Blue Thumb GFRC User manual

GFRC FOUNTAIN BASIN
IN-GROUND INSTALLATION GUIDE
Layout & mark appropriate basin area:
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 GFRC Basin using marking paint. Be certain to avoid underground utilities.
Prep & Excavate area to required size and depth:
Using a shovel dig 90 degrees into the ground, slightly wider and just as deep as
the GFRC Basin making sure to remove any sharp rocks or roots. Align the GFRC
Basin with the pump access door as needed to keep the pump accessible.
Note: If installing a splash apron, make sure the basin is about 1.5 inches below
grade, allowing you to slope the surrounding terrain toward the basin.
Ensure basin ts and is level:
Using a 2 - 4 ft. level place the basin within the excavated hole ensuring
the Fountain Basin remains level side to side.
Back ll around basin leaving room for Auto Fill and cord:
Once the GFRC Basin is level carefully back ll using excavated soil.
Leave a small trench to bury the pump cord 1-2 inches below grade.
Optional Auto Fill placement:
If an Auto Fill Valve is being incorporated you may also bury your water
supply line and make any Auto Fill connections at this time.
1 OF 2
Plastic Access Panel
Basin Cord Notch
Auto Fill Spinweld
For more information visit shopbluethumb.com, email [email protected] or call 888-619-3474.

GFRC FOUNTAIN ROCK & PLUMBING 2 OF 2
PLACEMENT GUIDE & MAINTENANCE TIPS
Pump plumbing / Installing Rock:
Lower the pump into basin. Insert the hose into the
basin and attach to pump using the quick connect
tting. Lay the remaining hose in the basin channel,
routing it to the center of the basin. Set the rock
onto the basin and attach hose. Once completed,
place the plastic access panel back over the
opening and align the pump cord to come out
through the provided panel and basin cord notch.
Add water and test:
If you haven’t already added water to the GFRC
Basin, add water until the basin is full. Test your
fountain by adjusting the valve with the red valve
key. Splash should be kept to a minimum to avoid
excessive relling. Position the valve to allow for
optimal water coverage, sound and aesthetic water
ow. Use the included shims to level the fountain
so that water ows evenly over the sides.
Finish:
Add decorative gravel or stone to the top of the
basin, to complete your fountain setup.
Fountain System & Maintenance:
• Fill evaporated water as necessary or consider installing an Auto Fill Valve Kit #ABDAUTO.
• Add Muck Buster #PB2101 to the basin to ensure muck doesn’t build-up over time and clog pump.
• If algae forms on the fountain use CrystalClear Algae D-Solv Liquid #PB2002.
• It is OK to run pump continuously 24/7 or you may connect it to a timer.
Winterizing:
• If you live in a climate that experiences prolonged freezing conditions then we recommend removing the
pump from the basin. Place the pump in a bucket of water and store it in a place that will not freeze.
• 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.
• We recommend covering the fountain during the winter months or moving it inside.
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 Vac may be used for draining the basin.
• Reconnect the pump and plug it in.
• Add Muck Buster to remove any remaining muck that was not able to be removed manually.
For more information visit shopbluethumb.com, email [email protected] or call 888-619-3474.