Pentair Timer / Demand Initiation Failure

Softener does not regenerate automatically; water gradually becomes hard, but manual regeneration works.

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Possible Causes

Incorrect time-of-day or regeneration time set, Meter not registering flow, Regeneration mode set to OFF, Faulty Pentair control board

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Programming changes can be made with power on; no plumbing work is required for initial checks.

  • Verify programming: Check time-of-day, hardness setting, and regeneration time. Ensure the regeneration mode is set to demand or time clock as desired, not OFF.
  • Check flow meter: Run water at a faucet and confirm the display shows flow and remaining capacity decreasing. If not, troubleshoot the Pentair turbine flow meter.
  • Force a regen: Start a manual regeneration and confirm the valve cycles correctly. If manual works but automatic does not, suspect a programming or board logic issue.
  • Factory reset: Perform a factory reset and re-enter settings. If the unit still never initiates regeneration, replace the Pentair electronic control board.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Pentair electronic control board
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