Looking for a new water softener to get rid of hard water in your home, and enjoy soft water at all times? Kinetico has a range of water treatment systems that promise to provide you with clean and softened water for your family. But how do these products stack up against the competition? In this article, we’ll review the Kinetico water softener range and provide an honest assessment of each one. We’ll also take a look at the pros and cons of each product so you can make an informed decision on which model is suitable for you. Keep reading to learn more about these water softeners.
Kinetico has been in the water filtration business for over 40 years and is one of the leading companies in the industry. They provide a range of different products, from whole house water treatment systems or water softeners to reverse osmosis systems, so you can get all your home water filtration needs to be met with one company. Their water softeners come in various sizes and styles, ranging from small models to large commercial-grade units. Each product is designed to remove hard minerals from your water supply and make it softer for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Additionally, many Kinetico water softeners are certified by the Water Quality Association for their performance and reliability.
How to adjust Kinetico water softener?
If your Kinetico water treatment systems aren’t working properly, there are a few things you can do to adjust them. In the case of the water softener system, first, check the salt level in the brine tank and make sure it’s full. If not, add more salt and wait 24 hours for the system to regenerate.
If the salt level is satisfactory, but your water softener still isn’t working, you may need to adjust the hardness setting. The hardness setting controls how much calcium and magnesium are removed from the water. To adjust it, simply turn the knob on the Kinetico water softener unit until it’s at the desired setting.
To manually adjust your Kinetico system, follow these steps:
- You can add more salt to the storage tank if the brine tank needs refilling of salt for manual regeneration, as the tank may have low or zero salts.
- It is recommended to get the Philips number 2 screwdriver. The type of screwdriver may vary depending on the model, but the majority will accept the number two screwdriver.
- Get the right tool and use the screwdriver to tighten the softener valve screw.
- Turn the screw clockwise until you hear five clicks, then look for the dot that reaches the “BRINE” position.
- You will hear the sound of water flowing in the brine tank once the dot reaches the Brine position. If you do not hear the sound of water flowing, then the brine tank is not yet activated.
- After some time, the flow stops in the brine tank. Manual regeneration takes some time to complete.
- Resin tanks should be regenerated and ready for use according to the model and type of regeneration mechanism.
The water flow in the softener will show you the difference once you have completed the manual adjustment of the hardness. Use the brine tank level at max if you want to push the limit of the water softener and get soft water. The salt level will be depleted quickly if the regeneration process is used frequently. You will have to refill the brine tank with fresh salt once they are fully used.
A water softener’s regeneration method depends on how much water is passed through it. Frequent regeneration is required to remove trapped content and waste products if consumption increases.
Putting the water softener on a regular regeneration cycle is advisable to keep the resin bed active. This will ensure the water is always clean, and the water quality will improve as the regeneration process is extended. A Kinetico water softener system that is highly advanced may also activate regeneration multiple times a day to remove waste products. You can adjust the regeneration settings based on the region you live in.
Contact customer service for assistance if you’re still having issues with your Kinetico water softener.
How to add salt to Kinetico water softener?
If your Kinetico water softener isn’t working correctly, one possible reason is that the salt level has become too low. Adding salt to your water softening unit is a relatively simple process, but keep in mind the following steps.
STEP 1
First, make sure that you’re using the correct type of salt for your water softener. Kinetico recommends using either potassium chloride or sodium chloride pellets, and you should avoid using solar salt, rock salt, or table salt.
STEP 2
Second, keep an eye on the weather. If it’s been raining a lot, you may need to add more salt than usual because the rainwater can dilute the brine solution that’s used to regenerate the water softener.
STEP 3
Third, don’t overdo it. You should only add enough salt to reach the “full” line on the brine tank; adding too much salt can damage your water softener. If you follow these simple guidelines, adding salt to your Kinetico water softener should be no problem.
Do Kinetico water softeners need maintenance?
Yes, all Kinetico water softeners need regular maintenance. Depending on your specific unit, you may need to descale the system every few months or so. You’ll also need to regularly check the salt level in the brine tank and add more salt as needed.
For optimal performance, having your system professionally serviced once per year is also a good idea. This ensures that all components are in good working order and that the unit is running efficiently.
For Kinetico water softeners to work properly, they require very pure salt. Solar salt is created by taking saltwater, evaporating it, and then re-crystallizing it. Despite some particles remaining in the bag of salt crystals, this reduces the amount of dirt. Salt pellets are an excellent alternative to solar salt because they are free of debris and have a higher purity level than solar salt.
However, pellet salt contains a binder that keeps the salt in its shape. As the salt dissolves in the pellet, this binder settles at the bottom of the brine tank. When the binder builds up in the tank, it becomes a slab. A slab impairs the water softener’s ability to get the right amount of brine since it occupies the space typically used for salt. To avoid these problems, choose your water softener salt carefully.
It is essential to clean the brine tank walls before adding salt. Do not overlook this step, as dirt and debris will lead to system issues. Do not overlook the waterline, as this is where the dirt and debris often accumulate. Floating dirt makes its way to the bottom of the tank if it remains in it. It may then get drawn into the water softener control valve or make the brine float shut off. Dirt may become lodged in the gears of the control valve, causing the brine float shut-off to fail or the water softener to stop working completely.
Before the system is sold, manufacturers balance the gears. If the gears and impellers cannot spin freely, the system cannot operate. As a result of hard water build-up, the water fixtures could be damaged. In addition, a permanent build-up can damage the hot water heater, leading to expensive repair bills.
By preventing debris from entering the control valves, sediment pre-filters prevent them from malfunctioning. If debris enters the valves or gears, the system stops working, which results in costly repairs or replacements. Pre-filters help prevent this from happening, so owners do not have to pay for expensive repairs or replacements.
If you run across a problem where you cannot fix your Kinetico water softener or need assistance with maintenance tasks, you will need to get professional help.
There are three series of Kinetico water softeners – Premier, Signature, and Essential. We will discuss these three models further for you to clearly understand what they can do for your hard water.
Editor’s Pick  |
✔ Generous Flow Rates ✔ On-Demand Regeneration ✔ Premier Series XP, Efficient Operation |
9.5 |
Value For Money  |
9.3 |
|
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✔ Non-Electric Operation ✔ Rapid Regeneration ✔ AccuDial Feature, Maximum Efficiency |
9.1 |
1. Kinetico Premier Series
Premier Series softeners deliver generous flow rates for homes with large plumbing and high water consumption without sacrificing water softness.
Premier Series water softening systems regenerate at any time of day or night to ensure you always have a supply of soft water. One tank is always in service, while the other is either on standby or regenerating. In other words, no matter how many guests you have or how many loads of laundry you wash, you will never run out of soft water.
The patent-pending XP feature allows optimum system calibration to your home’s specific water conditions for optimum efficiency, operational cost savings, and waste reduction.
The Kinetico Premier Series offers the following models – S650 XP, S650 OD XP, Q850 XP, and Q850 OD XP.
PREMIER SERIES S650
The Premier Series S650 Water Softener is the world’s most efficient water softener, providing more soft water per bag of salt than any other type of water softener. While some brands claim to have the most efficient softener, Kinetico has the data to back them up. This claim is based on independent testing conducted by the Water Quality Association (WQA) using NSF/ANSI Standard 44, an industry-accepted measurement of how much hardness is removed per pound of salt.
The Premier series of softeners from Kinetico uses fine resin mesh instead of resin beads, which allows the system to adapt to a higher flow of water, resulting in greater efficiency. Although Kinetico markets the Premier series to homeowners with larger pipes and higher water needs, experts say there is no significant difference in efficiency between the Premier and other Kinetico series.
PROS
- Highly efficient.
- Made from high-quality materials.
- On-demand regeneration.
- Can handle large households with demanding water needs.
- Large grain capacity and water flow rate.
CONS
- This product is more expensive than its competitors.
Kinetico Signature Series
Signature Series water softeners are powered by water flow (kinetic energy) instead of electricity, so there are no electrical components to replace or repair. They use the same original twin tank, non-electric technology as the premium series but at a subsidized rate.
The appreciable quality of Kinetico’s Signature Series is that they are able to monitor your water use and regenerate only when needed. This efficient approach saves salt, water, money, and guesswork by allowing your water softener to regenerate more quickly if you use a lot of water. It may not regenerate at all for several days if you use a little water. With soft water regeneration, your Signature Series water softeners will work better and last longer.
PROS
- Highly efficient.
- Made from high-quality materials.
- On-demand regeneration.
- Highly capable.
- Less expensive than premier models.
CONS
- Does not have as high a capability as premier models.
Kinetico Essential Series
Essential water softeners are powered by water, not electricity. That means no more setting up, adjusting, or repairing. Compared to other softeners, regeneration occurs in a fraction of the time.
Using the patent-pending AccuDial feature, Kinetico Essential Series models are calibrated to operate at maximum efficiency. It’s like having a custom water softener without the custom price.
PROS
- Highly efficient.
- Quick regeneration.
- Value for money
CONS
- Not ideal for large households.
- Not as efficient as higher-priced models.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How much does a Kinetico water softener cost?
On its website, Kinetico does not sell or list prices for replacement parts. To find out how much a Kinetico water system costs, you’ll need to fill out a form for a free quote. This inquiry will connect you with a local expert who will visit your home and assess your needs.
Kinetico water softeners cost between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars, depending on your home, water flow, and system choice. The average cost of a Kinetico water softener is around $2,500. This price can vary depending on the size and type of water softener you purchase.
There are many different types of Kinetico water softeners to choose from, so it is essential to do your research before making a purchase. Some factors that will affect the cost of your Kinetico water softeners include the hardness of your water, the amount of water you use, and the number of people in your household.
However, you can be assured that Kinetico water softeners are worth their price. They have a long history of performance and use high-quality parts that ensure lasting service when you purchase one.
2. How to regenerate Kinetico water softener?
If your water softener isn’t working as well as it used to, it may need to be regenerated. Regeneration is a process of flushing the system with salt water to remove the accumulated minerals from the resin beads. This process should be done every few months or as needed.
To regenerate your Kinetico water softener, follow these steps:
STEP 1
Add salt to the brine tank. The amount of salt you’ll need will depend on the size of your unit and the hardness of your water. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
STEP 2
Set the regeneration cycle timer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will ensure that the system regenerates at night when water usage is lowest.
STEP 3
Run water through all faucets in your home for about 5 minutes to clear any residual chlorine from the lines.
STEP 4
After the regeneration cycle is complete, flush all faucets again for about 5 minutes to remove any residual salt from the lines.
Following these steps will help keep your Kinetico water softener working correctly and provide you with softer, cleaner water for your home.
3. How to fix a Kinetico water softener?
If your Kinetico water softener is not working properly, there are a few things you can do to fix it.
First, check to make sure that the power is on and that the unit is plugged in. If the power is off, turn it on and see if the unit works. If the power is on and the unit still isn’t working, try resetting it by unplugging it for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in. If the unit still isn’t working, you may need to replace the filter or descale the unit.
If your water softener has run out of salt, replenish it with the correct salt and regenerate it manually. Please wait 14 days before testing, as it can take this long to achieve a completely soft result. Check that the salt in your water softener is not stuck to the side of the cabinet. If you are using block salt, make sure that the indentations on the block face the front and back of the unit.
Your water softener will need to be cleaned if you have used granular salt or salt intended for a dishwasher instead of tablet salt.
Verify that salt is submerged in water. If the water softener is humming, it may be regenerating and should be rechecked in 20 minutes. If there is no water, fill the cabinet until the level hovers at around 1″ above the salt platform before initiating a manual regeneration.
If you find yourself needing to do this frequently, we suggest using our Find My Local Dealer feature to contact your nearest Kinetico representative, who can investigate why the appliance isn’t refilling adequately.
If the problem persists, you may need to contact a professional for help. A technician will be able to diagnose what is wrong with your system and advise you on how to fix it.
4. How to change filter on Kinetico water softener?
If your water softener is not working as efficiently as it used to, it may be time to change the filter. Depending on the model of Kinetico water softener you have, the process for changing the filter will vary. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on changing the filter on your model.
Generally, the steps to change the filter on a Kinetico water softener are as follows:
- Turn off the power to the water softener and shut off the main water supply.
- Drain any remaining water from the system by opening a nearby faucet or disconnecting hoses from the system.
- Open up the top of your unit and locate the filter cartridge inside.
- Unscrew or remove the filter from its housing, then discard it.
- Insert your new filter cartridge into its housing according to the directions in your owner’s manual. Make sure it is firmly secured in place before you turn on the water supply again.
- Turn on your main water supply and switch on power to your unit, allowing it to refill with water and begin operating again normally.
5. How to set float on Kinetico water softener?
If your Kinetico water softener isn’t working correctly, you may need to adjust the float. The float is a plastic ball that sits on top of the water in the salt tank. It signals to the water softener when it’s time to regenerate.
To adjust the float:
- Start by unplugging the power cord from the wall outlet.
- Remove the cover from the salt tank and locate the float. If the float is too low, turn the adjusting screw clockwise to raise it.
- If the float is too high, turn the adjusting screw counterclockwise to lower it.
Once you’ve adjusted the float, replace the cover on the salt tank and plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
The float should now be set correctly, and your water softener will be able to regenerate properly.
6. How to do manual flush on Kinetico water softener?
If your Kinetico water softener isn’t working as it should, you may need to do a manual flush. This simple process can be done in just a few minutes.
To start, locate the bypass valve on your water softener. It is usually found near the top of the unit. Once you have located the bypass valve, turn it to the “bypass” position.
Next, locate the brine tank. This is where the salt is stored that is used to soften the water. The brine tank will have a lid that must be removed to access the salt.
Once you have removed the lid, add one pound of salt for every gallon of water that is in the tank. For example, if your brine tank holds 40 gallons of water, you would add 40 pounds of salt.
After adding the salt, replace the lid on the brine tank and turn off the bypass valve. Turn on your water supply and allow the unit to run for 24 hours. After 24 hours, your water should be softened, and you can return to using it as normal!
Conclusion
With decades of experience in providing well-crafted equipment designed to last, Kinetico offers an array of different types of water softeners that can provide optimal results when used correctly.
In this article, we have looked at the various models offered by Kinetico and reviewed their features from installation to maintenance and more to provide our readers with some insight into which one may be best suited for their needs.
Kinetico water softeners offer a variety of benefits and features, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to improve the quality of their home’s water. These systems can remove hard minerals from your water supply, providing you with cleaner and softer water that is much gentler on your skin and clothing.
With their easy installation process and reliable operation, Kinetico systems are well worth considering if you want to enjoy the many benefits of softened water in your home.
About The Author
Judith— a passionate water treatment specialist — is a waste water management enthusiast, clean drinking water advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about various water equipments. Her work was mentioned in countless notable water associations. Previously she was an editor at Water Alliance.