Filling the Bosch dishwasher salt reservoir
The salt reservoir is located at the bottom of the dishwasher tub interior, beneath a screw-top cap (turn counterclockwise to open). Before adding salt for the first time, fill the reservoir with water using a measuring cup -- approximately 1 liter. Add dishwasher salt using the supplied funnel, filling until the reservoir is full (approximately 1.5-2 kg). Replace the cap and tighten firmly. Run a short rinse cycle immediately after filling to flush any brine spilled into the tub, which would otherwise cause etching on glassware. The salt indicator light on the control panel extinguishes when the reservoir is filled.
Programming the hardness setting
With the dishwasher powered on and the door closed, press and hold the Start button (or On/Off depending on model) until the display shows the hardness setting mode. Press the program button to cycle through hardness levels 1-7. Reference the Bosch hardness scale in the user manual (supplied with the appliance) to match your measured water hardness to the appropriate level. Confirm the selection by pressing Start again or closing the door. The machine saves the setting in non-volatile memory; it will not reset after power interruption.
Inline pre-filter installation for Bosch refrigerator
To extend UltraClarity Pro filter life in hard water areas, install a standard 1/4-inch inline refrigerator water filter on the refrigerator supply line. These inline filters (available for $15-30) install between the water supply valve and the refrigerator inlet. They use a compressed carbon block rated to 2,000-5,000 gallons to reduce chlorine and some sediment. Shut off the water supply valve behind the refrigerator. Disconnect the 1/4-inch supply line. Install the inline filter housing in line using the supplied push-fit connectors. Restore water supply and flush the inline filter for 2 minutes before using the ice maker and water dispenser.
Whole-house softener installation upstream of Bosch appliances
Install the whole-house softener on the main cold water supply line before any branch lines serving Bosch appliances. The softener should be located after the main shut-off valve and after any whole-house sediment pre-filter. Connect the brine tank drain line to a utility drain or floor drain (no sump pump required for gravity drain to a basement floor drain). Connect the softener control head to a 120V outlet for timer or demand-initiated regeneration programming. Once installed and programmed, the softener automatically regenerates at the set interval. Set the Bosch dishwasher hardness level to 1 or 0 when a whole-house softener reduces supply hardness to below 3 GPG.