill above this level. Salt levels should be
checked on a regular basis and topped up when required. There is no right or wrong amount of salt to
store in the tank as your softener will use the salt as required. Most customers will eventually develop a
routine and automatically top up after a set period of time either weekly or monthly etc. If you notice the
tank is completely empty of salt, it may be advisable to perform a manual regeneration a few hours after
refilling.
Regeneration Process
The regeneration process is basically a resin clean. You can think of it like a washing machine cycle in
that it will perform several different processes to clean. Most units will have a fast rinse, slow rinse and
pause cycle. During the process, water is drawn from the brine tank and flushed through the system. At
the end of the cycle, water is put back into the brine tank in order for the salt to dissolve ready for the next
time the machine needs to regenerate. On some units this is delayed until a few hours before
regeneration. The level of water in the tank will depend on the type, size and water pressure feeding the
softener. Dependent on the amount of salt in the softener you may not even see the water level. Once the
regeneration is complete the resin will be able to supply soft water to your property.
How quickly will it start to work?
The water softener will produce soft water as soon as water passes through it. The size of your property,
water usage and water system will determine how quickly you will notice the results. If, for example, one
person lives in a very large property with water feed from storage tanks (gravity feed system) they may
not see the benefit for several months until all the water that was present in the storage tanks has been
replaced with softened. A large family in a small property with a direct feed system will find the results
appear very quickly. The water softener does not show any visible signs or make any noise during the
water softening process. Water will only enter or leave the salt/brine tank during regeneration. Salt is not
used in the water softening process, it is only used during regeneration. The only time you will see or hear
the softener working is during the regeneration process. It is important that you have your softener
regularly serviced; we recommend a period of 24 months between each service. If you require any
additional information regarding your particular water softener, please contact our technical support team
via email at
There are also helpful fitting videos on our website.
East Midlands Water Company
