Step 8 · Set Up and Program the Softener

This is the step people usually slow down on. Go finger-tight first, then a quarter turn. No rush — replay the clip whenever it helps.

With the plumbing complete and leak-free, you can now set up the softener. Plug the control head's power adapter into the nearby electrical outlet. Add water to the brine tank until it's about one inch above the salt grid plate. Then, pour water softener salt pellets into the brine tank until it's about half full. Program the control head according to the manufacturer's manual. You will need to input your water hardness (in Grains Per Gallon, or GPG), the current time, and your preferred regeneration time (typically an off-peak time like 2 AM).