Blue Thumb ABBSSV36K Triple Spillway Bowl Fountain Kit Instruction Manual

: June 12, 2024
: Blue Thumb

Table of Contents

Thank you!
Included in your Spillway Kit
Kit Tips
Lighting Options
External Up-lighting Add-on
Finishing
Maintenance
Customers Support
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Blue Thumb ABBSSV36K Triple Spillway Bowl Fountain Kit

Thank you!

Thank you for choosing our Brass Patina Triple Spillway Fountain Kit. This kit comes complete with everything you need for an easy installation. Please read carefully and when directed please reference specific product manuals for detailed product installation guidance, and you’ll have your fountain up and running in no time!

Included in your Spillway Kit

18”, 24” and 28” Dia. Brass Patina Spillway Bowls
12”H and 6”H Matching Pedestals
48” AquaBox Achelous Basin with pre-drilled Grate for easy installation
1,300 gph Mag-drive Pump
1” Kink-free Hose with plumbing connectors
12” x 12” Anti-splash Mat
5 bags Polished Pebbles
Plastic Shims

STEP 1
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. If uncertain call your utility company or Miss Dig.

STEP 2

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 11/2” below grade, allowing you to slope the surrounding terrain toward the basin.

Kit Tips

Plumber’s tape or silicone (not included) can be used to provide a watertight connection.
These bowls have a patina finish that will naturally evolve in coloration. The finish requires no maintenance, but upon occasion you may want to clean it with detergent and a soft cloth, do not use an abrasive.
These Spillways are designed to produce a vertical sheer with little projection. The spillway lip should protrude far enough over the catch basin to keep the water within the system’s flow.

Lighting Options

Internal Lighting Add-on

Patina Spillway Bowls feature dual inlets in the base of the spillway bowls. The center one is typically used for as a water inlet, the off-center can be capped or used for lighting with a proper watertight light assembly

External Up-lighting Add-on

Our IllumiGlow® Fountain 3 Light Kit will bring your display center stage by illuminating the water flowing from the spillway in a warm white light, for a dramatic but soothing evening show.

NOTE: 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 refill.

Finishing

Select decorative gravel that compliments your fountain, adjacent landscape and is sized appropriately to not fall through the cracks of the grates into 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 lighting kit.

ENJOY!

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!

STEP 3

Determine Fountain Placement

Consider placement of the fountains. These basin grates have been pre-drilled for best plumbing and pump access ease. Place the fountains in the direction for best viewing, while providing easy access to an electric source for both the pump access in the grate, and the auto-fill spinweld located on the side of the basin. Turn basin to align these elements before backfilling.

STEP 4

Fountain Position on Grate

⊗ Notice that the two halves of the installed grate should meet over the wider set of support columns for greatest strength. An additional PVC center support may be included for even more added stability.

The pre-drilled hole is located for best pump access. This is where the 18” bowl on the 12” pedestal will sit. Water will be pumped up to this highest point and spill down into the 24” bowl on the 6” pedestal, then down to the 28” bowl, and back into the basin to recirculate.

STEP 5

Position & Backfill 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 fill using excavated soil. Tamping the soil tightly around the basin to prevent shifting.

Consider adding water to the basin at this time to complete the stabilization of the basin and save time during the installation process.

Optional Auto Fill Kit Install

If a Blue Thumb Elite Auto Fill Kit is being incorporated, you may bury your water supply line and make any Auto Fill connections at this time.

STEP 6

Fountain Plumbing

Attach 11/2” intake connector assembly to the inlet in the center of the bottom of the 18” Spillway Bowl. The second inlet is capped with a threaded plug inside the vessel. It may be used for internal lighting, if desired.

Attach hose to the intake connector assembly.

Feed the other end of the hose through the 12” base that the 18” bowl will sit on, then through the pre-drilled hole in the grate and into the reservoir/basin.

Make sure the plumbing has no kinks or twists, which will cause a reduction in water flow, and possibly no flow at all.

STEP 7

Pump Plumbing

Attach discharge assembly connector to the pump.

Grab hose from inside the reservoir/basin and attach to the pump discharge assembly connector.

Set pump and hose in the basin. The fountain pump will be located beneath the pump access panel and inside the fountain basin. Keep the pump positioned as close to the pump access opening as possible for best accessibility. This pump can be installed on its side, it will run in either position.

Keep power cord outside the basin and away from water. The power cord will pass through the notch on the pump access cover.

STEP 8

Place and Level Fountains

Place fountain bowls so the spillways flow completely into the next spillway or to the anti-splash mat. Splash should be kept to a minimum to avoid excessive refilling.

Level Spillway Bowls to help direct water flow. It is recommended to slope slightly toward the spillway opening.

Add plastic shims where needed to adjust leveling and flow.

STEP 9

Fill and Test

If you haven’t already added water to the fountain basin, use a garden hose to add water until the basin is filled to the bottom of the grates.

With your Spillway Bowls in place, fill your Spillway Bowls with your garden hose. Our optional Auto Fill Kit, shown after Step 5, may be used to keep the water level topped off with minimal maintenance checks.

Plug in the pump cord to test your fountain.

Set the water flow by adjusting dial on the front of the pump.

Note: This flow control dial minimally adjusts water flow as this pump is selected based on the power needed for optimal flow for this fountain.

Maintenance

General Fountain and System Maintenance

It is OK to run pump continuously 24/7, or you may choose to connect it to a timer.
Fill evaporated water as necessary or considering installing an Auto Fill Kit #ABDAUTO.
Add Muck Buster® #PB2682 every couple of weeks to the basin to ensure muck doesn’t build-up over time and clog the pump. Usage: 3 tablets treat 500 gallons of water.
If algae forms on columns, brush off and use CrystalClear® Algae D-Solv® #PB2002 to quickly clear organic debris and remove odors. 1 ounce treats 360 gallons.
It is OK to run pump continuously 24/7, or you may choose to connect it to a timer.

Winterizing:

If you live in a climate that experiences prolonged freezing conditions, we recommend removing the pump and supply line from the basin. Place the pump in a bucket of water and store 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.
Our metal spillways should be drained and protected to prevent freeze damage during winter months. They may be removed and stored, or covered to prevent re-filling from rain or snow melt.

Auto Fill Kit #ABDAUTO

Muck Buster® #PB2682

Algae D-Solv® #PB2002

Spring Start-Up:

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