Blue Thumb ABSK37K User manual

For use with
All Sugar Kettle Fountains
Sugar Kettle
Fountain Kit
Installation Manual

STEP 1
Choose Basin Location
Locate your fountain near your preferred viewing
area where both water and electricity services are
accessible.
Clear the area and prepare to excavate by tracing the
fountain basin using marking paint.
Be certain to avoid underground utilities. If uncertain
call your utility company or Miss Dig.
1
1
Thank you for choosing the Blue Thumb Sugar Kettle Fountain
Kit! This kit comes complete with everything you need for
an easy installation. Please read carefully and when directed
please reference specic product manuals for detailed
product installation guidance. You’ll have your fountain up and
running in no time!
Included in your
Sugar Kettle Fountain Kit:
• Sugar Kettle, with attached bulkhead and PVC water diuser
• 16.75” dia. x 3”H Kettle Support Ring
• 48” AquaBox Achelous Basin, with pre-drilled 2-piece Grate
• Additional PVC Support Column
• IllumiFlow®Pump
• Pump Discharge Assembly
• PVC Intake Connector Assembly
• Fernco Coupler
• Plastic Shims
• Anti-Splash Basin Cover and Splash Apron

STEP 2
Excavation of Basin Area
Using a shovel dig 90 degrees into the ground, slightly
wider and just as deep as the fountain basin making sure
to remove any sharp rocks or roots.
Make sure the basin is about 1½” below grade. You will be
installing a Splash Apron. The lowered basin allows you
to slope the surrounding terrain toward the basin to direct
splashed water back into the basin. This helps reduce
water loss.
Grate Position on the Basin
Notice that the two halves of the installed grate should
meet over the wider set of molded support columns.
This provides greatest strength. Additional PVC support
columns may be included for added stability. These will
be best placed as close to the center as possible once
the plumbing has been placed. The pre-drilled hole in
the center is where the drilled kettle plumbing will pass.
The pump access should be nearest an electrical outlet.
Position & Backll Basin
Place the basin within the hole. Make sure the pump
opening in the grate is orientated near electrical service.
Using a 2 - 4 ft. level ensure the fountain basin remains
level side to side.
Once the fountain basin is level, carefully back ll using
excavated soil. Tamping the soil tightly around the basin to
prevent shifting. It is best to keep the cardboard covering
the basin during backll to keep as much dirt out of the
basin as possible.
3
3
STEP 3
5
STEP 5
2
2
Lay the Splash Apron Over Basin
Our 8’x 8’ square splash apron has a precut
32” dia. circle cut in the center. You can
custom cut and tailor the apron to t around
your fountain and trim any additional that is
not needed. The splash apron should lay over
the basin and under the grate.
STEP 4
Location of molded column
supports under the grates
4

STEP 6
Sugar Kettle Plumbing
Attach the intake connector assembly to the
bulkhead in the center of the bottom of the
Sugar Kettle.
7a
6
STEP 7
Pump Plumbing
7a Thread the pre-assembled valve discharge
assembly onto the pump.
7b Set the pump assembly on its side in the
basin with the Fernco connector under the pre-
drilled center opening in the basin grates. Unlike
many other pumps, our IllumiFlow®pump can be
installed on its side, it will run in either position.
The pump assembly should be located beneath the
pump access panel and inside the fountain basin.
Keep the pump positioned as close to the pump
access opening as possible for best accessibility.
Keep the power cord outside the basin if the basin
has been lled with water. The power cord will
pass through the notch on the pump access cover.
7b
8a
8b 8c 8c
Fountain Set up
8a Move the half of the grate that covers the pump
o to the side a bit. Set Fountain Support Ring in
place over the pump valve assembly. Center the
ring best as you can. Half the ring will be over the
basin allowing for easy connection.
8b You’ll need 2-3 people, depending on the sugar
kettle size, to move the kettle in place. Lift and set
the kettle over the ring with the intake assembly
setting in the center cut hole.
8c Connect with the Fernco and securely tighten.
STEP 8

STEP 9
STEP 10
Fill and Test
If you haven’t already added water to the
fountain basin, use a garden hose to add
water until the basin is lled to the bottom of
the grates. Also ll the kettle with water until it
begins to spill over.
Plug in the pump cord to test your fountain. Set
the water ow by adjusting the red pump valve.
When satised with the ow, place the pump
cover and lay the round anti-splash mat over
the basin. This mat, as well as the splash apron,
“catches” water and drops it in the basin,
which minimizes rell. Water will still evaporate,
however, having an Auto Fill in place reduces
maintenance even further.
Replace the Grate and Level Fountains
If you have Place PVC support columns, place
them as close to the center as possible before
adding the second grate.
9a The power cord should be passed through
the pump access before adding water.
9b Slide the grate in place under the fountain
support ring.
9c Level the kettle to help direct water ow
evenly over the bowl. Make sure the inside the
kettle is tightly secured.
You may add plastic shims where needed to
adjust leveling and ow.
8a
8b
8c
Water Diuser
Optional Auto Fill Kit Install
If a Blue Thumb Elite Auto Fill Kit
is being incorporated, you may
bury your water supply line and
make any Auto Fill connections
at this time. Kit Item: #ABDAUTO

Finishing
Select decorative gravel that compliments
your fountain, adjacent landscape and is sized
appropriately to not fall through the cracks of
the grates into the fountain basin.
For the best look, consider adding plants and
moisture loving ground covers around the
footprint of the fountain basin, or adding a
lighting kit.
Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, relax, and
enjoy your new fountain!
We’d love for you to share your new fountain with us
and future customers on our social media platforms!
ENJOY!
NOTE: Normal evaporation is about 1-2” weekly, however, that is
dependent on your region. Many factors including humidity, rainfall,
wind, and splash will determine exactly how frequently you need to rell.

Kit Item: #PB2897
External Up-lighting Add-on
Our IllumiGlow®Fountain 3 Light Kit
will bring your display center stage by
illuminating the water owing from the
spillway in a warm white light, for a
dramatic but soothing evening show,
similar to the Formal Falls®at left.
Kit Tips
Optional Lighting
• Plumber’s tape or silicone (not included) can be used to provide
a watertight connection.
• These bowls will naturally evolve in coloration. The nish
requires no maintenance, but upon occasion you may want to
clean it with detergent and a soft cloth, do not use an abrasive.

General Fountain and System Maintenance
It is OK to run pump continuously 24/7, or you may choose to
connect it to a timer and add a Lighting Kit #PB2897.
Fill evaporated water as necessary or considering installing an
Auto Fill Kit #ABDAUTO.
Add Muck Buster®#PB2682 every couple of weeks to the
basin to ensure muck doesn’t build-up over time and clog the
pump. 3 tablets treat 500 gallons of water.
If algae forms on columns, brush o and use CrystalClear®
Algae D-Solv®#PB2002 to quickly clear organic debris and
remove odors. 1 ounce treats 360 gallons.
Winterizing:
To prevent the risk of damage:
FOR AREAS THAT DIP BELOW FREEZING disconnect the
pump from the fountain during these spells.
IF TEMPS ARE BELOW FREEZING FOR EXTENDED
PERIODS OF TIME, as in Northern States where copper
water pipes are known to burst when frozen, we recommend
removing the pump from the basin for the winter. Disconnect
the pump assembly by unscrewing the threaded tting.
Place the pump in a bucket of water and store it in a place that
will not freeze.
DO NOT DRAIN THE BASIN FOR THE WINTER.It is best to
keep the basin at least 50% lled with water to avoid heaving
during freeze and thaw. Drain and rell in spring during your
seasonal cleaning.
There is no need to cover the kettle.
Spring Start-Up:
• Once everything has thawed in the spring we recommend
draining the water in the basin and replacing it with fresh,
clean water. A wet/dry vacuum works well for removing
water and accumulated debris.
• Visually inspect your pump for damage before reconnecting.
Place pump in your basin and reconnect the plumbing. Rell
both the basin and kettle. Plug in and adjust ow.
• Add Muck Buster®to the running fountain to replenish good
bacteria to further break down any remaining waste.
Auto Fill Kit
#ABDAUTO
Muck Buster®
#PB2682
Algae D-Solv®
#PB2002 If you need replacement parts please contact us directly at
888-619-3474 or email us at [email protected].
Threaded
Fitting
Now, snap a picture of your completed waterfall and post
it to our Facebook page at facebook.com/bluethumbinc!
www.shopbluethumb.com
062023