Proper maintenance of your SeaWater Pro watermaker is essential for prolonging the life of your membranes and keeping your system in top condition. One of the most important tasks is pickling your watermaker. This simple process helps preserve your membranes, prevents microbial growth, and ensures your watermaker is ready to use when you need it. Want to watch our instructional video instead? Click the play button below!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of pickling your SeaWater Pro watermaker, including the steps for Mini Portables, Piranhas, and Modular systems. Follow this tutorial, and your membranes will stay fresh for up to two years without any maintenance!
Why Should You Pickle Your Watermaker?
Pickling your watermaker is crucial for preserving the membranes and preventing microbial growth. If you don’t pickle the system, bacteria and mold can grow inside the membranes, leading to unpleasant odors and degradation. Pickling helps prevent these issues, ensuring your system remains in optimal condition and your water stays fresh.
Materials Needed for Pickling Your Watermaker
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Two gallons of unchlorinated water (you can use the water your watermaker has produced, or if using a different water source, ensure it is unchlorinated)
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Brine hose
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Boost pump
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Pre-filter (if applicable, remove this as instructed)
Step-by-Step Guide to Pickling Your SeaWater Pro Watermaker
Step 1: Prepare Your Pickling Solution
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Start by filling a bucket with two gallons of unchlorinated water. If you’re using water produced by your watermaker, this is ideal.
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Remove the pre-filter from your system. If you have a modular system, ensure the pre-filters are removed and the housing is reassembled. You don’t want to run the glycol through the filters.
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Add one part glycol to two parts water in the bucket. For example, use 1 liter of glycol for every 2 liters of water. This solution is safe as the glycol is food-grade, so even if a small amount were to enter your water supply, it would not pose a health risk.
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Stir the solution well to ensure the glycol is fully mixed with the water.
Step 2: Submerge the Boost Pump
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Submerge your boost pump into the bucket filled with the glycol solution. Ensure that the pump is completely submerged to ensure the glycol circulates properly through the system.
Step 3: Activate the Boost Pump
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Plug in and turn on your boost pump. This will begin circulating the glycol solution through your watermaker system.
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Optional: If the boost pump needs assistance with purging air from the system, you can briefly turn on the high-pressure pump. However, do not let the system pressurize. Keep the pressure at 0 PSI to prevent any damage to the membranes.
Step 4: Observe the Brine Hose
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After turning on the boost pump, watch for the brine hose to turn blue. This indicates that the glycol solution is circulating properly through the system.
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Cycle the solution for about 1–2 minutes to ensure that the glycol reaches all parts of the system, particularly the membranes.
Step 5: Finish the Pickling Process
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Once the brine hose has turned blue and the solution has cycled for a couple of minutes, turn off the boost pump.
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Disconnect the brine hose and allow it to drain thoroughly.
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Roll up the brine hose and set it aside.
Step 6: Clean Up
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Remove the boost pump from the glycol bucket and allow it to drain completely.
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Cap off the boost pump and ensure no excess water or glycol leaks into the casing.
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Your watermaker is now pickled and ready for storage. You can store your system for up to two years without needing further maintenance.
Why Pickling Your Watermaker is Important for Long-Term Care
Pickling your watermaker is an essential part of long-term care. It prevents your membranes from degrading due to microbial contamination, which can lead to unpleasant odors, reduced performance, and a shorter lifespan for your system. By following this simple process, you can ensure that your SeaWater Pro watermaker remains in top condition and is ready to go when you need it most.
Need Assistance?
If you have any questions or need further assistance with the pickling process, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer support team. We’re always here to help! Be sure to grab yours today in our online store, just click the link to visit the product page.
