Replace the in-tank softening pouch: Lucca A53 Direct Mini and Quick Mill LUCCA X58

Before you start

Applies when

reservoir machine softened by an in-tank ion-exchange pouch (Bilt O.SCA.R. type) lying loose on the tank floor

Tools

water hardness test strips (ppm)

Supplies

in-tank softening pouch (Bilt OSCAR 150 or rebrand) (cannot be regenerated; replace at least every 12 months, sooner with hard water)

Warnings

• Never put the pouch in a boiler (e.g. a lever machine); it is for cold reservoirs only. Source: Espresso Care: In-tank water softener pouch, Bilt OSCAR 150
• It needs a tank opening wide enough to put it in and take it out. Source: Espresso Care: In-tank water softener pouch, Bilt OSCAR 150

Steps

1. Take the spent pouch out of the tank and discard it; it cannot be recharged.

   From the manual: “This product cannot be regenerated”

2. Rinse the new pouch under cold water.

   From the manual: “To use, rinse with cold water”

3. Lay it flat on the bottom of the clean, empty reservoir.

   From the manual: “set the pouch in the bottom of a clean, empty water reservoir”

4. Fill the reservoir; the pouch works best with the tank kept full.

   From the manual: “Fill the reservoir to the desired level.”

5. Plan the next change from your hardness: roughly 450 l at 90 ppm, 225 l at 180 ppm, 150 l at 270 ppm, 90 l at 450 ppm, and never beyond 12 months.

   From the manual: “5 grains/90 ppm - 450 liters/119 gallons”

6. Test the water coming out of the group every few months to catch a spent pouch.

   From the manual: “we recommend testing the water coming from your machine’s group head every few months”

Sources

• Espresso Care: In-tank water softener pouch, Bilt OSCAR 150 Retailer
• Clive Coffee Help Center: LUCCA A53 Mini user manual (water section) Retailer

Researched on 2026-09-23.

Community: the maker’s text, hosted somewhere else, usually by a retailer.

Applies to

• Lucca A53 Direct Mini
• Quick Mill LUCCA X58