If your watermaker is sitting idle for more than a week, pickling it is not optional. Letting saltwater stagnate in the membrane leads to bacterial growth, biofilm, and salt crystal damage. That’s a one-way trip to early membrane failure. The solution? A simple, proven process called pickling. It preserves your system safely while you’re away.
What Is Pickling?
Pickling is the process of flushing your watermaker with a sodium metabisulfite (SMBS) solution that inhibits microbial growth inside the membrane. It’s like putting the system in hibernation. Done right, pickling keeps your membrane hydrated and clean for months without damage.
The LEDI Scout is built to make this process fast and easy. No disassembly. No mess. No guesswork. And to make it even simpler, LEDI sells pre-measured SMBS pickling packets online. Just add fresh water and mix.
When Do You Need to Pickle?
If your watermaker will be unused for more than 7 to 10 days, pickling is strongly recommended. Flushing with freshwater is not enough beyond that point.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how long a pickled membrane can last:
1 to 3 Months
This is the standard safe window for a single pickling cycle. If the solution is mixed properly and the system is stored in a stable, cool environment, your membrane will remain in good condition with no risk of fouling.
3 to 6 Months
Pickling can hold this long under good storage conditions, but it depends on factors like ambient temperature, exposure to air, and whether the system stays sealed. If you are storing in a warm climate or leaving the boat in-water, consider re-pickling around the 3-month mark.
Longer Than 6 Months
This gets into higher-risk territory. While membranes have been known to survive 6 to 9 months pickled, success depends heavily on storage temperature and how well the system was flushed and sealed. If in doubt, flush and re-pickle at the 4 to 5 month mark to be safe.
When Should You Re-Pickle?
Re-pickle if:
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You’re approaching or beyond the 3-month mark in a warm environment
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The unit was opened or moved, breaking the seal
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You’re unsure the original pickle was done correctly
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The storage temperature has been consistently above 30°C
A second cycle costs a few dollars and a few minutes. A new membrane costs hundreds.
Step-by-Step Pickling with the LEDI Scout
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Flush the unit with clean, chlorine-free freshwater
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Mix a sachet of SMBS with clean water per LEDI’s instructions
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Run the Scout in no-pressure mode for a few minutes to circulate the solution
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Shut the system down and cap the hoses or store in a sealed container
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Keep it cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight
That’s it. Pickling doesn’t require any tools or permanent installation access. It can be done dockside or on a bench at home.
What Happens If You Skip It?
If you skip pickling and walk away from your system:
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Bacteria multiply inside the membrane
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Salt crystallises on the membrane surface
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Output drops, taste worsens, and flow rate tanks
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The membrane clogs beyond recovery
You won’t always see the damage until you restart the system weeks later—and by then, it’s too late.
Why the Scout Makes Pickling Easy
Because the LEDI Scout is portable, you’re not tied to your boat during maintenance. Take it home. Pickle it on a clean bench. Store it in your garage. No crawling into lockers. No climbing into engine bays. Just mix, run, and seal.
Every Scout includes:
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Pickling instructions
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Easy-access flushing setup
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Free 12-month service that includes membrane inspection and cleaning
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Optional SMBS refill kits available online
Final Word
Pickling is easy, cheap, and essential. Think of it as putting your system to sleep properly so it wakes up clean and ready. Whether you’re stepping away for a month or pulling the boat for the season, do it right. Use fresh water, use SMBS, and give your membrane the break it deserves.
Need pickling sachets? Order online through LEDI’s website and keep a few on board. Because proper shutdown is just as important as daily operation.
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