Pop open the brine tank—that’s the big plastic bin next to the softener, usually filled with what looks like a snowy white beach. Make sure you have enough salt; if it’s below the water level, you’re flying on empty.
If the salt has turned into a giant, rock-hard cake—what I call the “Salt Glacier”—you’ll need to break it up with a broom handle. This is your warm-up exercise for the day. Squats are optional, but highly recommended.
