Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - Stinky/Moldy water softener

Help! I've got this problem with my Kenmore water softener that is driving me crazy. Problem: my water smells/is moldy/foul, but only out of the softener.

Synopsis: Here's what's taken place. It all started when I noticed the water smelling a little funny, actually stinking. Following several successive regen's along with verifying the unit's operation at every step of the regen I decided they weren't working and probed furthed. I completely removed the unit, dragged to my backyard and found a salt bridge (something I've never had before so I didn't even know they existed!). Well, that was probably why the problem began. I removed all the fouled salt, cleaned the unit up, and ran several successive regen's with a little clorox and iron remover to disinfect. Well, all is well for about a week, and then it comes back. This time I called Kenmore support and they recommended I let the backwash run about 45 min's to let the resin get nice and mixed up (I presumed), another regen with clorox and iron remover, but the water still does not look/smell/act like it does when it's in bypass (ie. my clothes stink when washed in this gunk coming from my faucets). Anyone have any experience with this kind of problem and where I should look from here? Also, please keep in mind 1) It is my only my water having this problem, not my neighbors (not a city water problem). 2) It IS coming from the water softener. Thanks.

If it smells like something died, it is bad resin. Rare, but some cheap resin can stink.I believe the term is pronounced "ameans." If you by-pass the system and the smell goes away, there is a problem. I would call for service. Is it still under warranty?