Blue Thumb DIY Handcrafted Rock Fountain Kits User manual

For Use With GFRC
Handcrafted Rock DIY Kits
using 2x2 or 4x4 Basins
DIY Handcrafted Rock
Fountain Kits
Installation Manual
www.shopbluethumb.com

STEP 1
STEP 2
Choose Your Fountain Basin Location
When choosing a location for your fountain, select an
area large enough to accommodate the basin AND any
possible water overspray from wind. The basin should
not be put near vegetation or structures not suitable
for excessively wet conditions.
Place basin/reservoir in chosen location and use a
shovel or marker paint to outline the ground around
the basin.
Dig the Fountain Basin Hole
Follow the outline and dig a hole deep enough for the
basin. You want the top edge of the basin to extend above
grade by about 1”. If the soil is unstable, dig the hole 3”
deeper and back-ll with 3” of crushed rock or gravel.
This will provide a solid fountain for the fountain basin.
Make sure the ground is level before adding your basin.
INCLUDED
in this kit:
Blue Thumb makes installation
of your Handcrafted GFRC
Fountain Bubbler Rock
Kit easy by following these
instructions.
Subscribe to our YouTube
channel, BlueThumbINC,
for related informational
videos.
1
2
GFRC Fountain
Bubbler Rock(s)
Flexible
Polymesh
Grate
Flexible Hose
Water Basin
Reservoir
High-Eciency
Water Pump
Plumbing
Fitting or
Manifold for
Doubles and
Triples
IMPORTANT: BEFORE EXCAVATION BEGINS BE SURE
TO CALL MISS DIG OR YOUR UTILITY COMPANY.
• Scissors or utility knife
• Shovel
• Level
• Marker paint (optional)
• Jigsaw (only for double
and triple fountains)
Tools necessary
for installation:

STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
Placement and Leveling the Fountain Basin
Insert the fountain basin into the hole and use a level
to make sure the basin is level from front-to-back and
side-to-side.
Note that near one corner of the basin there is a spinweld tting installed in the
basin. This can be used with our optional Auto Fill Kit should you desire (see
below), but for now it’s important for that corner to face the direction of your
electrical outlet. This corner of the basin is where your pump will be installed.
Simply rotate the basin until the corner with the spinweld is in the desired
location. Place grates with the corner grate piece over the pump as access.
Install the Pump and Plumbing
Thread the included tting onto the pump discharge
then hand-tighten one end of the hose to the grey
union on the pump. Set the pump inside the basin
(pump may be laid on its side if necessary).
3
5
Optional Auto Fill Kit Install
If an 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
4
5
If you have a double or triple fountain
system, there will be a manifold system
attached to the pump so you can regulate
how much water goes to each bubbler.
Backll Around the Basin
Use previously removed soil to backll around the
fountain basin. Be sure to tamp the dirt to pack it in as
tightly as possible. This helps prevent future settling.
We recommend leaving your basin covered while
backlling to prevent dirt from falling into the reservoir.

STEP 8
Fill and Test
Fill the basin reservoir with water. The water level
should be at or near the bottom of the grate.
Check and adjust the water level periodically.
Turn on the pump by plugging it into a grounded
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) 110 volt
electrical outlet.
You may plug the pump into any outdoor rated
timer (not included) if you wish to only have the
fountain running during certain hours of the day.
Attach the Bubbler Rock(s)
Determine placement of the bubbler rock(s). Take
the threaded end of the hose and pull up through
the grating and then through a small hole cut in
the polymesh screen. The screen can be cut using
scissors or a utility knife.
Next, place the bubbler rock on the basin near the
protruding hose. Tilt rock on edge and hand-tighten
the union and hose together on the underside of the
rock. Carefully stand the rock upright while keeping
the ex hose from binding where it extends through
the grate.
Repeat if you have more than one bubbler rock.
STEP 7
Install Grate and Polymesh Screen
Place the grate on top of the basin oriented with the
triangular corner access panel over the pump.
If you have the 2x2 basin you will have a single grate
with triangular piece cut for pump access.
If you have the 4x4 basin you will have two grates to
piece together with one of them cut for pump access.
Lay the polymesh screen on top of the grates and run
the pump power cord up through the access corner.
STEP 6
7
6
7
8

STEP 9
Water Flow Control
9a For double or triple fountains, achieve the
desired sound and aesthetic ow, adjust the rate
of water to each of your bubblers by turning the
red ball valve handle on your plumbing until the
desired ow is obtained.
9b For single fountains, you can change the ow
slightly using the dial located on the pump.
Your fountain bubbler also comes with a small
O-ring insert located in the top where the water
ows out which can be adjusted up or down for
desired water plume height. Splash should be
kept to a minimum to avoid excessive relling.
STEP 10
Finishing Touches
Your fountain is now ready for the
nal touches of landscape design.
Start by covering your polymesh
screen with river rock or other
decorative rock products. There are
many styles and colors available, and
these can be found at any rock yard
or garden center.
Avoid placing soil or mulch on top
of the screen as it may fall through
the screen and clog your pump. Use
landscape plants to decorate around
your basin completing the look.
9b
9a
9a
Inspire others by visiting our Facebook
and Instagram pages to post a picture
of your completed project for all to see!
SHARE!
ENJOY!
Time to grab your favorite drink
and relax around your newly
installed fountain.
Single fountain
water ow
control dial
O-ring for
plume height
adjustment

CARING FOR YOUR GFRC BUBBLER ROCK
Tips to keep your bubbler rocks looking great!
Our GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) bubblers are designed to provide years
of enjoyment, with minimal care or maintenance required. Because they are made of
concrete, they are very rugged and will withstand the elements without color fade or
discoloration common in inferior faux stones.
Cleaning - Dirt spots
GFRC rocks will age in a very similar manner as natural stones. If you need to clean
the rocks, a good blast from a garden hose will usually work, although mild soap and a
soft-bristle brush can be used as well.
Cleaning - Algae and moss
Over time, moss and algae may develop on your rock, just as it would on natural stone.
The time it takes will depend on how often you have your fountain turned on, how much
shade or sunlight it gets, and how often fresh water is added to the fountain base. If
your rock is accumulating more moss or algae than you desire we recommend using
Fountain Cleaner by Blue Thumb, which is designed to reduce moss/algae growth.
Eforescence - Causes and cleaning / removal
Any material containing Portland cement (pre-cast stone, GFRC products, etc) has
the potential to eoresce. Eorescence is caused when soluble salts and other water
materials come to the surface of concrete and mortar. Most often, eorescence will
be minor, and can manifest itself in a couple of ways - either as a powdery, uy
substance, which is brushed o with a nylon-bristle scrub brush, or as a crystallized
deposit on the rock.
To keep eorescence to a minimum, run your bubbler non-stop for three to four weeks
after rst installing the fountain. If eorescence appears, do not let it dry! While it
is wet, scrub the area with the nylon-bristle brush, until the eorescence is gone. This
may need to be repeated until all the salt has been worked out of the rock. The key is
to not let any eorescence dry! If the eorescence has been allowed to dry and has
attached itself to the rock, then an eorescence remover (such as Techni-Seal), is
recommended. Even with that, some staining or eorescence may remain which is why
rocks should not be allowed to dry until any eorescence has been worked out of the
rocks.
Electrical precautions
Always use a properly grounded outlet. Do not immerse the pump plug in water. If
the plug falls into the water, DO NOT REACH INTO THE WATER TO REMOVE THE
PUMP PLUG. TURN OFF THE CIRCUIT FIRST! A “drip loop” should be used. The
“drip loop” is a loop in the electrical cord below the level of the receptacle or plug,
which prevents water from traveling along the cord. The National Electric Code requires
a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) be installed in the branch circuit supplying
fountain or pond equipment.
WARNING: NEVER REMOVE THE GROUND PIN FROM THE ELECTRICAL PLUG.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION, ALWAYS UNPLUG THE PUMP UNIT FROM ITS POWER
SOURCE BEFORE INSTALLING OR SERVICING YOUR FOUNTAIN. SHOULD THE
UNIT APPEAR TO NOT BE WORKING PROPERLY, DO NOT REACH FOR, REMOVE
OR DISASSEMBLE THE PUMP BEFORE YOU DISCONNECT THE POWER!

GFRC BUBBLER ROCK FOUNTAIN
Pump service and maintenance
Periodically inspect and clean the pre-lter. To clean, remove pre-lter from the water
pump and rinse using clean water. Replace the pre-lter if it becomes damaged or torn.
The cap over the impeller should occasionally be removed to clean and inspect the
impeller assembly. The impeller is the only serviceable item and can be pulled out of the
pump body. Do not take the impeller apart. If it is worn or broken, the entire impeller
assembly should be replaced. This will restore the pump to its original functionality.
Pumps taken out of service for an extended period with uid inside run the risk of
forming a crust, which may prevent subsequent starting. Saltwater should be ushed
out with fresh water. Always check the electrical cord for sharp bends, which can cause
premature cracking. Do not use the power cord to lift or move the pump.
Reservoir maintenance
Handcrafted GFRC fountain kits are designed to require very little maintenance.
Because of the “pondless” design, there are no lters to change and very little if any
debris should get into your water reservoir. However, periodic attention is suggested to
identify any potential issues before they start.
Check and adjust water level periodically, keeping the water level at or near the bottom
of the grating and no lower than the water pump outlet. Also, remove any dirt, rock
or debris from inside the fountain base that may cause damage to the water pump or
exible hose.
Note: Due to overspray and evaporation, clean water must be added periodically.
Failing to do so could cause the water pump to run dry, resulting in a damaged pump.
Damage to the pump due to an inadequate water level will void the limited warranty.
Periodically inspect the grating and polymesh screen for damage. Replace if necessary.
Winterization of your fountain
In colder climates where temperatures reach 32°F on a regular basis, or where
temperatures will drop substantially below freezing even for short periods of time,
you should shut your fountain o during the cold months. Remove the pump by
disconnecting from the valve/manifold assembly. Store the pump in a bucket of water
(to prevent the pump seals from drying out) in a temperature controlled atmosphere
(above freezing). Leave the water in the reservoir, do not empty it.
How to get replacement parts
For replacement parts contact us directly at:
Phone: [phone]
Email: s[email protected]
Go to www.shopbluethumb.com
for additional information and tutorial videos.

Now, snap a picture of your completed waterfall and post
it to our Facebook page at facebook.com/bluethumbinc!
www.shopbluethumb.com
042023
General Fountain and System Maintenance
• It is OK to run pump continuously 24/7, or you may choose to
connect it to a timer.
• 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 off and use CrystalClear®Algae
D-Solv®#PB2002 to quickly clear organic debris and remove odors.
1 ounce treats 360 gallons.
• It is OK to run pump continuously 24/7, or you may choose to
connect it to a timer.
Winterizing:
• If you live in a climate that experiences prolonged freezing
conditions, we recommend removing the pump from the basin
when temperatures begin to drop below freezing. To remove the
pump, disconnect from the valve/manifold assembly. Place the
pump in a bucket of water in a temperature controlled atmosphere
(above freezing). This prevents the pump seals from drying out.
• Do not drain the basin during the winter months. Allow the water
to freeze in the basin so that the ground doesn’t cause the basin to
rise or “pop up” from expansion of the freezing soil around it.
• Our GFRC Fountains are manufactured to withstand freezing
conditions and may be left outside during the winter months if you
choose. There is no need to cover the Fountains, but you may do
so if you desire.
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.
• Reconnect the pump and plug it in.
• Add Muck Buster®to remove any remaining muck that was not able
to be removed manually.
Maintenance
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].