Step 1: Empty the Brine Tank
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Scoop out remaining salt
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Dispose of sludge or mushy salt
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Break up salt bridges if present
Step 2: Scrub the Tank
Use:
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Warm water
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Mild dish soap
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Non-abrasive brush
Scrub interior walls to remove slime film.
Step 3: Sanitize the System
A common method includes:
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Adding ¼ cup household bleach to the brine well
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Running a manual regeneration cycle
This disinfects resin and internal components.
(Always follow manufacturer guidelines or hire a professional.)
Step 4: Refill With Fresh Salt
Use high-quality salt such as:
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Solar salt
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Evaporated pellets
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Iron-fighting salt (if iron is present)
Avoid low-grade rock salt, which contains more impurities.
Preventing Slime Buildup
Routine maintenance is the best defense.
✔ Clean the Brine Tank Annually
More often if you have iron or well water.
✔ Use Iron Remover
Additives help prevent bacterial growth and resin fouling.
✔ Maintain Proper Salt Levels
Keep the tank at least ¼ full but avoid overfilling.
✔ Install Pre-Filtration
Iron filters or sediment filters reduce contaminants entering the softener.
✔ Schedule Professional Service
An annual inspection keeps systems sanitized and efficient.
When Slime Means a Bigger Problem
Sometimes slime is a symptom of deeper issues:
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Resin bed contamination
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Injector or venturi clogging
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Drain line blockages
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Control valve fouling
If cleaning doesn’t resolve performance problems, professional servicing may be required — including resin replacement.