Genesis Revolution High-Capacity Water Softener System Review
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Last Updated:
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Contents
- Genesis Revolution Water Softener – Key Features
- Revolution Pros
- Installation + Startup Instructions
- The Package (Parts)
- Programming, Settings & Maintenance
- Manual
- Revolution Cons
- Genesis Revolution Review: Our Verdict + Best for
While the Genesis Premium water softener was designed for families of up to 5, the Genesis Revolution has larger internal ports (1″) that allow for higher flow rates.
Thus it’s ideal for larger homes with 7 or more people.
 Genesis Revolution | |
| Price: | $$$ |
| Flow Rate: | 23 gpm |
| Capacity: | 80,000 Grains |
| # of People: | 7+ |
| Metered Regen: | |
Our Rating
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Genesis Revolution Water Softener – Key Features
The Genesis Revolution is available in several different sizes. The 80,000-grain capacity version for example supplies you with 23 gallons of softened water per minute.
Of course, you can also go lower than that. There also are units with 32,000, 40,000 and 96,000 grains.
Like all water softeners that are part of the Genesis line, the Revolution is digital metered and calculates the exact amount of brine that is required to regenerate.
In combination with the upflow regeneration feature, which is more precise than regular downflow brining, you can make significant salt and water savings with each cycle – as much as 75% on salt and 64% on water says the seller.
Please note: The Revolution requires a minimum water pressure of 30 psi. The maximum allowed pressure is 125 psi.
A word on upflow regeneration:
Upflow regeneration, also called counter-current regeneration/brining, recharges resin from the bottom up. This way unused softening beads at the bottom of the resin are preserved, as no “dirty” water is forced through them.
What you have to keep in mind is that naturally, at the beginning of a regeneration cycle, the resin at the top of the bed is highest in hardness, whereas the resin with the least amount of hardness is at the bottom. In regular downflow regeneration, hardness that is exchanged off of the resin is flushed down the bed, where it continues to exchange on and off the beads until its finally pushed out.
Generally speaking, upflow brining is more efficient than downflow brining. However, the former is not suitable for all installations. This particularly applies to cases of high iron content.
Also, some water experts claim that upflow regeneration is more of a marketing hype and the increased efficiency is marginal, at least for residential uses.
Revolution Pros
What we like about the Genesis Revolution is that for one it comes with high durability resin which is more resistant against chlorine and chloramines that can basically be found in every municipal water supply.
What’s more, the unit has an automatic system refresh feature that flushes the resin after 7 days of disuse to prevent the accumulation of bacteria.
Above that, a washable neoprene tank jacket is part of the deal for reduced tank sweating. It’ll also keep your resin tank nice and clean.
Did we mention that you get a 10-year limited warranty on the control head and lifetime warranty on both tanks?
The Genesis Revolution – learn more on amazon.com
Installation + Startup Instructions
Discount Water Softeners has tried to make the installation of their newest softener generation easier and faster than ever before.
This is why they used quick connect features on the bypass valve, drain line and power cord.
The installation manual is also quite detailed, and yet still, if you are not handy with tools it’s probably a better idea if you call a professional plumber to do the setup for you.
If you feel like giving it a try, this is what you have 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.
Where to Install
Make sure to identify a good spot for the softener before you proceed with its installation. Here are some points to consider:
- It should be as close to the main water line as possible.
- It should also be close to a drain.
- It should be installed before the water heater.
- Try to avoid sub-zero temperatures as freezing can damage the unit permanently – this is not covered by the warranty!
- Don’t leave the unit exposed to direct sunlight.
The Setup
- Use the lubricant on all O-rings for the control valve.
- Connect the upper screen cone to the bottom side of the control valve.
- Hook up the control valve to the resin tank and secure it in place.
- Remove a section of the main water line at the installation location.
- Use piping to connect the cut pipe’s feed end to the water softener’s inlet. Connect the softener’s outlet to the other end of the pipe.
- Install the bypass valve at the control head.
- Attach the system inlet and outlet to the main water line.
- Install the hose barb with the O-ring into the drain port of the valve, using Teflon tape for a better connection.
- Hook up the included drain hose to the hose barb and secure it in place.
- Run the drain line to a suitable drain.
- Put the brine tank together as per the instructions in the user manual.
- Hook up the brine tubing to the brine line.
- Connect the transformer to a power supply so you can start the softener.
- Pour five gallons of water into the brine tank and add salt – at least 40 lbs.
- Hold down the MANUAL REGEN button for at least five seconds to trigger a manual regeneration cycle. Once the cycle is running, pressing any button will switch to backwash.
- Open the bypass valve’s inlet, allowing water to enter the unit.
- Leave the system running for at least one full backwash cycle.
- Once that’s done, the softener will move on to a full refill cycle, ensuring that the brine solution is prepared properly.
- Afterward, the control valve will switch to SERVICE automatically. Open the bypass outlet valve.
- Open a nearby faucet and leave it running until the water is clear.
- Configure the water softener.
- After six hours, run a final regeneration cycle.
Video
Here is the official installation video:
The Package (Parts)
- Genesis Revolution control head
- 10% Crosslink high durability resin, 2.5 cu. ft., made in U.S.
- 1″ bypass with integrated turbine meter
- 13″ x 54″ resin tank
- black tank neoprene jacket
- 18″ x 40″ brine tank, holds up to 385 lbs of salt
- Parts box with elbows, adaptors, etc.
- Owner’s manual
Programming, Settings & Maintenance
The Genesis Revolution is a set-and-forget system, meaning that after the initial programming you won’t have to touch the control head every again.
Some of the configurations that you have to make are setting the time of the day, your water hardness and how many people are currently living in your home.
The unit is also super low in maintenance. Like any other salt-based softener, it requires you to refill the brine tank if need be. That’s all!
Manual
A manual can be downloaded here.
Revolution Cons
The biggest issue that we have with all Genesis softeners is that they are relatively pricey.
On top of that, a few customers complained about the customer service not being really helpful. Funnily enough, others were pleasantly surprised about the great support they received.
Genesis Revolution Review: Our Verdict + Best for
It looks like most users would recommend the Genesis Revolution to their friends and family. Their salt usage is way down and the regen is also much faster.
Customer service is good – at least in most cases – and the product comes with clear and concise instructions and does exactly what it’s supposed to do: Deliver soft water.
Due to the high price tag, we rate it with 4 stars.
The Genesis Revolution is best for large households looking for an NSF-certified water softener.
More Reviews:
This completes our Genesis Revolution review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
