AquaScape 83013 User manual

Backyard Waterfall Landscape Fountain Kit
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
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Thank you for your purchase of the
Aquascape Backyard Waterfall Landscape
Fountain Kit. At Aquascape, our goal is to supply
our customers with the best valued products
in water gardening. We hope you enjoy your
purchase.
This booklet contains the instructions for the
Aquascape Backyard Waterfall Landscape
Fountain Kit. Follow these step-by-step
instructions in the order they are listed to complete
a low maintenance, one-of-a-kind water feature.
BACK YARD
WATERFALL
LANDSCAPE FOUNTAIN KIT
Introduction
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Table of Contents
Introduction …………………………………………… 2
Components …………………………………………… 4
Recommended Tools ………………………………… 5
Safety Information……………………………………… 6
Helpful Symbols ……………………………………… 6
Electrical Specifications ……………………………… 7
Quick Step Guide ……………………………………… 7
Installation Instructions………………………………… 8
Maintenance ………………………………………… 20
Winter Care ………………………………………… 20
Replacement Parts ………………………………… 21
Warranty Information ……………………………… 22
☎ Contact Us
For more information about our company or products,
please visit our website at aquascapeinc.com or
call (US) (866)-877-6637 (CAN) (866)-766-3426.
facebook.com/aquascapeinc
youtube.com/aquascape4
twitter.com/aquascapeinc
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Find us on:
Instructional Video
Follow this link to access our helpful support video. Use
the video in conjunction with this manual for a hassle-free
installation.
http://www.aquascapeinc.com/backyard-waterfall-land-
scape-fountain-kit
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Components
No. Description
1. Waterfall Spillway
2. AquaBasin®45
3. AquaBasin®45
Pump Access Panel
4. Pre-Cut EPDM Liner 7.5'x 7.5'
5. (2) Geotextile Underlayment
6. Flexible PVC Pipe 1.5" x 15'
7. AquaSurge®2000 Pond Pump
8. AquaSurge®Low Suction
Intake Attachment
9. Installation Kit
10. Bulkhead Fitting 2"
11.
AquaBasin®Plumbing
Adapter 2" MPT to 1.5"
Threaded Collar
12. PVC Pipe Cement
13. (2) PVC Male Pipe Adapter 2" x 1.5"
14. Pond & Waterfall Foam Sealant
15. Black Silicone Sealant
Contents
7
2
3
1
5
6
4
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Recommended Tools
9
8
11
12 13
14
15
10
5
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Brightly Colored
Spray Paint
Soil Tamper
Shovels
Carpenter's
Level
Channel
Locks
Scissors or
Utility Knife
Tape
Measure
Also need: Roughly 1,000 pounds (1/2 ton) of stone and
approximately 300 pounds of 1" to 1.5" diameter gravel.
Screwdriver or
Awl
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Helpful Symbols
Safety Information
WARNING Symbol - Will alert you to the
possibility of damage, injury, or death if you do
not comply with the warnings that accompany
them. The hazard may come from something
mechanical or from electrical shock.
TIP Symbol - Helpful information provided by a
professional water feature installer.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock.This product
has not been approved for use in swimming
pool or marine areas.
WARNING: To provide continued protection
against risk of electric shock, connect to
properly grounded, ground fault circuit
interrupter (GFCI) outlets only.
• Have a qualified electrician install a properly grounded receptacle
outlet, acceptable for outdoor use when protected from direct sunlight
snow, and rain. If possible locate the outlet so that the power cord will
reach the outlet without an extension cord.
• Inspect cord for damage before using.
• Any wiring of this product should be performed by a qualified
electrician to ensure code compliance and user safety.
• To reduce risk of electrical shock, all wiring and junction connections
should be made per local codes. Requirements may vary depending
on usage and location.
• The power cable should be protected at all times to avoid punctures,
cuts, bruises, and abrasions.
• Never handle power cords with wet hands.
• If an extension cord is required, be sure it is rated for outdoor use.
• Unplug pump at receptacle outlet when not in use.
• Do not remove cord and strain relief. Do not connect conduit to
product.
• Do not use power cable to lift the AquaSurge®pump.
• Before you start digging, make sure you contact your local utility-
locating service to avoid damage to utility lines.
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Electrical Specifications - AquaSurge®2000 Pond Pump
• Input voltage: 120V AC • Input frequency: 60 Hz • Input watts: 160 Watts
Quick Step Guide
9
!!!
!!!
!!!
Fill basin
8
7
6
Install Waterfall SpillwayBuild waterfall
Install underlayment
and liner
Install plumbing
5431 2
Install and level basinExcavate area
Position basin and
outline area
Select location
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Installation Instructions
Support Video Link:
http://www.aquascapeinc.com/backyard-waterfall-landscape-fountain-kit
STEP 2
SELECT YOUR LOCATION
• Set the AquaBasin®45 in the desired location. Avoid
selecting a location that is an unused area of the property.
We recommend locations near decks or patios, so it is
easy to sit and relax next to the water feature. Make sure
the waterfall faces the viewing area. If possible, also make
the waterfall visible from a regularly used window or patio
door to provide enjoyment from both inside and outside
(Figure 1).
STEP 1
CAREFULLY REMOVE CONTENTS FROM THE BOX
Pump Access
Panel
Waterfall Spillway
AquaBasin®45
Figure 1 Figure 2
Flexible PVC Pipe
• Position the basin with the pump access panel opposite
of the location where the waterfall will enter the basin
(Figure 2). Setting the AquaBasin®in a diagonal
orientation will maximize the usable space. Be sure to
provide enough space to build the waterfall behind the
location of the AquaBasin®.
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STEP 3
MARK OUT THE AREA
• Using a can of brightly colored spray paint, trace around
the basin to outline the area that is to be excavated
(Figure 3).
• Next, mark out the channel for the flex PVC pipe, leading
from the pre-drilled bulkhead port to the opposite corner
of the basin where the waterfall will begin
(Figure 2).
STEP 4
EXCAVATE THE BASIN AND PLUMBING LINE
• Using the traced area as a
guide, dig the hole for the
AquaBasin®roughly to 17"
(43 cm) deep (Figure 4). The
additional depth will allow
the basin to sit flush with
the ground once gravel and
rocks are added. Use the
excess soil to create elevation for the waterfall or the berm
around the waterfall.
• Continue by excavating the
area marked for the pipe. In
the area closest to the pre-
drilled bulkhead port, dig the
trench to approximately 7" (18
cm) deep (Figure 5). This will
allow sufficient space for the
pipe and plumbing.
• The remainder of the trench only needs to be dug deep
enough to provide enough space for the pipe to travel
beneath the soil to the Waterfall Spillway.
Use Figure 2 as a reference for pipe placement.
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
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STEP 5
BULKHEAD INSTALLATION
• The included 2" bulkhead contains a rubber gasket and a
plastic washer. When installing the bulkhead, make sure
the rubber gasket is installed on the inside of the basin and
the rigid plastic
washer is installed
on the outside of
the basin to ensure
a watertight seal
(Figure 6).
• Remove the pump access panel
and install the 2" bulkhead into
the pre-drilled bulkhead port on
the side of the basin. Push the
bulkhead through the inside of
the basin and tighten the nut on
the outside of the AquaBasin®
(Figure 7). The bulkhead is reverse
threaded; please refer to the
arrow located on the retaining nut
for proper direction.
• Tighten the nut approximately one
turn past hand-tight (Figure 8). Be careful not to over-tighten
the nut, which could lead to a crack in the bulkhead.
Figure 9B
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 6
Rubber
Gasket
Plastic
Washer
STEP 6
INSTALL AND LEVEL THE BASIN
• Use a soil tamper to
properly compact the
soil. This prevents any
unnecessary settling during
or after installation
(Figure 9A).
• Place a level on the bottom
of the excavation to make
sure it is level from side-to-
side and front-to-back.
• The base of the excavation should be soil that is smooth,
flat, and free of lumps or debris. If existing soil conditions
do not meet these standards, add compactable material
such as sand to provide an appropriate base for the
basin.
• When the excavation is
level, place the AquaBasin®
into the hole and make
sure it sits level from side-
to-side and front-to-back
(Figure 9B). If the basin is
not level, remove it and
correct the excavation until
level.
Figure 9A
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Figure 10
INSTALLING AN OPTIONAL AUTOMATIC WATER
FILL VALVE
• The AquaBasin®45 provides the option of installing the
Aquascape Compact Fill Valve (not included, #88006) to
automatically add water to the feature when needed. This
reduces the time spent manually filling the basin.
• Drill a ¾" (19.05 mm) hole
approximately 4" (10 cm)
from the top of the basin
(Figure 13).
• Follow the directions
provided with the fill valve
to complete the installation
(Figure 14). Figure 13
Figure 14
STEP 7
AQUABASIN®PLUMBING INSTALLATION
• Using the black silicone sealant,
coat the threads of one of the PVC
male adapter fittings. Then, thread
the fitting into the outside of the
bulkhead (Figure 10). The sealant
will help to provide a watertight seal.
• Next, apply a coating of PVC pipe cement to the inside
of the fitting (figure 11A) and the outside of the PVC pipe
(Figure 11B). Then, insert the pipe into the fitting, firmly
holding in place for approximately 30 seconds (Figure 12).
Figure 12
Figure 11B
Figure 11A
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• Loosen the collar in the
center of the rotational ball
and rotate until the inlet and
outlet form a 90ºangle
(Figure 18).
• Attach the rotational ball
to the outlet of the pump
with the included flat rubber
washer (Figure 18).
• Next, locate the AquaBasin®Plumbing Adapter and thread
it into the bulkhead from the inside of the basin, hand-
tighten until secure (Figure 19).
• Place the pump into the basin and
attach the threaded collar of the
AquaBasin®Plumbing Adapter to
the rotational ball output with the
flat rubber washer (Figure 20).
Note: Replace the pump
access panel at this time
to prevent dirt and debris
from making its way into the
basin during the remainder
of the installation.
Figure 18
Figure 19
Figure 20
STEP 8
PUMP PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION
• Remove the included AquaSurge®
2000 Pond Pump from its
packaging. Then, remove the outer
filter screen that covers the intake
of the pump (Figure 15). The outer
filter screen is designed to pop off
when it is pulled from either side.
• Next, remove the inner filter screen
by twisting it in a counterclockwise
motion, unscrewing it from the
intake (Figure 16).
• Thread the included AquaSurge®
Low Suction Intake Attachment
with the included flat rubber
washer hand-tight onto the intake
of the pump with the filter screen
sitting parallel to the ground
(Figure 17). This attachment will
maximize the amount of usable
water in the basin.
Figure 15
Figure 16
Figure 17
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• Remove any sharp objects from the location where the
liner will be placed to prevent damage during installation.
• Clear an approximately 3" (8 cm) deep gap between
the outside edge of the basin
and the soil along the two sides
opposite of the pump access.
Tuck one of the strips of geotextile
underlayment lengthwise into the
trough (Figure 22).
• This geotextile underlayment will
lay against the surrounding soil
to prevent soil built up for the
waterfall from eroding into the
basin (Figure 21 & 23).
• Next, position the pre-cut EPDM
liner on the basin, reaching from
one corner to the other
(Figure 21 & 24). The liner will
retain the water in the waterfall as
it travels from the spillway back
into the basin. Be sure to provide
enough slack for the liner to drape into the trough around
the perimeter of the basin (Figure 21).
STEP 9
BACKFILLING
• Once the pump and plumbing installation is complete,
check again to make sure the AquaBasin®is level.
• Thoroughly backfill the sides with sand or dirt to prevent
any future shifting of the basin.
• After backfilling, check once again to ensure the basin
remains level from front-to-back and side-to-side.
STEP 10
UNDERLAYMENT & LINER INSTALLATION
• Once backfilled and level, it is time to add the
underlayment and liner. Refer to Figure 21 throughout the
process to ensure proper component placement.
Geotextile
Underlayment
Liner
Figure 21
Figure 22
Figure 23
Figure 24
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Note: The waterfall should be built no more than 2'
or 3' (61-91 cm) back from the corner of the basin,
ensuring there will be enough liner and pipe to
properly connect the Waterfall Spillway.
• Place two larger boulders to act as frame rocks on either
side of the intended
passage of water.
Then, place one or
more spillway rocks
between the frame
rocks (Figure 27A &
27B). Small rocks
and gravel can then
be used to fill in gaps
between the larger
waterfall rocks. The
waterfall is the focal
point of the water
feature, so take your
time and be creative.
• Place the remaining rocks along the edge of the basin in
locations that appear natural. Then, fill in any gaps using
smaller rocks or gravel.
STEP 11
BUILDING THE WATERFALL & ADD GRAVEL
• Once the liner installation is complete, it is time to begin
the construction of the waterfall.
• You can expect to use roughly
1,000 pounds (1/2 ton) of stone
and approximately 300 pounds of
1" to 1.5" (2-4 cm) diameter gravel
(Figure 26).
• A well-designed waterfall often consists of two frame
rocks and a spillway rock which create a natural-looking
passage for water flow (Figure 27A &27B).
• Temporarily position the Waterfall Spillway at the intended
starting point of the waterfall.
STEP 10 CONT...
• Lay the second strip of geotextile
underlayment over the liner and
along the edge of the corner where
the waterfall will enter the basin
(Figure 25). This will protect the
liner from damage when setting
rocks along the plastic edge of the basin to build the
waterfall.
Figure 26
Figure 25
Framing
Rock
Framing
Rock
Spillway
Rock
Figure 27A
Figure 27B
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STEP 12
ADD OPTIONAL LED LIGHTING
• Aquascape LED Garden and Pond Lighting (not included)
can be added to bring the water feature to life at night.
• The deck of the basin is covered with deck cylinders that
can be drilled to run low-voltage lighting cables beneath
the deck, keeping them out of view.
•Determine the desired
location of each light and
identify which deck cylinders
will need to be drilled. Then,
using a spade bit or hole
saw, drill out a ¾" (19.05
mm) hole in each selected
cylinder (Figure 28). Do NOT
modify areas labeled “DO
NOT DRILL.”
• Run each lighting cable into
the top of the drilled cylinder
(Figure 29) and out through
the access panel. Be sure to
make all necessary connections outside of the basin.
Figure 28
Figure 29
STEP 11 CONT...
Note: It is recommended to install lights (not
included) at this time. Refer to Step 12 to complete
all lighting installation prior to covering the remainder
of the basin with gravel.
• Cover the remainder of the basin with a layer of gravel.
The pump access panel should be covered but accessible
for pump removal or maintenance.
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• Fold the liner over the top of the
Waterfall Spillway (Figure 33). It is
recommended to provide some
slack in case the position of the
spillway needs minor adjustment
later in the installation.
• Using a screwdriver or awl,
puncture a small hole in the
liner through the center of the
Waterfall Spillway fitting (Figure
34). This will be your reference
point for the location of the liner
connection.
• Unfold the liner back off of the spillway and remove the
retaining nut from the Waterfall Spillway fitting. The fitting
is reverse threaded; please refer to the arrow located on
the retaining nut for proper direction.
• Center the retaining nut over the
puncture hole in the liner and
using a pen, marker, or sharp
tool such as a screwdriver, trace
a line around the inside of the
retaining nut (Figure 35).
Figure 33
Figure 34
Figure 35
STEP 13
CONNECT THE WATERFALL SPILLWAY
• Using a soil tamper, thoroughly
compact the soil in the future
location of the Waterfall Spillway
(Figure 30).
• Position the Waterfall Spillway in
front of the spillway rock, on top
of the liner (Figure 31). Adjust the
height of the Waterfall Spillway
to sit flush with the starting point
of the waterfall. Be sure that the
spillway is set close enough to
connect the plumbing with the
included 15' (4.5 m) of pipe.
Note: A bed of gravel can be placed on top of the
liner, beneath the Waterfall Spillway, to provide a
suitable base and raise the height of the spillway to
the desired level.
• Level the Waterfall Spillway
(Figure 32). The spillway should be
level from side-to-side and tilted
forward a ¼ bubble to ensure
proper water flow.
Figure 30
Figure 31
Figure 32
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• Use a knife or pair of scissors to
trim the traced hole in the liner
approximately a 1/8" (3.175 mm)
inside the traced line (Figure 36).
• The Waterfall Spillway fitting
includes two pre-installed rubber
gaskets. Remove the outer rubber
gasket from the fitting. Then, guide
the hole in the liner over the fitting
so that the liner fits snug around
the base of the fitting (Figure 37).
• Replace the removed rubber gasket back onto the fitting.
The liner should now be positioned between the two
rubber gaskets (Figure 38).
Figure 36
Figure 37
• Place the retaining nut on the spillway fitting and hand-
tighten. The Waterfall Spillway fitting is reverse threaded;
please refer to the arrow located on the retaining nut for
proper direction.
• Tighten the retaining nut an
additional 1/4 to 1/3 turn past
hand-tight (Figure 39).
Note: be careful to not
over-tighten the retaining nut,
which could lead to a crack in
the plastic fitting.
• Using the black silicone sealant,
coat the threads of the second
PVC male adapter fitting. Then,
thread the fitting into the outside of
spillway fitting (Figure 40). The sealant will help to provide
a watertight seal.
• Apply a coating of PVC pipe
cement to the inside of the fitting
(Figure 41A) and the outside of the
PVC pipe (Figure 41B).
Figure 39
Figure 40
Figure 38
Inner
rubber
gasket
Outer
rubber
gasket
Retaining
nut
Liner
Figure 41B
Figure 41A
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STEP 15
APPLY POND AND WATERFALL FOAM SEALANT
• The included Pond and Waterfall Foam Sealant is used to
fill in gaps between the waterfall rocks, forcing the water to
run over the waterfall rocks, not beneath them.
• Use the Pond and Waterfall Foam Sealant to seal any
gaps or joints around the face of the Waterfall Spillway
and the surrounding waterfall (Figure 44). Allow the foam
sealant to dry for at least one hour before introducing
water
Note: Gravel can be used to disguise the foam.
Wait for foam to partially dry prior to adding gravel.
Figure 44
STEP 14
DISGUISE THE WATERFALL SPILLWAY
• Finish the Waterfall Spillway
installation by disguising
the spillway using rocks,
logs, soil, or other creative
landscape materials (Figure
43). This will help to create
a natural-looking waterfall.
• Insert the pipe into the fitting, firmly
holding in place for approximately
30 seconds (Figure 42).
• Once plumbing connections are
complete, bury the pipe by filling in
the trench around it.
Figure 42
Figure 43
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STEP 19
ADD PLANTS AND NATURALIZE EDGES
• If desired, add marginal plants within the feature to provide
additional aesthetic interest. Compatible plants include
Creeping Jenny, Forget Me Not, and more.
• Terrestrial plants can also be added to the surrounding
landscape to help tie the water feature into its surrounding
environment.
• The area around the basin can now be mulched to
naturalize the feature into the surrounding landscape.
STEP 16
ADD WATER
• Fill the basin by adding water to the pump access or by
placing a running garden hose on top of the basin.
STEP 17
PLUG IN THE PUMP AND TWEAK THE WATERFALL
• When the basin is filled and the waterfall foam is dry, plug
in the pump and test the waterfall.
• You can tweak the waterfall by placing smaller stone and
gravel on the waterfall cascades. This will change the
appearance and sound of the water. Have fun playing
with the water coming over the falls until you achieve the
desired effect.
STEP 18
TRIM THE LINER
• With the waterfall running, go
around and trim off any excess
liner, leaving several inches
above the water level (Figure
45). The remaining liner edges
can be covered with gravel
or other suitable landscape
material.
Note: Do not trim the liner until the waterfall is
running and the basin is filled to the desired level.
Prematurely trimming the liner may cause leaks.
Figure 45
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In order to maintain your beautiful new waterfall, we
recommend a few simple steps.
• Add Water - The water stored in your waterfall will reduce
over time due to evaporation and water splash off. Top off
the water level in your basin throughout the year to ensure
your pump has enough water to function properly.
• Add Water Treatments – To keep your waterfall clean and
Maintenance
STEP 20
ENJOY! healthy we recommend adding Aquascape Fountain
Maintenance (included) on a regular basis.
For information on other water treatment products
designed to maintain your water feature, visit
aquascapeinc.com.
• Remove Debris – Throughout the year, leaves and other
debris may end up in your waterfall. Periodically using
your hands or a small net to remove any debris from the
feature will help keep your waterfall looking beautiful all
year long.
Winter Care
• In areas that experience freezing temperatures, waterfall
owners have the option of shutting down their feature
or running it through the winter. When intending to run
the waterfall through the winter, be sure to keep the
pump running. The strong current will prevent freezing
from occurring. If the waterfall contains a shallow area or
stream, we recommend checking throughout the season
to eliminate ice damming if necessary.
• When shutting down the waterfall for winter, we
recommend removing the pump and plumbing assembly
to store in a frost-free location.
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