Dishwasher Setup; Water Softening System; Using Water Hardness Test Strip - Bosch SGV63E03UC Operating Instructions Manual

Dishwasher Setup

Water Softening System

Your dishwasher requires soft water to ensure proper washing results and is equipped with an internal
water softening system. However, if you have a household water softening system, the internal system
provided is not needed.
For the water softening system to function properly, it will need to use the dishwasher water softening
salt. The amount of salt dispensed can be set from "H:00" to "H:07". Salt is not required at H:00 (this is
the default factory setting). The amount of salt required depends on the degree of hardness of your tap
water. See Table 1.
Open the door.
1
Turn the unit on using the [ON/OFF] button.
2
Hold down the "A" button (see page 4) and press [START] until the display indicates "H:00".
3
Release both buttons.
4
Press the "C" button to select the desired setting.
5
Save the selected setting by pressing [START] and close the door.
6
Using the water hardness test strip
Your water hardness level directly impacts your dishwasher's performance. Hard water will increase spotting and reduce
detergent performance. Some dishwasher models are equipped with a water softener that uses a special salt to adjust
the water hardness to obtain optimal performance. The dishwasher salt is added to the salt chamber located under the
lower dishwasher rack. The amount of salt that is dispensed is based on your home water hardness. The home water
hardness can be determined by using the water hardness test strip included in your manual set (or from your local
hardware store). The dishwasher water softener setting must be adjusted to match your water hardness.
‡ Only use salt designed for automatic dishwashers. Never use household water softener salt or table salt.
‡ Follow the instructions below for the included test strip (If purchasing a different test strip, follow manufacturers instructions).
Step 1 - Run the water at the kitchen sink for 5 minutes.
Step 2 - Dip the end of the test strip with the colored squares into the tap water for 1 second and shake off excess water.
Step 3 - After one minute, compare the test strip to the chart below and determine the Dishwasher Water Softener setting.
Step 4 - Adjust the dishwasher Water Softener setting. Consult your Use and Care manual for details.
Step 5 - If required, add salt to the dishwasher salt chamber as shown.
Adjusting the Water Softener Setting of your Dishwasher (select models)
Using the Test Strip included with your dishwasher
(Purchased Test Strips May have a Different Scale)
Hard Water and your Dishwasher
Instructions for use of included "Water Hardness Test Strip"
Dishwasher
Water Softener
setting
H:00
H:01
H:02
H:03
H:04
H:05
H:06
H:07
Water Hardness Conversion Chart
Add salt to
(Only necessary if you purchase a
dishwasher salt
different Test Strip)
chamber
ppm
No 0 116
Yes 117 152
Yes 153 188
Yes 189 223
Yes 224 294
Yes 295 383
Yes 384 544
Yes 545 890
gpg/°dH
0 6
7 8
9 10
11 13
14 17
18 22
23 31
32 52
5