AquaScape 99763 User manual

DIY Pond Kit
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

This booklet contains the instructions for all
Pond Kit sizes. The Pond Kit system is designed
to have a waterfall and pond. Follow the step-
by-step instructions in the order they are listed.
Skipping steps or changing the order will create
extra work in the long run. We want to make this
experience as easy as possible, allowing you to
concentrate on the creativity needed to design
your pond.
On the next page you will nd QR codes that will
provide further inspiration, troubleshooting, and
maintenance help.
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the
Aquascape Pond Kit. We are pleased that you
have decided to explore the water gardening
lifestyle.
DIY BACKYARD
POND KIT
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Table of Contents
VISIT OUR
WEBSITE
DOWNLOAD A
FREE COPY OF
OUR CATALOG Introduction …………………………………………… 2
Components …………………………………………… 4
Recommended Tools ………………………………… 5
Helpful Symbols ……………………………………… 6
Safety Information……………………………………… 6
Electrical Specifications ……………………………… 7
Quick Step Guide ……………………………………… 7
Installation Instructions………………………………… 8
Replacement Parts ………………………………… 28
Warranty Information ……………………………… 30
VISIT AQUAS-
CAPE ACADEMY
AQUASCAPE ACADEMY
Online Training
Access a series of courses
designed to help propel you
forward as a water feature
hobbyist.
☎ Contact Us
For more information about our company or products
please visit our website at www.aquascapeinc.com or
call (US) 1-866-877-6637 (CAN) 1-866-766-3426.
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Components
No. Description
1. (1) Skimmer Lid
2. (1) Signature Series 200
Pond Skimmer
3. (1) Skimmer Weir
4. (1) Skimmer Debris Net
5. (1) 2” Bulkhead tting
6. (1) MPT x Barb tting
7. (1) MPT x Slip PVC tting
8. (1) SS Hose clamps
9. (20) Screws
10. (1) Skimmer®Face Plate
11. (1) Biofall Lip
12. (1) Media Bag
13. (2) Biofall Filter Mat
14. (1) BioFall 1000 Filter
15. (1) DIY Waterfall Foam
16. (1) Silicone
17. (1) Liner
18. (1) Underlayment
19. (1) 25’ x 1½” Kink free pipe
20. (1) AquaSurge Pump
Contents 1
2
3456
7
8
10
9
11
9
814
13
7
5
6
12
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Recommended Tools
19 20
16
15
17
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Wheelbarrow Friends
(optional) Bright Colored
Spray Paint
Screwdrivers Soil Tamper Shovels
Carpenters
Level
Channel
Locks
Scissors
Tape
Measure
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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 pond 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 Pump
• Input Voltage: 120V AC • Input frequency: 60 Hz • 160 Watts
Quick Step Guide
1
Carefully remove
contents from box
3
Use garden hose
to outline.
4
Position the filters.
7
Install underlayment
and liner.
6
Level the excavation.
2
Select your location.
9
Fill the pond.
8
Add rock and gravel.
10
Naturalize the edges
with mulch and plants.
5
Dig the hole with
shelves at varying
depths.
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STEP 1
SELECT & MARK OUT YOUR AREA
• When choosing the location for you new pond, we
recommend putting it near a deck or patio so you can sit
and relax close to your water feature. Also keep in mind
viewpoints from inside the house. Make your pond visible
from a kitchen window or patio door, giving you year round
enjoyment.
• We suggest that you use a garden hose to define the
shape of your new pond. The hose is flexible, and can be
pushed and pulled in various shapes. Step back, evaluate
and modify your design until you have something that you
really like.
• Pond Kits are available in three sizes (4’x6’, 6’x8’, and
8’x11’). Double check to make sure the length and width of
your layout does not exceed the amount of liner included
with your kit.
• Once you have the
pond shaped and
defined with the
hose, take a can
of brightly colored,
highly visible spray
paint and outline
the shape (around
the hose) on the
grass.
Installation Instructions
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STEP 2
PLACE BIOFALL FILTER AND SKIMMER
• The Biofall filter will be used to create your waterfall and
should be positioned so it’s facing a main viewing area.
• Make sure it is placed close to the edge of the basin so you
can connect the pond liner to the Biofall filter.
• In order to maximize circulation, the Biofall and Skimmer are
ideally placed on opposite ends of the pond, directly across
from each other. (See Ex. 1)
Ex. 1
STEP 3
LAY PLUMBING
• To eliminate the need for making a trench for the pipe,
lay the kink-free pipe around the perimeter of the pond
basin. This should be completed before you begin your
excavation so the soil you remove from the pond can
cover the kink-free pipe, disguising it from sight.
(See Ex. 2)
Ex. 2
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STEP 4
HOOK UP AND LEVEL THE BIOFALL
• Install the bulkhead fitting in the opening provided in the
back of the Biofall. The rubber gasket should be located
on the inside of the Biofall. Tighten the nut on the outside
until the rubber gasket begins to bulge. This should only
be approximately one turn past hand-tight. Be careful not
to over tighten the nut, which could possibly crack the
bulkhead. Please note that the bulkhead fitting is reverse
threaded. Turn the nut counterclockwise to tighten! (See
Ex. 3 & 4)
• Now install the barb fitting included with the kit into the
bulkhead fitting. A PVC slip fitting has also been included
in case you are using flexible PVC pipe. Use some of the
silicone, sealant included in your kit, to coat the threads of
the fitting, in order to help provide a watertight seal.
(See Ex. 4)
Nut
Rubber
Gasket
Bulkhead Barb Fitting
Plastic
Washer
Ex. 4
Ex. 3
• Now it’s time to position the Biofall in the desired location.
• The Biofall should be set at or slightly below the grade of
the yard. Simply remove a section of sod or a few inches
of soil in order to create a firm foundation for the Biofall to
sit.
Design tip - Keep the waterfall to the scale of the yard!
The goal should be to create the perception that
Mother Nature herself has constructed the waterfall.
Avoid creating a “volcanic look” by trying to raise the
Biofall in a flat backyard.
• Be sure to compact the area beneath the MicroFalls®box
using a hand tamper or some other heavy flat object that
can be pounded onto the soil. This will help prevent any
future settling.
• Use a 2’ bubble level in order to make sure your Biofall is
properly set into position. Your Biofall should be level from
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• The filter is now ready for the kink-free pipe and hose
clamp to be slipped onto the barb fitting. Have someone
hold the Biofall in place in order to prevent it from shifting
out of level. In some
instances the tubing/hose
may be tight and difficult
to use with hose fitting
barbs. If this is the case,
we recommend heating the
hose with the use of a hair
dryer or simply dipping the
Ex. 5
Ex. 6
STEP 5
EXCAVATE YOUR POND BASIN
The shape and depth
• Digging can be very labor intensive, so pace yourself and
get some friends and family to help you.
• We suggest excavating the pond no more than 18-24”
deep. This depth provides the proper water levels required
for aquatic plants and is deep enough to keep fish alive
during winter.
• The excavation should be dug with a series of shelves.
The shelves will add stability to the walls of the pond
and will also create planting beds for different types of
aquatic plants.
hose for a few seconds in very hot water. Lubrication can
also be used; we recommend silicone grease or vegetable
oil. Once installed, the hose clamp can be tightened to
secure the pipe on the fitting.
(See Ex. 6)
• Double check to make sure the Biofall is still level after
installing the plumbing.
side-to-side and tilt forward ¼ of a bubble on a 2’ level.
This will make sure the water comes over the front of the
Biofall and covers the entire spillway. (See Ex. 5)
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• The first shelf should be about 8-10” deep (See Ex. 7),
or the height of a standard shovel blade.
• The second is typically down another 8-10”deeper. In this
step start your excavation of the skimmer hole (See Ex. 8).
• The third shelf (if desired) will be excavated down another
6” (See Ex. 9), reaching a final excavation of 24”.
• All of the soil removed from the excavation can be spread
and compacted around the Biofall, creating a berm. The
filter should be completely surrounded by soil by the end
of the project. Be sure to verify that the Biofall remains level
throughout the process.
STEP 5 CONT...
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Mulch
Ex. 10 Pond excavation - side view of plant pockets.
1st plant and rock shelf:
shelf varies 8” or greater
wide, 1” to 12” deep
Set 6” to 12” size
cobblestones on
vertical edges.
Gravel on all
horizontal surfaces
2nd plant & rock shelf:
16” to 20” deep
Plant pocket 6” to 8” deep,
10” to 16” diameter
Water line
Liner ends 1” to 2”
outside of pond
Marginal plants should be removed from
containers and placed directly into the
gravel
Design spaces for plants
• Design your shelves wider in areas where you
wish to place aquatic plants. (See Ex. 10) a
water depth up to about 10”, so the top shelf is a
perfect location for these plants.
(See Ex. 10)
• Water lilies will vary according to species, but a depth of
12-24” at the crown works best, so the second shelf or
bottom of the pond will work great for the lilies.
(See Ex. 10)
• To make planting lilies easier, add a few ‘lily pockets.’
These pockets are simply depressions or bowls cut into
the soil 6-8” deep and 10-16” in diameter. The goal is to
create a natural looking pond, and this is possible only if
plant pots are eliminated or completely hidden.
(See Ex. 10)
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2” to 3”
Viewing Area
(Patio, Deck or Lawn)
Ex. 11
STEP 5 CONT...
EXCAVATE YOUR POND BASIN CONTINUED
Leveling the edges
• One of the most important parts of the excavation is
getting the perimeter of the pond level and setting the level
of the water. An excellent tool for this is a 2x4 set across
the pond. Set a 4-foot bubble level on the 2x4 to make
sure the perimeter of the pond is level. We recommend
using a transit or sight level on larger projects. Check your
progress several times while digging.
• It is typical to set the water level 2- 3” below the main
viewing area (patio, deck, etc.). This will bring the water
level of the pond up close to the edge of the pond without
going over the sides. (See Ex. 11)
• Rough out an excavated area for the Skimmer. Simply dig
a hole 18” wide by 21” long (the outline of the skimmer)
and 18” below the desired water level.
• Make sure the excavated
area under the Skimmer
is compacted and level.
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Ideal Water Level
3/4” Below
Front of Skimmer
Soil Level on
1st Shelf
Ex. 12
• The skimmer should be excavated down to a depth so
that the proposed water level in the pond is approximately
¾” below the top of the opening of the skimmer.
(See Ex.12)
• Re-check all your
measurements, including
length and width of
pond, plant shelf depth,
and overall pond depth.
STEP 6
INSTALL UNDERLAYMENT AND LINER
• Remove any sharp objects from the excavated basin that
may damage the liner.
• Unfold the underlayment fabric and place it into your
excavated pond basin. Starting from the bottom, remove
the slack from the underlayment, making sure it conforms
into all of the elevations.
• Now place the EPDM fish-safe liner on top of the
underlayment.
• The installation process is the same as the underlayment,
starting at the bottom and contouring the liner up and
out of the pond basin. (See Ex. 13 on next page)
• Try to get the large folds out, but the main goal is to make
sure that it’s lying flat and going into all corners. Don’t try
to get it perfect—you will hide the liner with rocks and
gravel later.
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STEP 6 CONT...
• Make sure there is enough liner around the edges of the pond
basin. This should not be a problem if you measured out the
pond and excavated it correctly. Problems can be fixed by
readjusting the liner into the excavation or backfilling (making the
pond basin smaller) in areas where there is not enough liner.
Ex. 13
STEP 7
INSTALLING THE SIGNATURE SERIES 200 SKIMMER
• You’ve already roughed out a hole
approximately 21”(l) x 18” (w) x
18” (h) deep during the excavation
phase. Use a 2’ bubble level in
order to make sure your Skimmer
is properly set into position. Your
Skimmer should be level from side
to side and front to back.
Nut
Rubber
Gasket
Bulkhead Barb Fitting
Plastic
Washer
Ex. 14
Attaching the skimmer
faceplate
• Position the liner against the
Skimmer opening, making
sure there is slack below the
opening. This will help reduce
tension on the faceplate when
Ex. 15
• If installing the optional overflow you will need to drill a
hole using a 3” hole saw in the back of the SS200. The
center of the hole should be drilled XX” from the top edge
of the filter. Install the bulkhead into the hole following
the orientation in Ex. 14. A barb fitting or PVC fitting can
then be threaded into the bulkhead. Use silicone sealant
or teflon thread tape on the threads of the pipe fittngs, in
order to help provide a watertight seal. The pipe for the
overflow can be connected later in the project.
• Make sure skimmer is set so the desired water level in
the pond is approximately ¾” below the top of skimmer
opening. (See Ex. 12 on previous page)
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Ex. 16
Ex. 18
Ex. 19
Ex. 20
Ex. 21
Ex. 17
the inside of the filter box. Be careful
not to damage the threads on the
nut inserts when punching the holes
with the awl. Remove the awl or nail
while holding the faceplate and liner
in place and begin threading one
of the screws into filter. Repeat this
process for the other screw.
(See Ex. 19)
• Now remove the faceplate from
the skimmer, keeping the screws
installed through the faceplate and
liner. (See Ex. 20)
• Apply a bead of fish-safe silicone
sealant around the skimmer
opening, over the nut inserts.
Pre-installing the two screws in the
earlier steps will make it easy to
line up the skimmer faceplate after
the silicone is applied and will keep
the silicone in as thick of a bead as
possible. (See Ex. 21)
• Replace the skimmer face plate and the two corner screws and
then proceed with the bottom two corners. Make sure the holes
in the faceplate that the weir flap clicks into are on the bottom.
(See Ex. 22)
placing boulders in front
of the unit. Use your finger
or a screwdriver to mark
the outer perimeter of the
Skimmer opening on the
liner. (See Ex. 15)
• Mark a second box 1.5”
inside of it. This insures that
you don’t cut too much of
the liner, which would result
in a possible leak.
(See Ex. 16)
• Cut the inner box using a
pair of scissors, and insert
the skimmer faceplate into
the hole.
(See Ex. 17)
• Make sure Skimmer
faceplate is in the upright
position. The hinge should
be at the bottom.
(See Ex. 18)
• Temporarily install the faceplate and liner to the skimmer
using two screws in the upper corners. Using an awl or
nail poke the first hole in the liner all the way through to
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STEP 7 CONT...
• With the 4 corners secured,
you may now punch the
remaining holes with your awl
and thread in all the screws.
Again, be careful not to damage
the threads on the nut inserts.
• Let dry for at least one hour
before introducing water.
WARNING
Power tools are not recommended for installing the
screws and may strip the nut inserts
Ex. 22
STEP 8
ADD ROCK AND GRAVEL
You can expect to use several tons of stone and gravel for
your water feature. Talk to your Aquascape retailer or rock
yard for help choosing the quantity and sizes of stone and
gravel. Visit www.aquascapeinc.com for information on
calculating the required stone and gravel. Below are some
helpful formulas for choosing the stone and gravel.
Stone Calculation for the Pond
Length x Width / 65 = Tons of boulders
Gravel Used in the Pond
Pond Gravel = 30% total tons of pond boulders
• Start from the bottom and set the largest character
boulders first against the vertical walls, then stack the
smaller boulders on top.
• Be careful when placing any large boulders so you don’t
damage the liner.
• The opening on the front of the skimmer can be hidden
by placing boulders on either side and bridging a stone
or piece of driftwood across, creating a cave effect.
Note: Make sure the boulders do not block the water flow into
the skimmer.
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STEP 9
WASH ROCKS AND GRAVEL
• Using a garden hose, wash the rock and gravel down in
order to remove the dust and dirt. Use the pump provided
with the kit attached to a scrap section of kink-free pipe.
The pump can be temporarily be placed in the lowest
point of the pond and the dirty water discharged to a
drainage area in the yard.
• Cover all remaining flat surfaces with a couple inches of
decorative gravel. This will help lock the boulders in place,
as well as cover the remaining liner, protecting it from
ultraviolet rays, and giving bacteria a place to colonize.
STEP 10
COMPLETE THE SIGNATURE SERIES 200
SKIMMER INSTALLATION
• Insert the (optional) Filter Brush Cartridge, and the Debri
Net into the Skimmer. See image below for placement.
Skimmer Filter
(Optional) Filter Brush
Cartridge secures brushes
making it easy to remove for
cleaning
Large volume debris net




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STEP 10 CONT...
COMPLETE THE SKIMMER INSTALLATION
• The Skimmer has two holes on either side of the unit for
the plumbing to travel to the Biofall. Choose the plumbing
hole that is most convenient. The pipe simply passes
through the opening on either side of the Skimmer.
• The pump’s electrical cord can positioned over the top
edge of the skimmer.
• I nsert the barbed multi-hose adapter included with the
pump onto the end of the pipe and tighten down hose
clamp. Thread the end of the pipe onto the rotational ball
fitting attached to the pump and lower into the Skimmer .
Overflow Installation (Recommended but Optional)
• Attach and trench a
section of kink-free
pipe into place (3’
minimum). Create a
drainage area at the
end of the pipe by
excavating a small
pit, roughly 16” in
diameter and at least
12” deep. Fill the pit
with excess gravel. This will allow water in an overflow
situation to flow through the pipe and drain away from
the pond. (See Ex 22)
• A layer of scrap underlayment fabric, soil or sod can be
added to cover the drainage area.
Ex. 22
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