Review: Genesis Duo Water Softener and Filter System 2023
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Aug 4, 2023
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Want a whole house water filter and softener all in one? The Genesis Duo by Discount Water Softeners is exactly that.
In a 2-step treatment process, the system will first filter your water and eliminate chlorine and chloramines and then reduce hardness minerals using ion exchange technology.
Genesis Duo |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Flow Rate: | 7.4 gpm |
| Capacity: | 40,000 Grains |
| # of People: | Up to 3 |
| Metered Regen: | |
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Our Rating
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Genesis Duo Water Softener – Key Features
The Genesis Duo stores its catalytic carbon filter media in a separate tank to optimize performance.
Please note: Catalytic carbon is not suited for water with high iron content.
The carbon keeps the chlorine, which is known to destroy the softening beads, from entering the resin tank. This will increase the resin’s longevity and save you money.
Speaking of tanks, the Genesis Duo is available with 3 different capacities:
- 32,000 grains
- 40,000 grains
- 48,000 grains
The 40,000-grain capacity unit for example provides a water flow rate of 7.4 gallons per minute. This should be enough for homes with 3, maybe 4 people.
What’s more, like all Genesis water softeners, the Genesis Duo is not only digital metered which by itself reduces salt and water usage during regeneration, it also features a technology called “upflow brining“.
Upflow brining, or upflow regeneration, means that the softening resin regenerates from the bottom up, which is more precise than the other way round.
Again, this will allow you to save on salt and water on each regen cycle – although we highly doubt that up to 75% salt and 64% water reduction is realistic as the seller claims.
About upflow regeneration:
At the start of each regen cycle, the resin at the top of the bed is highest in hardness. This is because it’s where the hard water enters the tank. Consequently, the resin at the bottom is lowest in hardness. With downflow regeneration, hardness that is exchanged off of the resin on top is flushed down the bed, where it continues to exchange on and off the beads until its finally flushed out.
Upflow regeneration on the other hand preserves unused softening beads at the bottom of the resin. The process regenerates the bed from the bottom up so that no hardness is forced through the clean resin.
In general, upflow regeneration is more precise and therefore the more efficient option, although it is not suitable for all installations. In addition, some experts say that the benefits of upflow regeneration are marginal at best – especially for residential applications.
Genesis Duo Pros
All components are NSF approved for guaranteed system functionality and safety.
Also, Discount Water Softeners offers a 10-year limited warranty on the digital control head. A lifetime limited warranty covers the tanks.
Two neoprene tank jackets are also included in the packet. They help with tank sweating and keep everything nice and clean.
In order to prevent bacterial growth, the Genesis Duo will automatically flush its resin after 7 days of non-use.
The Genesis Duo – learn more on amazon.com
Installation + Startup Instructions
We can’t say much about the setup to be honest, since we could not find an installation manual.
All we know is that the seller has tried to make the installation of their newest softener generation easier and faster than it was with previous models.
The following instructions explain how to install the Genesis Revolution, not the Duo. This might not be 100% accurate, but it gives you a basic idea of what to expect:
If a softener is not equipped with a bypass valve, we recommend you provide for one for ease of maintenance. Also, make sure to comply with local plumbing codes.
Finding the Right Location
In order to find the right location, consider this:
- Place as close as possible to main water line.
- Place as close as possible to suitable drain.
- Place before water heater.
- Avoid locations with freezing temperatures which may cause permanent damage and will void the warranty.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
Installation
- Apply lubricant (included) to all control valve O-rings.
- Attach upper screen cone (included) to the bottom of the control valve.
- Attach the control valve to the resin tank and tighten.
- Cut the water line at the desired section.
- Install piping from the feed end of the cut pipe to the inlet of the water softener and from the other end to the outlet of the softener.
- Attaching the bypass valve to the control head.
- Connect the inlet and outlet of the system to the main water line.
- After applying a couple wraps of Teflon tape, screw the hose barb with the O-ring into the valve’s drain port.
- Attach the drain hose (included) to the hose barb. Tighten securely.
- Route the drain line to the drain.
- If not already done, assembled the brine tank according to the manual.
- Attach the brine tubing to the brine line.
- Now is the time to install the optional Quick Pro Connector Kit.
- In order to startup the softener, first plug the transformer into a power outlet.
- Add about 5 gallons of water into the brine tank. Also add at least 40 lbs of salt.
- Manually regenerate the softener by pressing and holding the MANUAL REGEN button for 5 seconds. After the cycle begins, press any button to jump straight to backwash.
- Slowly open the inlet on the bypass valve so that water can flow into the unit.
- Let the system run through a complete backwash cycle.
- When finished, the softener will continue with a full refill cycle. This ensures a proper brine solution for regeneration.
- When done, the control valve will automatically switch to SERVICE. Now open the bypass outlet valve.
- Open the nearest soft water faucet until the water is clear.
- Program the softener.
- Wait for 6 hours and perform a final regeneration cycle.
Video
The Package (Parts)
- Genesis Duo control head
- 10% Crosslink high durability resin, 1.25 cu. ft., made in U.S.
- Catalytic carbon filter resin, 1.25 cu. ft., made in U.S.
- 3/4″ and 1″ bypass with integrated turbine meter
- 2x 10″ x 44″ resin tanks
- 2x black tank neoprene jacket
- 18″ x 33″ brine tank
- Salt grid
- Manual
Programming, Settings & Maintenance
After the initial programming where you set the time of day, your water hardness level and so on, no additional maintenance is required with this filter-softener combo beyond refilling the salt reservoir.
You should also check for salt bridges every now and then.
Genesis Duo Cons
The biggest issue that we have with Genesis softeners is that we read many comments where people complained about bad customer service.
At the same time, others said that company representatives were knowledgeable, supportive and helpful. Can someone make sense of this, please?
Furthermore, the instructions could to with an overhaul and we’d appreciate it if Discount Water Softeners would create an installation video dedicated to the Genesis Duo explaining every single step of the setup.
And lastly, like all models that are part of the Genesis line, this system too is a bit pricey.
Genesis Duo Review: Our Verdict + Best for
Most users seem very happy with their purchase saying that the Genesis Duo filter-softener combination works great. It’s best for small homes.
The only thing that bothers us is the negative feedback regarding customer support. Our verdict: 4 stars.
More Reviews:
- Pst. You can find more reviews of Genesis water softeners here.
- 2024’s Nine Best Rated Water Softening Systems
This completes our Genesis Duo review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
We adhere to strict editorial guidelines. Rest assured, the opinions expressed have not been provided, reviewed, or otherwise endorsed by our partners – they are unbiased, independent, and the author’s alone. Our licensed experts fact-check all content for accuracy. It is accurate as of the date posted and to the best of our knowledge.