Griesbach Diamond H2O LINQ DLS-120-100, Product Manual

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Diamond LINQ Softener Single Tank Product Manual
pg. 3
How A Water Softener Works
Water hardness is derived from Calcium and Magnesium minerals that have been dissolved into the
water under the earth’s surface. These minerals are found in limestone deposits and are the source of
hard water. The amount of hardness in a given water supply is dependent upon the quantity of Calcium
and Magnesium present and the length of time water has been in contact with them. This can vary
dramatically from well-to-well and, for this reason, water analysis is imperative in order to determine
the proper treatment method. The degree of hardness increases as the concentration of Calcium and
Magnesium “ions” increase and is measured in Grains Per Gallon (gpg). Diamond H2O’s state certified
lab is capable of performing all of these tests in house as well as lead, copper, arsenic, nitrate, nitrite,
coliform bacteria, and many other essential tests to help determine the best possible treatment of your
water. Contact TGA Laboratories for details on testing (
www.tgalabs.com ).
The problem of hard water in the home / business comes to light in many facets of daily use. Water
spots and scum left behind on bathtubs, fixtures and showers; wear and tear on appliances; calcium
build-up in hot water heaters and piping; and, greater amounts of soap and detergents being used are
just a few examples.
The modern water softener is designed to reduce hardness ions and their unpleasant side effects.
Special resin beads in the softener are used to change hard water into soft water. The surfaces of these
beads are covered with sodium ions. As hard water enters the softener and comes into contact with the
resin, an exchange of ions takes place. As dissolved Calcium and Magnesium ions cling to the resin
surface, sodium ions take their place, thus softening the water. This process is called Ion Exchange. Over
time, the sodium ions used for the exchange process become depleted and must be replenished.
The water softener provides a Regeneration process ( see page 4 for diagrams ) whereby brine solution
enters the softener, driving-off the collected hardness ions and replenishes the surface of the resin
beads with more sodium ions. This process is automatically initiated by the control valve on the
softener. The regeneration process has five basic cycles as follows:
1. Backwash - The control valve directs the water flow in a reverse direction through the
softener, separating the resin beads and flushing any accumulated particles to a waste
drain.
2. Brine & Rinse - In the first part of this cycle, the control valve directs brine solution
downward through the softener, driving-off collected hardness ions and replenishing the
resin beads with sodium ions. The second part of the cycle rinses hardness ions and excess
brine from the softener to the waste drain.
3. Rapid Rinse - The control valve directs the water flow downward, settling and recompacting
the resin bed.
4. Brine Refill - The control valve directs fresh water into the salt compartment to create new
brine solution for the next scheduled regeneration.
5. Service - This is the normal “operating” cycle where hard water enters the softener, comes
into contact with the resin beads and exchanges hardness ions for sodium ions - the water
then becomes “soft” and ready for use.