background image

3

Viewing Area

(Patio, Deck, or Lawn)

2" to 3"

On the Level

When excavating, it is important 

to make sure that all of the edges 

are level. This is not only to avoid 

an unexpected low edge, but also 

to make sure that the skimmer sits 

at the proper height to skim. There 

are several different methods that 

can be used to level, depending on 

the resources that are available. 

The most accurate method is to 

use a transit, either sight or laser, 

and take several readings around 

the perimeter. Transits need to be 

rented or bought, however, and may 

not be the most practical option for 

a one-time installation. There are 

two other options that utilize more 

common household items and may 

be more convenient. First, you can 

take a standard 2"x 4" board and lay 

it across  the pond or basin with a 

common bubble level resting on the 

center. The level will show if the two 

sides are even, and all sides can be 

measured in the same way by alter-

ing the angle of the board across the 

pond. The second method is to use 

a line level. A line level is basically 

a small bubble level attached to the 

end of a string. The other end of the 

string is then attached to a stake 

that is placed at any point around the 

perimeter. The level is then walked 

around and readings are taken at 

several different points to ensure the 

sides are even. Remember, the pond 

or basin does not have to be perfectly 

level, but general readings should be 

taken to avoid any major problems. 

Design spaces for plants

•  Design your shelves wider in 

areas where you wish to place 

aquatic plants. 

(See fig. 8)  

•  Marginal and bog plants require 

a water depth up to about 10", so 

the top shelf is a perfect location 

for these plants. 

(See fig. 8) 

•  Water lilies will vary according to 

species, but a depth of 12-24" 

at the crown works best, so the 

second shelf or bottom of the 

pond will work great for the lilies. 

(See fig. 8)

  

•  To make planting lilies easier add 

a few ‘lily pockets’. These pockets 

are simply depressions or bowls 

cut into the soil 6-8" deep and 

10-16" in diameter. The goal is 

to create a natural looking pond, 

and this is possible only if plant 

pots are eliminated or completely 

hidden. 

(See fig. 8)

•  It is typical to set the water level 

2- 3" below the main viewing 

area (patio, deck, etc.). This will 

bring the water level of the pond 

up close to the edge of the pond 

without going over the sides.  

(See fig. 6) 

•  Dig a hole alongside the pond to 

house the skimmer filter. 

•  The skimmer should be exca-

vated down to a depth so that the 

proposed water level in pond is 

approximately 3/4 inch below the 

top of the opening of the skim-

mer. 

(See fig. 7) 

•  Make sure the excavated shelf 

in front of the skimmer is low 

enough to provide access to the 

lower screws on the faceplate.

•  Re-check all your measurements, 

including length and width of 

pond, plant shelf depth, and 

overall pond depth. 

Excavate your Pond cont …

Fig. 4

  Dig second shelf one shovel depth and 

start  excavation of skimmer hole.

Fig. 3

  Dig entire pond one shovel depth.

Fig. 5

 Dig a third shelf, if desired.

Fig. 6

 Soil backfilled around the filter creates a planting berm.

Fig. 7

  Set water level 2" - 3" below viewing area.

Summary of Contents for PRO-Fit

Page 1: ...our needs are different based on your preference application or design we want to give you the flexibility of using the different product lines that we offer within the same project without losing the ease of purchasing a kit Since the PRO Fit System is designed to be used with different product lines each PRO Fit System will come with 2 sets of instructions one for the skimmer or MicroSnorkel and...

Page 2: ...a section of stream liner In order to maximize circulation the BIOFALLS filter and Skimmer are ideally placed on opposite ends of the pond directly across from each other See fig 2 Place filters into position To eliminate the need to dig a trench lay the PVC flex pipe in place along the edge of the pond before excavation The PVC flex pipe can withstand extreme weather conditions so it is unnecessa...

Page 3: ...gn spaces for plants Design your shelves wider in areas where you wish to place aquatic plants See fig 8 Marginal and bog plants require a water depth up to about 10 so the top shelf is a perfect location for these plants See fig 8 Water lilies will vary according to species but a depth of 12 24 at the crown works best so the second shelf or bottom of the pond will work great for the lilies See fi...

Page 4: ... on the BIOFALLS filter Install Underlayment and Liner STEP 5 Installing the Skimmer and Overflow Installation STEP 6 Follow the same bulkhead installa tion steps used when installing the bulkhead on the BIOFALLS filter see BIOFALLS manual Install the PVC slip fitting into the bulkhead on the outside of the skimmer to receive the pump plumbing and overflow plumbing Use some of the silicone sealant...

Page 5: ...e sure the holes in the liner plate that the weir flap clicks into are on the bottom With the 4 corners secured you may now punch the remaining holes with your awl and thread in all the screws Again be careful not to damage the threads on the nut inserts Let dry for at least one hour before introducing water Note Pump and debris basket assembly instructions are found in Step 10 Installing the Skim...

Page 6: ...e to add lilies to the plant pockets Remove the lily from the pot and place it into the lily pocket Top dress the lily with a layer of gravel to hold the soil into place Lilies if not on hand at this time can be added after the pond is filled See fig 17 Underwater Lights After the boulders are in position set your underwater lights in between your boulders so they are hidden from view For the grea...

Page 7: ...discharge and place the pump into the skimmer box Overflow Attach bulkhead pipe adapter Set desired pond level from this point using a transit a water level tool or a string level Drain water at least a few feet away from skimmer using a piece of 2 in Flex PVC piping Fig 19 Pond Overflow The overflow pipe must be sloping away from the skimmer to prevent water from going into the skimmer during hea...

Page 8: ...and can be used during colder temperatures 100 safe for fish EcoBlast applications are based on sq ft of affected areas 8 8 oz treats up to 200 square feet 38 4 0z treats up to 780 square feet 7 lb treats up to 2 275 square feet Includes Activated Barley EcoSystems EcoFloc EcoFloc clears pond water by combining suspended particulate via a process com monly known as flocculation Combined particulat...

Reviews: