Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - Unused Water Softener to be put back into commission

We just bought a house that has been vacant for at least the past year. It came with a Econominder 2510 Water Softener (never heard of it before) that has not been used since the house was inhabited. We want to get the water softener up and going but we have no knowledge of how to do that. We've never had a water softener before. I have found the manual showing it was purchased in 2001, but it definitely has the old dial like timer and settings. There's only a little water in the bottom of the brine tank and some salt residue around the sides. I assume this needs cleaned but I'm unsure of how to do that especially with old water in the bottom of it. Do I use dish soap or bleach, or a hose and a scrub brush? I also noticed there is salt in the top of the floater valve.

Once we have it cleaned out, what setting do I put the timer on for 2 adults and a 3 year old. We take all our baths and showers at night, run a dishwasher, and do about 5 extra large loads of laundry a week. Then there's cooking and cleaning, as well as drinking water (we use a PUR pitcher). It looks like the tank will hold the blocks of salt vs. the pellets. Should the salt go up to the water line, above it or below it?

Thank you for your help. We have no idea what we're doing when it comes to this, but we've read through the manual, at least.

Nichole

The salt tank will hold 200 lbs of salt. You can put that much iin it at once, but I sugest you make sure the unit works first. Put a 40 lb bag in and start a regen. This is done by turning the dial with the white dot on it. Only turn it a couple turns. You should hear the motor start. At that point, walk away and return in 2 hrs. The white dot should have gone 360 deg and returned back to the original position. If this is the case, do another regen and you should be on soft water.

Thanks so much for the info! The owner's manual doesn't tell you much of anything. So I'm trying to learn how to clean it, how much salt or whether to use pellets or blocks of salt, and what the recommendations are of timers or softness. It only tells you how to assemble it and how to set the softness and timer. Unfortunately we're already way over budget on remodeling the house, so calling a professional in is the absolute last resort.

Thanks again!

Nichole