RecPro RV Water Softener Portable (8,000 Grain)

1. Product Overview

The RecPro RV Water Softener Portable (8,000 Grain) is designed to reduce hard water minerals and prevent scale and rust buildup in your RV's plumbing system. This portable unit utilizes efficient cation exchange resin to provide soft water wherever your travels take you.

Image: The RecPro RV Water Softener Portable (8,000 Grain) unit, a blue cylindrical tank with black top and base.

Key Features:

• Portable Size: Compact design for easy storage in your RV.
• Cation Exchange Resin: Efficiently reduces hard water minerals.
• Prevents Buildup: Helps prevent scale and rust in plumbing fixtures.
• Easy Maintenance: Simple to use and maintain.
• Includes Test Strips: Comes with 50 water hardness test strips for monitoring water quality.

What's in the Box:

• RecPro RV Water Softener Unit (8,000 Grain)
• Hose for connection
• Cation Exchange Resin (pre-filled)
• Water Hardness Test Strips (50-strip bottle)

Image: The RecPro RV Water Softener unit shown alongside the included hose and a bottle of water hardness test strips.

2. Setup Instructions

Follow these steps to set up your RecPro RV Water Softener for the first time.

Initial Preparation:

1. Unpack Contents: Remove the water softener unit, hose, and test strips from the packaging.
2. No Initial Regeneration Required: The unit does not require salt or regeneration before its first use.
3. Flush for Media Dust: It is normal for new water softeners to contain media dust. Before connecting to your RV, flush the unit thoroughly. Connect a standard garden hose to the 'IN' port and allow water to run through the 'OUT' port until the water runs clear. Using high pressure can help blast out media dust more effectively.

Image: A close-up view of the top of the RecPro water softener, showing the 'IN' and 'OUT' port labels for water connection.

Connection to RV:

4. Connect Inlet Hose: Attach one end of the included hose to a standard garden hose connection (your water source) and the other end to the 'IN' port of the water softener.
5. Connect Outlet Hose: Attach a separate hose (not included, or use your RV's existing water hose) to the 'OUT' port of the water softener and connect it to your RV's freshwater inlet.
6. Secure Connections: Ensure all connections are tight to prevent leaks.

Testing Water Hardness:

Use the provided water hardness test strips to determine the hardness of your water before and after using the softener.

1. Collect Water Sample: Dip a test strip into a sample of your water.
2. Read Results: Compare the strip's color to the color chart on the bottle to determine water hardness.
3. Test Regularly: It is recommended to test water hardness before each use or periodically to monitor the softener's effectiveness.

Image: A bottle of RecPro Water Hardness Test Strips, indicating 50 strips for accurate results in 30 seconds.

3. Operating Instructions

Once the unit is properly set up, operating the RecPro RV Water Softener is straightforward.

1. Turn on Water Source: Slowly turn on the water supply to allow water to flow through the softener and into your RV.
2. Check for Leaks: Inspect all connections for any signs of leaks. Tighten if necessary.
3. Enjoy Soft Water: The water softener will immediately begin to treat your water, providing soft water throughout your RV's plumbing system.

Benefits of using soft water include reduced mineral buildup on fixtures, improved soap lathering, and a better feel for skin and hair after showering.

4. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and effectiveness of your water softener.

Regeneration:

The cation exchange resin in your softener will eventually become saturated with hard water minerals and will need to be regenerated to restore its softening capacity. The frequency of regeneration depends on your water hardness and usage.

• When to Regenerate: Use the water hardness test strips. When the strips indicate that the water is no longer being softened effectively, it's time to regenerate.
• Regeneration Process: The regeneration process typically involves flushing the unit with a salt solution (brine) to recharge the resin. Refer to the detailed instructions provided with your unit for the specific steps for regeneration. This usually involves disconnecting the unit, adding salt, and flushing.
• Salt Type: Use basic salt (e.g., table salt, water softener salt) for regeneration.

Flushing:

Periodically flush the unit as needed, especially after regeneration or if you notice any discoloration in the water, to ensure optimal performance.

5. Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues and their solutions:

• Water Appears Cloudy or Discolored (Initial Use): This is often due to "media dust" from the cation exchange resin. It is completely safe and expected. Flush the unit thoroughly with high-pressure water until the water runs clear.
• Water is Not Softening:
  • The resin may need regeneration. Perform a regeneration cycle as described in the Maintenance section.
  • Your water may be extremely hard, requiring more frequent regeneration or a higher grain capacity unit (e.g., 16,000 Grain model).
  • Ensure the unit is connected correctly with water flowing through the 'IN' and 'OUT' ports as intended.
• Leaks at Connections: Check all hose connections and ensure they are tightened securely. Use thread sealant tape if necessary.

6. Specifications

Image: The RecPro RV Water Softener showing its approximate dimensions: 19¾ inches in height and 7⅞ inches in width.

7. Warranty and Support

For specific warranty information regarding your RecPro RV Water Softener, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or contact RecPro directly.

If you encounter any issues or require technical assistance, please contact RecPro customer support. Contact details can typically be found on the manufacturer's website or on the product packaging.