Is it safe to lower my regenetation period past 14 days or is there a way to effectively reduce the amount of salt used by lowering the settings? (backwash = 10, brine draw = 60, rapid rinse = 10, brine fill = 16).

Just thinking that while my resin still needs to be cleaned, can I reduce the setting considering it shouldn't be that filled with "hardness"?

If someone can help me decide to extend the regen past 14 days or provide me a way to make this oversized softener best fit my needs without wasting salt and water I would be appreciative.

Thanks,

Dave

Based on that info a 2 cu ft softener is grossly oversize. Optimum regeneration frequency with no iron in the water is 6 to 8 days max for longest resin life and efficient and trouble free softener operation.

You most probably will have channeling problems. A 5600 valve on a 2 cu ft softener is at it's max tank limit and not the wisest choice.

If you bought the softener new you should have been advised against that large a softener by the seller and you should return it for a refund.

You want a correctly sized softener for your water conditions and water usage for the most efficient, cost effective, and trouble free operation.

Wish you had posted here before buying a softener.

There is a reason you don't want to go beyond 8 days on regeneration. When the softener is in service, water flows from the top to the bottom. Over time, the water flow will compact the resin bed in the softener, compressing the resin beads. The backwash lifts the resin beads, "fluffs" them, and removes debris. Wait too long between backwashes and the beads may be damaged or it will become so compacted that backwash is ineffective.

If you are stuck with this softener, we can help you make the best of a bad situation, but lurker is correct that your softener is oversized. You won't ever be very salt efficient. Basically, your softener needs to be set up to use a minimum of salt during each regeneration and the regen over-ride needs to be set for 8 days.

If you're stuck with this softener the best way WE can help you is to recommend you buy a 9x48 resin tank, distributor tube with bottom basket change the flow controls in the 5600, and use half the resin in your 2 cu ft softener.to make the 1 cu ft softener you need.

I normally buy/do things on my own gut without calling in the experts and it bit me this time. I bought over the Internet so stuck with my purchase. Live and learn.

The valve is 0.5.

Wow... Very greatful of the feedback. I wasn't expecting to see any messages to be frank... Thanks and look forward to be an active member going forward.

David

Also noted was a change in the flow control. What parts would I need to change there? I plan to call the place I bought tomorrow to see if they can tell me everything I would need to buy to properly change to the smaller size. That price will probably tell me which direction I should go... Change or Replace.

Having your advice will help tell me if there recommendation is correct.

Thanks again guys for your help.

A 9x48 tank should run about $125 delivered to your door.

You can cut down the riser (distributor) tube you have and reuse that and half the resin you already have to make the 1 cu ft softener you should have bought.

Water treatment is arithmetic, chemistry, physics, and mechanics... you should have used your head instead of your gut.

You have most of what you need to do this right. $125 more and some labor will correct your mistake.

Curious, did you just tell then what size softener you wanted and they obliged or did they ask you questions and make a size recommendation?

I appreciate your help. Thanks!

Decrease your brine fill time to 4 minutes. This will reduce your pounds of salt/regeneration to 6 lb, or 3 lb per cubic ft of resin, providing you with maximum salt efficiency for the size of your softener. Normally, this would reduce your softener's water efficiency. However, since your softener is so oversized anyway it won't make a difference. You still need to set the maximum days between regenerations to 8.