AquaScape DIY Waterfall Kit User manual

DIY Waterfall Kit
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

Thank you for your purchase of the
Aquascape Waterfall Kit. We are pleased that
you have decided to explore the water gardening
lifestyle.
DIY BACKYARD
WATERFALL
KIT
Introduction
We want to make this experience as easy as
possible, allowing you to concentrate on the
creativity needed to design your waterfall.
Skipping steps or changing the order will create
extra work in the long run.
On the next page you will find QR codes that will
provide further inspiration, troubleshooting, and
maintenance help.
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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 ………………………………… 22
Warranty Information ……………………………… 23
VISIT
AQUASCAPE
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.
www.facebook.com/AquascapeInc
www.youtube.com/aquascape4
www.twitter.com/AquascapeInc
www.flipboard.com/profile/AquascapeInc
Find us on:
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Components
No. Description
1. (1) Pondless Pump Vault
2. (1) Waterfall Spillway
3. (1) AquaSurge 2000 Pump
4. (4) AquaBlox Panel A
5. (4) AquaBlox Panel C
6. (8) AquaBlox Panel D
7. (1) 10' x 12' Liner
8. (1) Underlayment
9. (1) 25' x 1½" Kink free pipe
10. (2) SS Hose clamps
11. (1) Straight MPT x HB
12. (1) Silicone
13.
(1) Pond & Waterfall Foam Sealant
Contents
Cap
Lid
11
2
3
1
12
13
10
5
6
4
16"
8" 8"
26.5" 26.5" 16"
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Recommended Tools
9
7
8
Mallet
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Wheelbarrow Friends
(optional) Bright Colored
Spray Paint
Soil Tamper Shovels
Carpenters
Level
Channel
Locks
Scissors
Tape
Measure
Flathead
Screwdriver

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
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!!!
!!!
!!!
Fill basin.
8
7
6
Install spillway at top
of waterfall.
Build waterfall.
Add filter equipement.
Install underlayment and
liner.
5431 2
Excavate the area.
Position equipment
and outline area.
Select your location.
Carefully remove
contents from box.
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Installation Instructions
STEP 1
SELECT YOUR LOCATION
• When choosing the location for your new waterfall, 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
new waterfall visible from a kitchen window or patio
door, giving you year round enjoyment. Make sure your
waterfall and stream face the viewing area.
• For this waterfall kit you will need roughly a 32”W x 48”L
area for the basin of the falls and a maximum 3' stream
and waterfall.
Waterfall Spillway
Pondless
Waterfall
Vault
AquaBlox
48"
32"
STEP 2
CAREFULLY REMOVE CONTENTS FROM BOX
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STEP 3
ASSEMBLE AQUABLOX®
• Line up the pegs with the corresponding holes on the
panels and follow the pattern on right to assemble the
AquaBlox®. A rubber mallet can be used to tap the pegs
into place.
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STEP 4
PLACE PONDLESS VAULT AND AQUABLOX®
• Lay out the AquaBlox® and the Pondless Vault in desired
location. The AquaBlox® should be placed side by side with
the wider panel face down. Place the AquaBlox® over the
front edge of the Pondless®Waterfall Vault.
• Use a can of brightly colored, highly visible spray paint to
outline the shape around the Pondless®Waterfall Vault and
AquaBlox®.This will help mark out the area to be excavated.
25.5"
48"
23"
7"
18.5"
STEP 5
EXCAVATE YOUR WATERFALL BASIN
• Remove vault and AquaBlox
®
and begin to excavate
approximately 18.5”depth. Once 18.5” depth has been
reached, excavate area for vault, an extra 7” down. Please
note an additional 6” of excavation is recommended per
side of the basin to allow for: AquaBlox®dimensions,
sufficient backfill material and compaction required during
backfilling.
• Digging can be labor intensive, so pace yourself and
get some friends to help.
• Excess soil can be used to create elevation for the
waterfall and stream or as soil for the berm around the
waterfall.
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STEP 6
LEVEL BASIN AND TAMP SOIL
• One of the most important
parts of the excavation is
getting the basin level. Use
a tamper to compact soil.
Put a level on the bottom
of the basin to make sure
the basin is level from side
to side and front to back.
The base of the excavation
should be smooth soil, flat
and free of lumps and debris.
Add compactable material
such as sand, if existing
soil conditions do not meet
requirements listed above.
If compactable material
was used, double check
to make sure your basin is
still level before proceeding.
Use a tamper for the area
where the Pondless®
Waterfall Vault sits also.
This area should be as close to level as possible.
• Check the size and depth of the excavation by placing
the Pondless®Waterfall Vault and AquaBlox®into the
excavated area.
• The AquaBlox®should sit level on the front ledge of
the Pondless®Waterfall Vault, as well as line up level to
the side of the vault. There should be approximately 6”
between the AquaBlox®and the sides of your basin. This
is to allow for sufficient backfill material and compaction
required during backfilling.
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STEP 7
PLACE UNDERLAYMENT AND LINER
**Remove any sharp objects from the excavated area that
may damage the liner.
• Remove the AquaBlox®and Pondless®Waterfall Vault from
the basin (in step 6) in order to install the underlayment
and liner.
• Unfold the underlayment fabric and place into the
excavated basin. Starting from the bottom, remove the
slack from the underlayment, making sure it conforms into
all of the sides. Make sure you leave enough underlayment
to cover your stream and waterfall location
• Place the EPDM 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 basin.
• Try to get large folds out, the main goal is to have the
liner lying flat and going into all corners. Don’t try to get it
perfect, you will hide the liner with rocks and gravel later.
• Make sure the liner is high enough around the edges of
the basin. Problems can be fixed by readjusting the liner
into the excavation, backfilling (making the basin smaller)
in areas where there is not enough liner.
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STEP 8
PLACE PONDLESS®WATERFALL PUMP VAULT AND
AQUABLOX®
• Place Pondless®Waterfall Vault into its proper location.
• Install AquaBlox®in the basin, butting them tightly against
each other.
STEP 9
BACKFILL SIDES
• The excess excavation along the outside perimeter of
the basin can be backfilled once all of the AquaBlox®are
installed. Use sand or compactable free draining material
to back fill evenly on all sides to secure the AquaBlox®into
position.
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STEP 10
LAY PLUMBING AND DIG TRENCH
• Lay your pipe around the perimeter of the basin. The pipe will
go from the Pondless®Waterfall Vault to the eventual location
of the Waterfall Spillway.
• Dig a trench for your pipe or cover it with soil, rocks or mulch.
STEP 11
HOOKING UP THE PUMP AND PLUMBING
• The AquaSurge®pump includes a wide
assortment of fittings to choose from,
for this application you will be using the
Rotational Ball fitting. The extremely
versatile Rotational Ball fitting provides
you the ability to adjust the pump
discharge to the position
that your waterfall set-up
requires. Loosening the
threaded collar allows you
to rotate the upper half of
the ball.
• A flat rubber washer seal
is included to ensure a
hand tight and leak-free
connection. Make sure
the flat rubber washer is in
place before installing the
fittings.
Do not use tools to
install the fittings into
the pump discharge.
Fittings need to be only hand tight.
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• The kink-free pipe coming from the Waterfall Spillway can
be trimmed to proper length and inserted through the slot
on the side of the Pondless®Waterfall Vault.
• Lower the pump into the Pondless®Waterfall Vault and
rotate the Rotational Ball fitting to line up with the tubing.
Attach tubing to the fitting and then tighten hose clamp to
secure tubing onto the fitting.
• The cord from the pump can be buried just beneath the
stone and gravel and run to the electrical supply.
Please note: In some instances the tubing/hose may
be tight and difficult to use with hose fitting. If this is
the case heat the hose with the use of a hair dryer
or simply dip the hose for a few seconds in very hot
water. Lubrication can also be used, such as silicone
grease or vegetable oil.
STEP 12
ADD ROCK AND GRAVEL
• Set larger boulders (6” – 18”) around the perimeter of the
basin on top of the AquaBlox®to support the edges of the
basin.
• Add 1 ½” to 2” size
gravel to cover the
AquaBlox®in the
basin.
• A finishing layer of
decorative gravel can
be added to the top if
desired.
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STEP 12 CONT...
• The built-in water level
inspection port allows
the lid of the Pondless®
Waterfall Vault to be buried
just below the surface of
the rock.
STEP 13
BUILD THE WATERFALL
• Position your waterfall so it is facing the main viewing
areas.
• Build waterfall and stream approximately 3’ from the
AquaBlox®, providing enough liner at the top of the
waterfall to wrap over the top of the Waterfall Spillway.
• Tamp the ground under
the desired location for
Waterfalll Spillway to
provide a flat level surface.
• Set the Waterfall Spillway
into place.
• Pull your underlayment and
liner into place.
• You can adjust the height
of the Waterfall Spillway by
adding gravel underneath the Spillway (on top of the liner)
until you have reached your desired height.
• The gravel will also provide a suitable base for leveling the
Waterfall Spillway.
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• The Waterfall Spillway
should be level from side
to side and tilt forward a
¼ bubble on a 2' level.
• Place two larger
boulders on either side
of the waterfalls you
are creating in order to
“frame” the waterfall.
The water will be running between the two larger boulders
you’ve set in place.
• You can now begin to stack the rocks between the two
larger boulders. These are the rocks that the water will be
running over, so take your time and be creative. Start with
the larger rocks on the bottom and work your way up to
the smaller ones on top.
• Small stones and gravel can be used to fill in the gaps
between the larger waterfalls stones.
STEP 14
HOOK UP AND LEVEL THE WATERFALL SPILLWAY
• Fold liner over top of Waterfall
Spillway. It is recommended
to provide some slack in the
liner in case the position of
the Waterfall Spillway needs
minor adjustment during
installation.
• Use a screw driver or awl,
puncture a small hole in the
liner through the center of the
Waterfall Spillway bulkhead.
This will be your reference
point for the location of the
liner connection.
•Unfold the liner back off the
Waterfall Spillway and remove
the retaining nut from the
Waterfall Spillway bulkhead.
Center the retaining nut over
the puncture hole in the liner.
Use a pen, marker, or sharp
tool, to trace a line around the
inside of the nut.
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Liner
Retaining
nut
Outer
rubber
gasket
Inner
rubber
gasket
• Remove the retaining nut
and trim a hole in the liner
approximately 1/8 inch inside
of the score mark.
• Remove the outer rubber
gasket from the Waterfall
Spillway fitting. Insert the
hole in the liner over the
Waterfall Spillway bulkhead.
The liner should fit snug
around base of the Waterfall
Spillway fitting.
• Place the second rubber
gasket onto the fitting.
Note: The liner should be
located between both rubber
gaskets.
• Place retaining nut on
Waterfall Spillway and hand
tighten. The fitting is reverse
threaded, refer to the arrow
located on the retaining nut
for proper direction. Use
channel locks to tighten
down the retaining nut an
STEP 14 CONT...
additional ¼ to ½ turn past
hand tight being careful to not
over tighten retaining nut, which
could possibly crack the plastic
fittings.
• Install the MPT barb fitting
into the back of the Waterfall
Spillway. To provide a water
tight seal, use the included
silicone sealant on the threads
of the fitting. Be careful not to
over tighten pipe fitting, which
could possibly crack the plastic
fittings.
The Waterfall Spillway is now
ready for the pipe to be installed
and secured in place with a
hose clamp.
• Disguise the Waterfall Spillway using boulders, logs,
gravel, soil, or other creative landscape material.
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STEP 15
ADD WATERFALL FOAM
• The Pond and Waterfall Foam Sealant provided is used to
fill in gaps between the rocks of your waterfall. The foam
keeps water flowing over the top of the rocks. Without the
foam you will lose the impact of your waterfall, as water
travels beneath the rocks.
• Gravel can be used to disguise the foam.
• Allow foam to dry for at least 1 hour before introducing
water.
STEP 16
ADD WATER
• Use the built-in water level
inspection port on the lid of the
Pondless®Waterfall Vault to
monitor your water level.
Inspection port
Ideal water level
Low water level
Inspection port
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STEP 17
PLUG IN THE PUMP AND TWEAK THE WATERFALL
• When the basin is filled and
all of the black waterfall
foam is dry (if used on
project), plug the pump in
and test the waterfall.
WARNING
Any electrical should
be plugged into a GFCI rated receptacle.
• You can tweak the waterfall by placing smaller stones
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/water splash as a
precaution. 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!
STEP 19
MULCH THE BERM AND NATURALIZE EDGES
• The entire area surrounding the basin can now be
mulched and any surrounding plants added.
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