Last week, we talked about how to properly store your RV’s water filtration system to keep it fresh, functional, and road-ready. This week, we’re focusing on another essential part of your water setup, your RV water softener. Just like your filters, your softener needs proper care when it's not in use. Whether you're between adventures or preparing for the off-season, storing your water softener correctly will protect your equipment and ensure peak performance on your next trip.

In this blog, we'll walk you through exactly how to drain, clean, and store your water softener to prevent damage, preserve its lifespan, and avoid any unwanted surprises when you reconnect.

Why Proper RV Water Softener Storage Matters

Improper storage can lead to:

• Cracked resin tanks due to freezing
• Bacterial buildup from standing water
• Salt clumping or hardening
• Reduced effectiveness over time

Let’s break down the steps to avoid all that.

What You’ll Need

• Clean Water Supply
• Non-Iodized Salt
• Hoses

Step-By-Step Guide

The guidelines are for Blu Technology products

Back-Flush Your RV Water Softener

1. Disconnections

Turn off the water supply and disconnect both the inlet and outlet hoses from the softener. 

2. Adapter Connection

Use the unlabeled female/female adapter and connect it to the outlet of the softener. 

3. Water Hookup

Connect the water source to the outlet of the softener. 

4. Begin Flow

Turn the water on at full stream. If the flow stops completely, turn the water off, tap the tank against the ground to allow the resin to settle back down, and then turn the water on at 75% of the full stream. 

5. Wrap-Up and Reconnect

Allow the water to flow for 2–5 minutes, and then turn the water off. Reconnect the softener to the inlet and outlet hoses.

Note: If you are performing both the backflush and regeneration processes, it is advised to do the backflush process first.

Recharge Process

1. Shut Off Water

Turn off the water supply. 

2. Remove Outlet Hose

Disconnect the outlet hose from the outlet side of the softener. 

3. Drain The Unit

Drain the water by tilting the unit over or turning it upside down with the head/cap still attached. Once draining is complete, return the unit to an upright position and tap the black base against the ground a few times to ensure the resin settles at the bottom of the tank. 

4. Remove Cap

Remove the top cap. 

5. Salt Recharge

Add two 26oz boxes of table salt. If the water has been drained out, you can mix the salt with warm water and pour the solution into the softener. 

6. Rinse Cycle

Replace the top cap and perform a slow rinse of the unit for 15 minutes. 

7. Final Flush

Follow with a 5-minute fast rinse.

8. Hardness Test

Test the hardness at the output of the softener. 

9. Ideal Water Levels

Ideally, if you test the hardness of your water, the test strips should indicate a hardness level of around 0-3 GPG, confirming that your unit is ready for use. 

 

Special Regeneration Process (After 30 days of non-use): Neglecting to perform the regeneration process can have negative consequences for the longevity of your water softener. It may lead to a shorter lifespan for the softener, or after regeneration, the water hardness levels may not test within the desired range of 0-3 grains per gallon (GPG). However, you can easily rectify this situation by conducting a special regeneration process.

Storage Instructions 

1. Back-Flush First

Perform a backflush to clean the system. 

2. Regenerate Softener

Conduct the regeneration process to recharge the softener. 

3. Drain Unit

Drain any remaining water from the unit through the fittings, ensuring not to remove or dispose of the resin. 

4. Store Unit

The unit is now prepared for storage. 

 

Post Storage Instructions (After 7 Days): 

When the water softener has not been used for an extended period, typically 7 days or more, it is recommended to sanitize the unit. Please follow the instructions below: 

1. Back-Flush

Perform a backflush to clean the system. 

2. Drain Water

Ensure that all water is completely drained from the tank. 

3. Sanitize Unit

Sanitize the unit (optional) by following the instructions for our Water Softener sanitizing liquid “Bleach free”

4. Recharge Softener

Perform the regeneration process. 

 

NOTE: If the water hardness persists after this special regeneration cycle, repeat the entire process. This time use three 26oz boxes of table salt instead of two.

 

Proper storage and maintenance of your RV water softener are essential to ensure it performs efficiently and lasts for many adventures to come. Following the recommended steps, draining water, recharging the resin, and protecting the unit. You’re protecting your equipment and guaranteeing softer, cleaner water on every trip. At Blu Technology, our products are designed with durability and the customer’s convenience in mind. We released many new products, including our Smart Cap, which provides RVers with a much easier process for cleaning and recharging their RV water softener. We have also released our new UVC Purification Faucet, AR3 UVC System, and multiple 3-stage RV water filtration systems including the Adventure Series AR3 5-inch, AR3 XLt 10-inch, R3, and The TRIO. Helping you enjoy worry-free RV travels wherever the road takes you.