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If installing a waterfall with the skimmer, it is always recommended
to install a check valve somewhere in-line between the skimmer
and water fall. This prevents the water fall vault from draining back
into the skimmer and drying out the filters and killing the bacteria
when the pump is off due to servicing or during a power outage.
OPTIONAL OVER-FLOW LINE
In times of excessive rain, it is common for the pond level to rise
and/or overflow. As stated earlier, the skimmer weir cover plate
has two marks on the front to dictate the proper water level. It is
possible that the skimmer vault may not sit perfectly level after
installation due to settling, etc.
In order to accurately determine the best location for the overflow
line, use the following information. This hole should be drilled only
after the skimmer has been successfully installed and the pond
water level has been established. To determine location you will
need to take two measurements. Locate the center seam (see
Figure 7) on the back of the skimmer (on the outside).
1. Measure 2" to the left or right of this seam (depending upon
your preference) and make a mark.
2. On the back wall of the skimmer, measure from the top edge
of the skimmer down to the water level (on the inside). Move
to the back of the skimmer (on the outside) and subtract 1-7/8"
from this measurement. Make this mark by lining it up with the
dimension recorded from Step 1. This will be the center point
of the hole that will be drilled (see Figure 7).
AS A CHECK FOR THE MEASUREMENT IN STEP 2, MAKE A
REFERENCE MARK INSIDE THE SKIMMER ON THE BACK
WALL AND PLACE THE 2" BULKHEAD FITTING (BULKHEAD
SIDE AGAINST THE WALL) INSIDE UP AGAINST THE SKIM-
MER WALL. TRY TO LINE UP THE CENTER OF THE 2" BULK-
HEAD FITTING WITH THE MARK WHILE CHECKING THE
WATER LEVEL. IF THE WATER LEVEL IS UP HIGHER THAN
THE INNER DIAMETER OF THE 2" BULKHEAD FITTING THEN
ADJUST THE MEASUREMENT UNTIL THE WATER LEVEL IS
APPROXIMATELY 1/2" BELOW THE INNER DIAMETER. IF YOU
MAKE THIS CORRECTION, BE SURE TO TRANSFER IT TO
THE OUTSIDE BEFORE DRILLING.
If the measurements are acceptable and the bulkhead fitting
appears to in the proper location, then drill the hole using a 3" hole
saw. The final overflow line will be set approximately 1/2" above
the water level. At this level, it should be in the safe range to keep
the water from overflowing unless in a heavy rain situation.
Bulkhead fitting should be installed as shown in Figure 8.
SKIMMER MAINTENANCE
Skimmer Net:
The skimmer is supplied with a net that is used to catch surface
debris from the pond. There are two side ledges inside the skimmer
that support the net, in addition to a lower ledge. This will need to
be removed periodically to clean out the debris it has collected.
Biological Brushes:
The skimmer is supplied with biological brushes which hang from
a support rod. The brushes offer increased surface area, enhancing
the growth of beneficial bacteria as well as breaking up smaller
debris. If the brushes become heavily clogged, gently wash them
in a 5-gallon bucket of pond water to get rid of the excess debris
and then re-install in the skimmer. Do not use tap water to rinse the
brushes, as it may harm the bacterial growth on the brushes.
OPTIONAL – Sand-Fill Plug (for lid):
Sand may be added to the lid for added weight (through the hole
on the bottom side of the lid). A plug has been included for sealing
the lid hole in the bottom of the lid. When installing the sand, it is
helpful to have the lid tilted so the sand enters freely. Do not add
more than 10 lbs. of sand to the lid.
Cleaning the Skimmer:
In the event that you need to clean out the skimmer vault, you may
latch the skimmer gate closed without having to be concerned
with removing water from the pond. The following steps should be
followed (be sure that you have access to the power supply to the
pump prior to following these steps):
1. If you are using a bottom drain, close the gate valve.
2. Remove the net and biological brushes by lifting the support
rod.
3. Move the hinged gate up into the vertical position until the two
side latches lock into place (the water level inside the skimmer
will begin to drop).
4. Allow the pump to run until about 4-5" of water remain in the
skimmer. If the water is pumped down any lower it will introduce
air bubbles into the plumbing and may cause a future air-lock
(or prime loss). To remedy a pump air-lock, with the skimmer box
filled with water, simply raise the pump a little bit and jiggle the
pump until the air bubbles leave the pump chamber.
After cleaning, replace the net and biological brushes. The skimmer
maintenance should only take a short amount of time every 1-2
weeks. It is recommended to keep the skimmer maintenance time
at a minimum to keep the bacteria from being deprived of water
for too long. If longer maintenance time is required, simply put
the biological brushes in a 5-gallon bucket of pond water for
temporary storage.
Winter Care:
In cold climates (32°F and below) the pump may be shut off for
winter. Remove the pump and pump discharge kit assembly
(including check valve). Remove the net and biological brushes
and leave the gate open with the pond at its normal level. In the
event that it can be predetermined that the pond will take a hard
freeze it is recommended to remove the gate. To remove the gate
simply press the hinge pin inwards until the gate releases. Store
the gate until the winter season has passed and then re-install.
If the pump is left running during freezing weather the bottom
drain gate valve should be closed, to prevent mixing warm bottom
water with colder surface water. Fish become dormant during the
winter and if the bottom drain is open it disrupts their ability to
become less active. In the spring, do not open the bottom drain
gate valve until the surface water temperature averages above
40°F for at least one week.
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