PRO+AQUA 16,000 Grain Portable Water Softener User Manual

Product Overview

The PRO+AQUA 16,000 Grain Portable Water Softener is designed to provide softened water for various applications, including RVs, trailers, boats, mobile car washes, and pressure washing. It helps protect water systems from hard water damage, corrosion, and scale buildup, while improving water quality for drinking and bathing.

This compact and portable system features a 16,000 grain capacity, capable of providing up to 2,000 gallons of softened water or lasting up to 60 days, depending on water hardness and usage. It operates without electricity and is equipped with 3/4" high-flow garden hose ports for easy connection.

Image: The PRO+AQUA portable water softener unit shown with included accessories such as hoses, connectors, and valves.

Key Features and Benefits

• Highly Efficient: Improves water taste and smell, protects against hard water deposits, build-up, corrosion, and scale.
• Quick Setup: Ready to use in approximately 5 minutes with 3/4" high flow in/out garden hose ports.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for RVs, trailers, marinas, boats, spas, mobile car washing, and pressure washing. Works with both city and well water.
• No Electricity Required: Operates without external power, connecting to standard water hose connections.
• Durable Construction: Features a rugged NSF Polyethylene tank reinforced with fiberglass and pre-filled NSF Certified food-grade premium resin.
• Reduces Contaminants: Effectively reduces Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Lead, Radium, and other heavy metals.

Image: Visual representation of system benefits including portability, improved water quality, and reduction of iron, scale, lead, calcium, radium, and magnesium.

Setup and Installation

The PRO+AQUA Portable Water Softener is designed for quick and easy setup. No special tools or electricity are required.

1. Placement: Position the water softener on a stable, level surface near your water source and the appliance/vehicle you wish to supply with softened water.
2. Connect to Water Source: Connect the inlet side of the softener (marked "IN" or typically the side with the male garden hose fitting) to your water spigot or main water line using a standard garden hose.
3. Connect to RV/Appliance: Connect the outlet side of the softener (marked "OUT" or typically the side with the female garden hose fitting) to your RV's main water inlet, boat's water system, or pressure washer.
4. Turn on Water: Slowly turn on the water supply. Check for any leaks at the connections.
5. Flush System: Allow water to flow through the system for a few minutes to flush out any air or fine resin particles before initial use.

Image: A cutaway diagram showing how water flows through the softener, highlighting the resin bed and the ion exchange process.

Operation

Once installed, the water softener operates automatically as water flows through it. The resin inside the tank performs ion exchange, removing hardness minerals.

Applications:

• RV and Trailer Use: Provides soft water for all onboard needs, including showering, washing dishes, and drinking, preventing scale buildup in pipes and appliances.
• Boats and Marinas: Ideal for marine applications to prevent hard water spots and protect plumbing systems.
• Mobile Car Washing/Pressure Washing: Eliminates water spots and enhances soap lathering for a streak-free finish on vehicles.
• Spas and Hot Tubs: Helps maintain water quality and reduces mineral deposits in spa equipment.

Image: Collage showing the versatility of the water softener in different scenarios like RV living, camping, car washing, and boating.

Maintenance and Regeneration

The water softener requires periodic regeneration to replenish its resin beads and restore its softening capacity. The frequency depends on water hardness and usage, typically every 40-60 days or after 2,000 gallons of use.

Standard Regeneration Process:

1. Disconnect Hoses: Disconnect the water softener from both the water source and your RV/appliance.
2. Drain Unit: Lay the unit on its side to drain any remaining water.
3. Add Salt: Remove the top cap and add approximately 4 lbs of common table salt (non-iodized is preferred) into the tank.
4. Soak: Allow the salt to sit for 40-60 minutes, shaking the unit gently every 10 minutes to help dissolve the salt.
5. Rinse: Reconnect the hoses and run water at a slow speed for 10-15 minutes to flush out the salt solution. Increase water speed for 1-2 minutes until the unit is fully flushed and the water runs clear.

For faster regeneration, consider the optional Regeneration Kit (sold separately), which can complete the process in less than 30 minutes using 2 pounds of salt.

Image: Step-by-step visual guide for the standard regeneration process of the water softener.

Image: Illustration of the regeneration process when using the optional Regeneration Kit, demonstrating its efficiency.

Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your PRO+AQUA Portable Water Softener, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:

• Water Not Softening:
  • Check if the unit needs regeneration. The resin's capacity may be exhausted.
  • Ensure proper connection and water flow direction (IN to OUT).
  • Verify that sufficient salt was used during the last regeneration and that it fully dissolved.
• Low Water Pressure:
  • Check for kinks in hoses or blockages in fittings.
  • Ensure the water source pressure is adequate.
  • If using a pre-filter, check if it is clogged and needs cleaning or replacement.
• Leaks at Connections:
  • Tighten all hose connections.
  • Check for damaged O-rings or washers and replace if necessary.
  • Apply plumber's tape (Teflon tape) to threaded connections for a better seal.
• Unusual Taste/Odor After Regeneration:
  • Ensure the unit was thoroughly flushed after adding salt. Residual salt can affect taste. Continue flushing until water is clear and taste is normal.

If problems persist, contact PRO+AQUA customer support for further assistance.

Specifications

Image: Diagram showing the physical dimensions of the PRO+AQUA portable water softener.

Warranty and Support

The PRO+AQUA 16,000 Grain Portable Water Softener comes with a 2-year warranty.

For warranty claims, technical support, or any questions regarding your product, please contact PRO+AQUA customer service. Refer to the product packaging or the official PRO+AQUA website for the most current contact information.

Online Resources: For additional information, FAQs, and product registration, visit the official PRO+AQUA website.