Blue Thumb Triple Stone Fountain User manual

Triple Stone
Fountain
Installation Manual
For use with
All Triple Stone Column Fountains

STEP 1
STEP 2
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.
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.
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.
Included in
this Kit:
Blue Thumb makes
installation of your
triple column stone
fountain kit easy
by following these
instructions.
Subscribe to our
YouTube channel,
BlueThumbINC, for
related informational
videos.
1
2
2
1

STEP 3
STEP 4
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.
Pump Plumbing
Attach 90 degree discharge assembly to Pump.
Attach the Triton 3-way Splitter Valve and hoses to
the discharge assembly. Tighten the hose clamps.
The clear hoses are in xed lengths of 8’, 7’, and 5’,
with the longest hose going to the tallest fountain.
These lengths correspond to the height of the water
features. The Fountain Pump will be located beneath
the pump access panel and inside the Fountain
Basin. Keep the pump positioned as close to the
opening as possible for best accessibility.
Lay the hose in the basin for now. Consider adding
water to the basin at this time to complete the
stabilization of the basin and save time during the
installation process.
3
3
4
4
Optional AutoFill Kit Install
If a Blue Thumb Elite
AutoFill Kit is being
incorporated, you may
bury your water supply
line and make any AutoFill
connections at this time.
Item: #ABDAUTO

STEP 6b
Grate Install
Pull the hose through the holes in the grate you
drilled earlier. Install the second grate and repeat.
Make sure the plumbing has no kinks or twists,
which will cause a reduction in water ow, and
possibly no ow at all, in that particular line.
Grate Placement
Install one of the grates at this time. Place the grate
so that the center line aligns with the sticker on
basin edge. Install the PVC support in the center of
the basin (under the grate). This support provides
additional strength with heavier fountains.
STEP 6a
Grate Setup
Before continuing, consider placement of the
fountains. They can be as close together or as far
apart as you like. Once fountain location has been
determined, use a 1-1/2” hole saw to drill holes in
the grates for the fountain hoses.
DO NOT drill in the marked areas in the image on
the left. The molded support columns will be located
under these points.
NOTE: Be careful not to place holes too close to
basin edges, as this may cause potential water loss
from splashing. If the basin has a sediment screen in
place, use a knife to cut the screen before drilling.
STEP 5
5
6a
6b

STEP 7
Fountain Setup
Bring one of the columns to the basin and feed
correct length of tubing through the bottom
of the column until the end of the hose gets
within 1-2” of the top.
Carefully stand the column up, making sure the
hose is not pinched underneath. Excess hose
may be fed back into the basin. Repeat with
the remaining columns.
STEP 8
Testing
If you haven’t already added water to the
Fountain Basin, add water until the basin is full
(to the bottom of the grates). Plug in the pump
cord to test your fountain.
Set the water ow and plume height by
adjusting the valves with the provided red valve
key. Use the included plastic shims to level the
fountains for even water ow over the columns.
If the height of the plumes is still lacking, use
the 3 pieces of 1” x 3/4” clear vinyl and insert
them into the ends of the fountain hoses. This
will increase the height of the water plumes.
Splash should be kept to a minimum to avoid
excessive relling. Our optional AutoFill Kit,
shown after Step 3, is used to keep the water
level topped o. 8
8
7
7
Low water plume High water plume

STEP 9
Finishing
Select decorative gravel that compliments
your selected fountain, adjacent landscape
and is sized appropriately to not fall through
the cracks of 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
fountain up-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!
9
Item: #PB2897
External Up-lighting Add-on
Finsh with our 3 Light Fountain Kit to bring
your fountain center stage by illuminating
columns and water owing
down the rocks,
for a dramatic
but soothing
evening show.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put the pump on a timer?
While the pump is designed to operate 24/7, you may put the
pump on a timer so that it is only on during the times you are
home to enjoy the fountain.
How often will I need to ll the basin with water?
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.
What do I do if I see algae?
We think a little algae only makes the fountains look better.
However, if you get excessive algae growth you can scrub the
columns with a brush to remove the algae and add a Fountain
Cleaner to the water.
How do I winterize the fountain?
If you live in a climate that experiences prolonged freezing
conditions, we recommend removing the pump from the Basin.
Access the pump under the corner cover and disconnect the
pump by unscrewing the gray threaded attachments. The pump
and valve assembly should be able to be lifted out. Place the
pump in a bucket of water and store it in a place that will not
freeze. This is all you need to do for winterizing.
DO NOT drain the Basin during the winter months. Allow the
water tofreeze 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. The stone columns themselves can be left outside
during the winter months.
Do I do anything special to start the fountain in the
spring?
Once everything has thawed, we recommend draining the water
in the Basin (shop vac works well) and replacing it with fresh,
clean water. Reconnect the pump assembly and plug it in.
If you need replacement parts please contact us directly at
989-921-3474 or email us at sales@ bluethumbponds.com.
Item: #PB2897

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.
• The Rock Columns are manufactured to withstand freezing conditions and
can be left outside during the winter months. There is no need to cover the
Rock Columns, but you may do so if you desire.
SPRING RESTART
• 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.
For fountain parts and accessories visit:
https://shopbluethumb.com/
FOUNTAIN GENERAL MAINTENANCE
• It is OK to run pump continuously 24/7, or you may connect it to a timer.
• Fountain AutoFill Valve Kit #ABDAUTO — Automatically rells basin so you
don’t have to continuously monitor your water level for eveporation and splash
loss.
• AquaFix Liquid #PB2002 — If algae forms on columns, brush o and use
this product to quickly clear organic debris and remove odors.
• Muck Buster #PB2101 — Add to Basin to ensure muck doesn’t build-up
over time and clog your pump.
• Fountain Clear #PB2835 — Helps
prevent stains, sludge, mineral
deposits and organic contaminants
from forming in basins.
• Fountain Lime Buster #PB2842 —
Works to prolong the life of fountain
pumps by removing limescale and
calcium deposits in and around the
pump housing.
or call us direct:
989-921-3474