Operating instructions

SECTION 5: Backwashing Instructions

Periodic Backwashing of the Chem-Free Filter System bed is required to ﬂ ush out the entrapped iron that has accumulated. This

procedure is performed automatically at 1:00 a.m. for a period of approximately 10 minutes and will not interfere with a softener

regeneration, which is usually set for 2:00 a.m.

TO SET BACKWASH FREQUENCY FOR NORMAL HOUSEHOLD APPLICATIONS:

To determine and set Backwash Frequency, follow these instructions:

1) Select Backwash Frequency Schedule corresponding to your model (page 3-7 and 3-8).

2) Locate box intersected by number of persons in your family and iron concentration of water (if iron concentration is

between two numbers in Schedule, use higher number.)

3) Number in box represents number of days, between regenerations. Refer to How to Change Days Between

Regeneration on page 3-10.

Example: You have model MCIF1001 or APIF100, 4 people in family, and 8 ppm iron. Refer to Schedule for model MCIF1001 or

APIR100 and locate box intersected by 4 in family and 8 ppm iron. The ﬁ gure indicates the number of days between each regen-

eration period.

TO SET BACKWASH FREQUENCY FOR COMMERCIAL MODELS AND

NON-STANDARD HOUSEHOLD APPLICATIONS:

If your ﬁ lter is to be used for a commercial application or for reasons covered above, the Backwashing Frequency Schedule is not

applicable. Determine the backwashing frequency as follows:

1) Estimate Daily Iron Reduction by multiplying iron concentration by estimated daily water consumption (use 60

gallons per person per day for normal household applications):

Est. Daily Water Usage ______ gal. X Iron Concentration ______ ppm =

Daily Iron Reduction ______ (ppm - gal.)

2) Calculate Backwash Frequency by inserting Daily Iron Reduction from above into following formula (refer to

speciﬁ cations for Iron Reduction Capacity of your model):

Iron Reduction Capacity of Model ______(ppm-gal.) ÷ Daily Iron Reduction ______ (ppm - gal.) =

Backwashing Frequency ______ days

If your water contains high iron concentration, manganese, tannins, or hydrogen sulﬁ de, it may be advisable to increase the

backwash frequency to daily, if necessary. It should be noted, however, that increasing the frequency or duration of backwash-

ing WILL NOT overcome an insufﬁ cient pumping rate.

5-1

IMPORTANT NOTES

The Backwashing Frequency Schedules are based on average water consumption rates and are merely

guides. They are NOT intended to be used if water is used by outside spigots, a swimming pool, geother-

mal heat pump, or other high water usage devices or activities. If your application includes any of these,

and you have already determined your model Chem-Free System is capable of handling the ﬂ ow rates

involved, refer to the next paragraph for instructions on setting Backwash Frequency.