Installing an Advanced Liner Pond Kit with Biofalls Filter and Pond Skimmer

An advanced liner pond comprises a skimmer and a bio waterfall, which should be installed on opposite ends of the pond in order to maximize water circulation. The purpose of a skimmer is to skim the surface of the water for debris. A skimmer works best when it is installed downwind (the prevailing winds can direct leaves and other debris towards the skimmer). To maximize water circulation, water should re-enter the pond at the opposite end of the skimmer. The re-entry of water into the pond also creates currents that propel additional debris into the skimmer.

A wier door on the skimmer opening keeps fish from entering the unit. The pump is designed to reside inside the skimmer, and water should be pumped from the skimmer to the bio waterfall unit, where water is filtered and then returned to the pond via a waterfall.

Preliminary steps:

1. Mark the desired outline for your pond with a rope or chalk. Remember to mark out the basins for the skimmer and the bio waterfall filter, which should be on opposite ends of the pond. A basin will need to be dug for the skimmer, which needs to be slightly larger than the unit itself. The biofalls should be positioned on the opposite side of the pond as the skimmer, and the biofalls unit should be high above the pond enough to allow for proper drainage.
2. Excavate 8 to 10 inches deep to create a narrow shelf to support a stone veneer for hiding the pond liner. This shelf should be 6 to 12 inches wide. Coping or edging will eventually rest on top of the stone veneer.
3. Remove the majority of the dirt/sand, then begin to dig out the remainder of the cavity. Remember to add plant shelves. Most ponds are designed with shelves 9" to 12" below water level to hold plants. The pond sides should slope in about 20° from the vertical. Using a flat spade, cut a ledge 2" to 3" deep around the edge of the pond for the edging material. Check the edges of the hole with a level.
4. Prepare the hole for the pond liner by removing sharp stones or roots. Fabric liner underlay is recommended. This will protect your liner from punctures or tears that can be caused by roots or rocks.
5. Starting at the center of the pond, unfold the liner outward towards the sides. Wear sneakers or go barefoot when walking on the liner to protect it. The liner will likely bunch up; create a few large folds in order to eliminate most of the smaller ones. You can use double-sided liner seaming tape to seam these folds together.

How to Install Pond Skimmer:

1. Dig out the hole adjacent to the pond for the pond skimmer (it should be slightly larger than the skimmer box). Make sure the bottom of the skimmer hole is compacted and level. Place the skimmer into the hole and backfill. Level the skimmer box from front to back and side to side. When you’re finished the normal water level is 3/4 " to 1 1/2 " below the top of the weir opening.
2. Connect the skimmer to the pond liner. Hold the liner up against the skimmer opening allowing approximately 1" extension above the top of the skimmer box. Allow a little slack liner below the weir opening (the pond liner will settle a little after you have completed installation). Mark the perimeter of the weir opening and then cut out a hole 1/4 " smaller then the weir opening.
3. Reassemble the weir onto the skimmer box with the pond liner (purchased separately) sandwiched between the weir assembly and skimmer box. Locate the top two corner mounting holes. Using an awl or nail carefully punch holes through the pre-drilled weir plate and liner where the mounting screws are located. Insert the blackened screws and check alignment. The pond liner should fit comfortably.
4. Disassemble and apply the provided fish safe silicone sealant to the skimmer box around the weir opening and the screw holes. Reassemble. Punch the remaining holes through the liner. Insert screws and tighten nuts in the following order – 1. Top two corners, 2. Bottom two corners, 3. Remaining holes.
5. Take the two barb-head fittings that are provided and tightly screw them into the bulkhead fitting in the back of the skimmer. To connect a waterfall pump, place the pump in the back of the skimmer behind the basket and filter mat. The pump should rest on the bottom of the skimmer. Using non-kink tubing and clamps, connect the pump to the barb-head fitting and secure on both ends with clamp.
6. With the flat plastic lid that is provided you may wish to use landscape materials to blend it into the surrounding features

Install the Bio Waterfall Filter:

The BioWaterfall Filter, designed for ponds up to 5000 gallons, has been uniquely designed to have multi-levels of filtration, both mechanical and biological as well as create a large waterfall. For best results it should be run continuously. The Filter Rack should be cleaned regularly. Failure to do so may reduce water flow over the BioWaterfall.

1. Remove all the filter media and rinse off any dust and debris. Replace the filter media back into the BioWaterfall in the same order it was in. The bacteria and charcoal pouches should be laid out on top and in between the sponges, so that they come in contact with the water.
2. Create a stable foundation to place the BioWaterfall on. Ensure that the BioWaterfall is level and that it will drain properly.
3. Attach the bulkhead fitting with the barbed fitting to the BioWaterfall with a gasket on either side of the pre-cut hole.
4. To connect a waterfall pump (from the skimmer) to the bio waterfall, use non-kink tubing and clamps to connect the tubing to the barb-head fitting. Secure the tubing to the barb fitting with a hose clamp.
5. Affix the flat plastic lid that is provided on top of the unit. You may wish to use landscaping materials to blend it into the surrounding features.