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spinrut

Need help with water softener settings

9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago

Just moved into a house with an existing water softener.

Looks to be a fleck 5600 econominder.
based on labels on it
48000 grain capacity model (10x54, so I'm guessing 1.5cu ft) and is a demand valve

We came from neighboring community, so we know we've got some chlorine (~0.5 ppm) and 7-10 gpg of hardeness (water quality report lists 7, hach 5b is 8-10gpg based on testing done with non softened water (hose bibs)

also, it's municipal water/not well.

Our water usage is as follows:

3 adults

1-2 yo and another kiddo on the way.

One bath per day per adult and 2 year old.

We work from home so we're home for a good chunk of each day

We've averaged about 18,000-19,000 gallons per 90 day cycle, so around 60 gal/person (if using 3 ppl or 66ish if using 3.5) I'm expecting this to shoot up a fair amount when kid #2 arrives, just as it did with kid #1

Dish washer runs every 2-3 days

Plan to get HE front load washer which will probably be run 2-3 times a week

The Fleck 5600 econominder is currently set as follows:

After regen cycle, capacity wheel/white dot is at 21

Ppl/Hardness is 2.5 (ish?) and 13

I noticed the hardness wheel does not get below 13, so not sure how to best make it work for my readings.

After a few weeks here, I've tracked we only make it down to about 9.5 on the capacity wheel after 1 week. I understand regens are typically made to happen about every 7 days

Can anyone recommend better settings for me given my water usage/conditions?

I have not opened the back of the Fleck yet to see how much salt per regen. It's tucked tightly against a wall. I'm going to guess it's at default of 15lbs, but could be mistaken