Blue Thumb GFRC Fountain Basin Installation Guide
- June 12, 2024
- Blue Thumb
Table of Contents
GFRC FOUNTAIN BASIN
IN-GROUND INSTALLATION GUIDE
GFRC Fountain Basin
Layout & mark appropriate basin area:
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 GFRC Basin using marking paint. Be certain to avoid underground
utilities.
Prep & Excavate area to required size and depth: Using a shovel dig 90
degrees into the ground, slightly wider and just as deep as the GFRC Basin
making sure to remove any sharp rocks or roots. Align the GFRC Basin with the
pump access door as needed to keep the pump accessible.
Note: If installing a splash apron, make sure the basin is about 1.5
inches below grade, allowing you to slope the surrounding terrain toward the
basin.
Ensure basin fits and is level: Using a 2 – 4 ft. level place the basin
within the excavated hole ensuring the Fountain Basin remains level side to
side.
Back fill around basin leaving room for Auto Fill and cord: Once the GFRC
Basin is level carefully back fill using excavated soil. Leave a small trench
to bury the pump cord 1-2 inches below grade.
Optional Auto Fill placement: If an Auto Fill Valve is being incorporated
you may also bury your water supply line and make any Auto Fill connections at
this time. 
Pump plumbing / Installing Rock: Lower the pump into basin. Insert the hose into the basin and attach to pump using the quick connect fitting. Lay the remaining hose in the basin channel, routing it to the center of the basin. Set the rock onto the basin and attach hose. Once completed, place the plastic access panel back over the opening and align the pump cord to come out through the provided panel and basin cord notch.
Add water and test: If you haven’t already added water to the GFRC Basin,
add water until the basin is full. Test your fountain by adjusting the valve
with the red valve key. Splash should be kept to a minimum to avoid excessive
refilling. Position the valve to allow for optimal water coverage, sound and
aesthetic water flow. Use the included shims to level the fountain so that
water flows evenly over the sides.
Finish: Add decorative gravel or stone to the top of the basin, to
complete your fountain setup.
Fountain System & Maintenance:
- Fill evaporated water as necessary or consider installing an Auto Fill Valve Kit #ABDAUTO.
- Add Muck Buster #PB2101 to the basin to ensure muck doesn’t build-up over time and clog pump.
- If algae forms on the fountain use CrystalClear Algae D-Solv Liquid #PB2002.
- It is OK to run pump continuously 24/7 or you may connect it to a timer.
Winterizing:
- If you live in a climate that experiences prolonged freezing conditions then we recommend removing the pump from the basin. Place the pump in a bucket of water and store it 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.
- We recommend covering the fountain during the winter months or moving it inside.
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 Vac may be used for draining the basin.
- Reconnect the pump and plug it in.
- Add Muck Buster to remove any remaining muck that was not able to be removed manually.
For more information visit shopbluethumb.com,
email sales@bluethumbponds.com
or
call 888-619-3474.