INSTRUCTIONS & MAINTENANCE
DIY Backyard Pond Kit 4′ x 6′
Item #99763
DIY Backyard Pond Kit
6′ x 8′
Item #99764
DIY Backyard Pond Kit
8′ x 11′
Item #99765

aquascapeinc.com

99763 DIY Backyard Pond Kit

Thank you for choosing the Aquascape DIY
Backyard Pond Kit. At Aquascape, we connect people to water the way nature intended. Since 1991, we’ve been creating and field-testing water features in order to provide you with the most reliable products and best value in the water gardening industry.

This guide contains the instructions for all DIY Backyard Pond Kit sizes. The DIY Backyard Pond Kit system is designed to have a waterfall and pond. Follow the step by-step instructions in the order they are listed. Skipping steps or changing the order will create extra work in the long run. We want to make this experience as easy as possible, allowing you to concentrate on the creativity needed to design your pond.

Introduction Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42LlHkPD84M

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For more information about our company or products, please visit our website at aquascapeinc.com or call US 866-877-6637 CAN 866-766-3426.
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Contents

Recommended Tools

Helpful Symbols
WARNING Symbol – Will alert you to the possibility of damage, injury or death if you do not comply with the warnings that accompany them. The hazard may come from something mechanical or from electrical shock.
TIP Symbol – Helpful information provided by a professional pond installer.

Safety Information

WARNING: Risk of electric shock – This product has not been approved for use in swimming pool or marine areas.
WARNING: To provide continued protection against risk of electric shock, connect to properly grounded, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets only, using the  following guidelines:

(A) Have a qualified electrician install a properly grounded receptacle outlet, acceptable for outdoor use and protected from snow and rain.
(B) Inspect cord before using.
(C) Do not use extension cords.
(D) Any wiring should be performed by a qualified electrician to ensure code compliance and user safety.
(E) Unplug pump at receptacle outlet when not in use or before removal from pond.
(F) To reduce risk of electrical shock, all wiring and junction connections should be made per local codes. Requirements may vary depending on usage and location.
(G) The power cable should be protected at all times to avoid punctures, cuts, bruises and abrasions.
(H) Never handle power cords with wet hands.
(I) Do not remove cord and strain relief. Do not connect conduit to pump.
(J) Do not use power cable to lift pump.

Electrical Specifications

Ecowave 2000 Pond Pump

• Input Voltage: 120V AC
• Input frequency: 60 Hz
• 65 Watts

Quick Step Guide

Installation

STEP 1
SELECT AND MARK OUT YOUR AREA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPVCNLZxv3Y

• When choosing the location for your new pond, we recommend putting it near a deck or patio, so you can sit and relax close to your water feature. Also keep in mind viewpoints from inside the house. Make your pond visible from a kitchen window or patio door, giving you year-round enjoyment.
• We suggest that you use a garden hose to define the shape of your new pond. The hose is flexible and can be pushed and pulled in various shapes. Step back, evaluate and modify your design until you have something that you really like (Ex. 1).
• DIY Backyard Pond Kits are available in three sizes (4′ x 6′, 6′ x 8′, and 8′ x 11′). Double check to make sure the length and width of your layout does not exceed the amount of liner included with your kit (Ex. 2).
• Once you have the pond shaped and defined with the hose, take a can of brightly colored, highly visible spray paint and outline the shape (around the hose) on the grass (Ex. 3).

STEP 2
PLACE BIOFALLS® AND SKIMMER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IosmTVEtMTs

• The BioFalls filter will be used to create your waterfall and should be positioned so it’s facing a main viewing area.
• Make sure it is placed close to the edge of the basin so you can connect the pond liner to the BioFalls filter (Ex. 4).
• In order to maximize circulation, the BioFalls and Skimmer are placed on opposite ends of the pond, directly across from each other (Ex. 5).

STEP 3
LAY PLUMBING

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMXaoDFKAeE

• To eliminate the need for making a trench for the pipe, lay the kink-free pipe around the perimeter of the pond before you begin your excavation so the soil you remove from the pond can cover the kink-free pipe, disguising it from sight (Ex. 6).

STEP 4
HOOK UP AND LEVEL BIOFALLS®

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Togfd-4gkL8

• Install the bulkhead fitting in the opening provided in the back of the BioFalls. The rubber gasket should be located on the inside of the BioFalls. Tighten the nut on the outside until the rubber  gasket begins to bulge. This should only be approximately one turn past hand-tight. Be careful not to over tighten the nut, which could possibly crack the bulkhead. Please note that the bulkhead fitting is reverse threaded. Turn the nut counterclockwise to tighten (Ex. 7 and 8).

• Now install the barb fitting included with the kit into the bulkhead fitting. A PVC slip fitting has also been included in case you are using flexible PVC pipe. Use some of the silicone sealant included in your kit to coat the threads of the fitting, providing a watertight seal (Ex. 8).

• Now it’s time to position the BioFalls in the desired location.

• The BioFalls should be set at or slightly below the grade of the yard. Simply remove a section of sod or a few inches of soil in order to create a firm foundation for the BioFalls to sit.
  TIP: Keep the waterfall to the scale of the yard! The goal should be to create the perception that Mother Nature herself has constructed the waterfall. Avoid creating a “volcanic look” by trying to raise the BioFalls in a flat backyard.

• Be sure to compact the area beneath the BioFalls using a hand tamper or some other heavy flat object that can be pounded onto the soil. This will help prevent any future settling.

• Use a 2′ bubble level to make sure your BioFalls is properly set into position. Your BioFalls should be level from side to side and tilted forward 1/4 of a bubble on a 2′ level. This will make sure the water comes over the front of the BioFalls and covers the entire spillway (Ex. 9).

• The filter is now ready for the kink-free pipe and hose clamp to be slipped onto the barb fitting. Have someone hold the BioFalls in place in order to prevent it from shifting. In some instances the tubing/hose may be tight and difficult to use with hose fitting barbs. If this is the case, we recommend heating the hose with the use of a hair dryer or simply dipping the hose for a few seconds in very hot water. Lubrication can also be used; we recommend silicone grease or vegetable oil. Once installed, the hose clamp can be tightened to secure the pipe on the fitting (Ex. 10).

• Double check to make sure the BioFalls is still level after installing the plumbing.

STEP 5
EXCAVATE YOUR POND BASIN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z4TJLhp6jQ

• We suggest excavating the pond no more than 18-24″ deep. This depth provides the proper water levels required for aquatic plants and is deep enough to keep fish alive during winter.
• The excavation should be dug with a series of shelves. The shelves will add stability to the walls of the pond and will also create planting beds for different types of aquatic plants.
• The first shelf should be about 8-10″ deep, or the height of a standard shovel blade (Ex. 11).
• Dig the second shelf another 8-10″ deeper (Ex. 12).
• The third shelf (if desired) will be excavated down another 6″ reaching a final excavation of 24″ (Ex. 13).
• All of the soil removed from the excavation can be spread and compacted around the BioFalls, creating a berm. The filter should be completely surrounded by soil by the end of the project. Be sure to verify that the BioFalls remains level throughout the process (Ex. 14).

DESIGN SPACES FOR PLANTS
TIP: Design your shelves wider in areas where you wish to place aquatic plants, a water depth up to about 10″, so the top shelf is a perfect location for these plants (Ex. 15).

• 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 (Ex. 15).
• 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 completely hidden (Ex. 15).

LEVELING THE EDGES

• One of the most important parts of the excavation is getting the perimeter of the pond level and setting the level of the water. An excellent tool for this is a 2×4 set across the pond. Set a 4-foot bubble level on the 2×4 to make sure the perimeter of the pond is level. We recommend using a transit or sight level on larger projects. Check your progress several times while digging (Ex. 16).
• 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 (Ex. 17).
• Rough out an excavated area for the skimmer. Simply dig a hole 18″ wide by 21″ long (the outline of the skimmer) and 18″ below the desired water level.
• Make sure the excavated area under the skimmer is compacted and level.
• The skimmer should be excavated down to a depth so that the proposed water level in the pond is approximately 3/4″ below the top of the opening of the skimmer (Ex. 18).
• Re-check all your measurements, including length and width of pond, plant shelf depth, and overall pond depth.

STEP 6
INSTALL UNDERLAYMENT AND LINER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyEKqvqV0YI

• Remove any sharp objects from the excavated basin that may damage the liner.
• Unfold the underlayment fabric and place it into your excavated pond basin. Starting from the bottom, remove the slack from the underlayment, making sure it conforms into all of the elevations (Ex. 19).
• Now place the EPDM fish-safe liner on top of the underlayment.
• The installation process is the same as the underlayment, starting at the bottom and contouring the liner up and out of the pond basin.
• Try to get the large folds out, but the main goal is to make sure that it’s lying flat and going into all corners. Don’t try to get it perfect—you will hide the liner with rocks and gravel later.
• Make sure there is enough liner around the edges of the pond basin. This should not be a problem if you measured out the pond and excavated it correctly. Problems can be fixed by readjusting the liner into the excavation or backfilling (making the pond basin smaller) in areas where there is not enough liner (Ex. 20).

STEP 7
INSTALL THE SIGNATURE SERIES 200 SKIMMER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgDC0Bexut4

• You’ve already roughed out a hole approximately 21″L x 18″W x 18″H deep during the excavation phase. Use a 2′ bubble level in order to make sure your skimmer is properly set into position. Your skimmer should be level from side to side and front to back (Ex. 21).

OPTIONAL OVERFLOW FITTING ORIENTATION

• If installing the optional overflow, you will need to drill a hole for a 2″ bulkhead fitting using a 3″ hole saw in the back of the skimmer. The center of the hole should be drilled 3.5″ from the top edge of the filter. Install the bulkhead into the hole (Ex. 22). A barb fitting or PVC fitting can then be threaded into the bulkhead. Use silicone sealant or Teflon thread tape on the threads of the pipe fittings, in order to help provide a watertight seal. The pipe for the overflow can be connected later in the project.
• Make sure skimmer is set so the desired water level in the pond is approximately 3/4″ below the top of skimmer opening (Ex. 18).

ATTACHING THE SKIMMER FACEPLATE
NOTE: Power tools are not recommended for installing the screws and may strip the nut inserts.

• Position the liner against the skimmer opening, making sure there is slack below the opening. This will help reduce tension on the faceplate when placing boulders in front of the unit. Use your finger or a screwdriver to mark the outer perimeter of the skimmer opening on the liner (Ex. 23).
• Mark a second box 1.5″ inside of it. This ensures that you don’t cut too much of the liner, which would result in a possible leak (Ex. 24).
• Cut the inner box using a pair of scissors and insert the skimmer faceplate into the hole (Ex. 25).
• Make sure skimmer faceplate is in the upright position. The hinge should be at the bottom (Ex. 26).
• Temporarily install the faceplate and liner to the skimmer using two screws in the upper corners. Using an awl or nail, poke the first hole in the liner all the way through to the inside of the filter box. Be careful not to damage the threads on the nut inserts when punching the holes with the awl. Remove the awl or nail while holding the faceplate and liner in place and begin threading one of the screws into filter. Repeat this process for the other screw (Ex. 27).
• Now remove the faceplate from the skimmer, keeping the screws installed through the faceplate and liner (Ex. 28).
• Apply a bead of fish-safe silicone sealant around the skimmer opening, over the nut inserts. Pre-installing the two screws in the earlier steps will make it easy to line up the skimmer faceplate after the silicone is applied and will keep the silicone in as thick of a bead as possible (Ex. 29).
• Replace the skimmer face plate and the two corner screws and then proceed with the bottom two corners. Make sure the holes in the faceplate that the weir flap clicks into are on the bottom (Ex. 30).
• 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.

STEP 8
ADD ROCKS AND GRAVEL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?~=zs2BvCgY4M8

NOTE: You can expect to use several tons of stone and gravel for your water feature.
Talk to your Aquascape retailer or rock yard for help choosing the quantity and sizes of stone and gravel. Visit aquascapeinc.com for information on calculating the required stone and gravel. Below are some helpful formulas for choosing the stone and gravel.
Stone Calculation for the Pond
Length x Width / 65 = Tons of boulders
Gravel Used in the Pond
Pond Gravel = 30% total tons of pond boulders

• Start from the bottom and set the largest character boulders first against the vertical walls, then stack the smaller boulders on top.

• Be careful when placing any large boulders so you don’t damage the liner.

• The opening on the front of the skimmer can be hidden by placing boulders on either side and bridging a stone or piece of driftwood across, creating a cave effect.
  NOTE: Make sure the boulders do not block the water flow into the skimmer (Ex. 31).

• Cover all remaining flat surfaces with a couple inches of decorative gravel. This will help lock the boulders in place, as well as cover the remaining liner, protecting it from ultraviolet rays, and giving bacteria a place to colonize (Ex. 32).

STEP 9
WASH ROCKS AND GRAVEL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3KWV7lOazY

• Using a garden hose, wash the rock and gravel down in order to remove the dust and dirt. Use the pump provided with the kit attached to a scrap section of kink-free pipe. The pump can temporarily be placed in the lowest point of the pond and the dirty water discharged to a drainage area in the yard (Ex. 33).

STEP 10
COMPLETE SKIMMER AND PUMP INSTALLATION

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcM0kRU_p2w

• Insert the (optional) Filter Brush Cartridge (not included) and the Debris Net into the skimmer (Ex. 34).
• The skimmer has two holes on either side of the unit for the plumbing to travel to the BioFalls 1000. Choose the plumbing hole that is most convenient. The pipe simply passes through the opening on either side of the skimmer (Ex. 35). If desired you can run the pump electrical cord through the opposite hole on the side of the skimmer.
• Insert the barbed multi-hose adapter included with the pump onto the end of the pipe and tighten down hose clamp (Ex. 36).
• Attach rotational ball fitting to pump and place pump in the skimmer (Ex. 37). Attached collar to rotational ball fitting (Ex. 38).

OPTIONAL OVERFLOW INSTALLATION

• Attach and trench a section of kink-free pipe into place (3′ minimum). Create a drainage area at the end of the pipe by excavating a small pit, roughly 16″ in diameter and at least 12″ deep. Fill the pit with excess gravel. This will allow water in an overflow situation to flow through the pipe and drain away from the pond (Ex. 39).
• A layer of scrap underlayment fabric, soil, or sod can be added to cover the drainage area.

STEP 11
ADD WATER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edq6oBXr1sk

• Fill up the pond basin with water. The pond should be filled just below the level of the overflow in the skimmer (Ex. 40).

NOTE: We recommend adding Aquascape Pond Detoxifier to dechlorinate and properly condition water prior to introducing fish to your new pond. See your Aquascape dealer for water treatment products.
STEP 12
ATTACH LINER TO BIOFALLS®

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DgVo7kuL_M

• Prior to installing the waterfall lip, make sure the face of the BioFalls Filter and liner is clean and free of dust and debris. Use a damp towel to clean both surfaces. Make sure both surfaces are dry before the next step.
• Have someone hold the liner against the BioFalls while you line up the waterfall lip over the liner. Make sure there are no wrinkles and the liner comes up above the sides of the BioFalls. Be sure that you have a few inches of slack liner along the front base of your BioFalls. This will help reduce tension on the waterfall lip when placing boulders in front of the unit (Ex. 41).
• Temporarily install the waterfall lip and liner to the BioFalls Filter using the two outermost screws. Using an awl or nail, poke the first hole in the liner all the way through to the inside of the BioFalls (Ex. 42). Be careful not to damage the threads on the nut inserts when punching the holes with the awl. Remove the awl or nail while holding waterfall snout and liner in place and begin threading one of the screws into the filter.
• Repeat this process for the other screw.
• Remove the waterfall lip from the BioFalls, keeping the screws installed through the waterfall lip and liner.
• Place a thick bead of silicone across the insert nuts on the front of the BioFalls (Ex. 43). Preinstalling the two screws in the earlier steps will make it easy to line up the waterfall lip after the silicone is applied and will keep the silicone in as thick of a bead as possible.
• Reattach the waterfall lip and liner using the two preinstalled screws (Ex. 44).
• Using an awl or nail, poke the remaining holes in the waterfall lip and install the rest of the screws (Ex. 45).
• Remove extra liner, using the waterfall lip as a guide (Ex. 46).
• Let dry for at least one hour before introducing water.
  WARNING: Power tools are not recommended for installing the screws and may strip the nut inserts.
  TIP: The BioFalls is designed with a plastic lip for the water to cascade off. You can use the plastic lip or hide the lip using a piece(s) of thin (no more than 3/4″ thick) natural slate (Ex. 47). This stone can be attached to the BioFalls using Aquascape Black Waterfall Foam.

STEP 13
BUILD THE WATERFALL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd0SH78KkF8

• Make sure there is at least 2 feet of liner on  either side of the BioFalls (Ex. 48).
• Place two larger boulders on either side of the waterfalls you are creating in order to “frame” the waterfalls. The water will be running between the two larger boulders you’ve set in place (Ex. 48).
• You can now begin to stack the rocks between the two larger boulders. These are the rocks that the water will be running over, so take your time and be creative. Start with the larger rocks on the bottom and work your way up to the smaller ones on top (Ex. 49).
• Small stones and gravel can be used to fill in the gaps between the larger waterfall stones.
• Use the Pond and Waterfall Foam Sealant to fill in gaps between the stones that water is flowing over (Ex. 50). The foam keeps the water flowing over the top of the waterfall stones. Without the Pond and Waterfall Foam Sealant, you will lose waterflow. The water will travel and get lost beneath the rocks.
• Let dry for at least one hour before introducing water.

STEP 14
BRING IN TOPSOIL AND BUILD RETAINING WALL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEkGsEnBPCE

• Add topsoil to the berm and surrounding area in order to provide a good substrate for future landscape planting (Ex. 51).
• Finish off the berm where the BioFalls is buried by building a small retaining wall out of boulders. This step may or may not be needed, depending on the size of the berm and the transition into the existing landscape (Ex. 52).

STEP 15
ADD BIOFALLS® FILTER MEDIA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px17PRSx5UE

• Install the two filter pads into the BioFalls.
• Add Aquascape BioBalls Biological Filter Media into the media net. Set the media bag on top of the filter mats (Ex. 53). Use a few larger rocks on-top if the media bag and filter pads in order to to hold it down.

STEP 16
TURN ON WATERFALL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr8PAK7kiEY

• As soon as the pond is filled and all of the black waterfall foam is dry, you may plug the pump in and test the waterfall.
  WARNING: Any electrical should be plugged into a GFCI rated receptacle.

• You can tweak the waterfall flow by placing smaller stones and gravel on the waterfall cascades. This will change the appearance and sound of the water. Have fun playing with the flow of water coming over the falls until you achieve the desired effect.

STEP 17
TRIM LINER AND FINISH EDGING

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x–vybGEfY

• With everything running, go around the perimeter of the pond with a pair of scissors and trim off any excess liner (Ex. 54), always leaving several inches above the water level as a precaution. The remaining liner edges can be tucked and covered with gravel, sod or mulch (Ex. 55).
  WARNING: Do not trim the liner until the waterfall is running and the pond is filled to the desired level. Prematurely trimming the liner may cause leaks.

STEP 18
CLEAN UP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWaU`E7yn7U

• You’re at the final stages of the project. Simply clean up the area, removing any excess materials or equipment.

STEP 19
LANDSCAPE AND MULCH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvqHi6F3gf4

• The entire area surrounding the basin can now be mulched and any surrounding plants added (Ex. 56).

STEP 20
ENJOY!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaIPdgigLh8

Winter Application

• If you have fish, you must maintain a constant hole in the surface of the ice, allowing for proper gas exchange in your pond. This can be accomplished by using the Aquascape 300-Watt Pond De-Icer, coupled with an Aquascape Pond Aeration Kit and/or Aquascape Aqua Force Solids-Handling Pond Pump positioned just below the surface of the water.
• If you decide against running the pump through the winter, we recommend pulling the pump and storing it in a frost-free location.
• If your water feature contains a shallow stream or waterfall, we recommend checking throughout the season to eliminate ice damming if necessary.

General Maintenance

• Debris Net:
  − The skimmer is designed to sweep the surface of the water so that it is free from debris. The debris net inside the skimmer is the first filter stage of the skimmer. The net will collect leaves, twigs, seeds, and other pond debris. It takes approximately two to three minutes every other week to empty the debris net. More frequent changes will be required during the fall and spring because of the quantity of leaves falling off the surrounding trees.
  − It is a good habit during your first season with the pond to periodically lift the skimmer lid and check the quantity of debris in the net. This is especially true in the fall. Keep a mental note as to how often your net has to be emptied. It’s important that the debris net is not allowed to become too full. Too much debris can reduce the water flow to the pump.

• Optional Brush Cartridge:
  − The optional Filter Brush Cartridge (#99772) behind the debris basket is the second stage of the skimmer. The Brush Cartridge is designed to handle any debris that finds its way past the Debris Net. The brush cartridge will not need maintenance as frequently as the basket, since the basket will remove the majority of debris from the water. Remove and rinse the brush cartridge when you notice less flow over the waterfall.

• Add Water – Water levels will reduce over time due to evaporation and water splashing out. Top off the water level in the pond throughout the year to ensure your pump has enough water to function properly.

• Add Water Treatments – To keep your pond clean and healthy we recommend adding an Aquascape Automatic Dosing System, making it easier than ever to keep your pond looking beautiful. For information about the Automatic Dosing System or other Aquascape water treatment products, visit aquascapeinc.com.

Replacement Parts

Skimmer Replacement Parts

BioFalls® Replacement Parts

EcoWave® Pond Pump Replacement Parts

Warranty Information

LIFETIME WARRANTY
Skimmer Plastic Components BioFalls® 1000 Filter Plastic Components
20 YEAR GUARANTEE
45 MIL Fish Safe Pond Liner
THREE YEAR WARRANTY
Ecowave® 2000 Pond Pump
ONE YEAR WARRANTY
1.5″ Kink Free Hose Skimmer Debris Net

This warranty does not cover damage resulting from electrical supply problems, improper wiring, lightning, negligent handling, misuse, or lack of reasonable maintenance or care. This product should only be operated in fresh water without corrosive chemicals like chlorine or bromine. If upon Aquascape’s inspection, the components shows evidence of a manufacturing defect, Aquascape’s liability is limited, at Aquascape’s option, to the repair of the defect, or the replacement of the defective product or refund of the original purchase price. The warranty excludes costs of labor, removal of product, shipping and expenses related to the installation and re-installation of the product. No liability for loss or damage of any nature or kind, whether arising out of or from the use of the product, whether defective or not defective, is assumed by Aquascape, Inc. or its affiliates. Aquascape shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential or other damages arising under any theory of law whatsoever.

For more information about our company or products, please visit our website at aquascapeinc.com or call us at US 866-877-6637 CAN 866-766-3426
©2022 Aquascape, Inc. • All Worldwide Rights Reserved

☎ US 866-877-6637
☎ CAN 866-766-3426
aquascapeinc.com

86239 • 06/22

References

• Water Features, Outdoor Fountains, Pond Pumps by Aquascape
• Water Features, Outdoor Fountains, Pond Pumps by Aquascape

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