2
INSTALLING YOUR POND - Steps 1, 2 & 3
One of the first things to be done is to choose the shape
and location of the pond. Use an extension cord or
garden hose to determine pond shape. Once shape is
determined you can paint the outline of the pond. This
will allow you to layout the location of the skimmer,
AquaFalls and PVC pipe. Ideally the skimmer is located
at the opposite end of the pond from the AquaFalls filter.
This will create maximum circulation through the pond.
The final step before digging the pond is to connect the
PVC pipe to the AquaFalls filter. By laying the pipe on
the ground around the pond, you can use the dirt from
the pond to cover the pipe thus creating a berm to keep
runoff out of the pond and eliminating the need of dig-
ging a trench.
POND BUILDING STEPS
1. Mark outline of pond
2. Choose location of skimmer, filter and PVC pipe
3. Connect PVC pipe to AquaFalls filter
4. Dig pond
5. Install underlayment and liner
6. Place rocks in pond
7. Rinse rocks (optional) and then begin filling pond
8. Install skimmer
9. Build waterfall/stream
10. Install pump
11. Fill, tweak and trim
12. Landscape and cleanup
EXCAVATING POND - Step 4
Top View of Pond
Flexible PVC Pipe
Bottom 24"-30"
Shelf 2 16"-20"
Shelf 1 6"-12" Deep
AquaFalls
Filter
Skimmer
Lily
Pockets
Here we are redoing a small pond in front of a business. The
previous pond did not have a skimmer or AquaFalls filter.
The owners wanted the pond larger and a stream added.
Note the shape has been painted and skimmer, filter and
pipe are in position.
Install fitting with rubber gasket on the
inside and the nut on the outside.
AquaFalls filters have inlets in each side.
Simply use the side that’s most convenient
and plug the other side or add a ball
valve to make a drain for your filter. Apply a
small amount of silicone to the threads of the
plug before installing in second hole. Be sure
to install plug on the inside of the filter.
After both bulkheads are installed and the second
hole is plugged, apply silicone to the PVC male
adapter and turn into the bulkhead fitting. Be sure
both pipe and fitting are free of dirt, then apply
PVC primer to both followed by PVC glue. Insert
pipe into fitting and allow to set for several minutes
before burying.
See “Installing AquaFalls Filter” page 5 for details on
installing filter. Only bulkhead and PVC fittings need
to be installed at this time.
Be sure AquaFalls filter is installed level from
side to side and tipped forward
1
/
2
" to 1". Be
sure soil under filter is compacted to prevent
future settling.
Ponds with a water depth of 24" or less are not typically subject
to local ordinances, therefore, most pond builders stay within
this depth. When excavating the hole you can dig a few inches
beyond the desired water depth as the stone put over the liner
will fill in the depth a few inches.
Ponds should be dug with a variety of shelf depths to accommo-
date plants. Marginal plants like water 1" to 12" deep while lilies
like a depth of 14"-20". Pockets can also be formed under the
liner to create areas to plant lilies in.
One of the most important things in building a pond is to make
sure the perimeter of the pond is level. If the perimeter is not
Caution! Always call local utilities before you dig!
