Installation of a Pondfree Waterfall Kit

Step One – Sizing the Pump Vault Basin

Pondless waterfall basins are approximately 80% rock and 20% water. Thus, it is important to have a correctly-sized basin to hold the pump vault. If the basin is too small, your pump might run dry and burn out.

1. Determine the length, width, and depth of your waterfall to calculate the cubic volume required for the basin.
2. Add the waterfall cubic volume and the pump vault’s volume together.
3. Divide the total cubic volume by 0.2 (because there is only 20% water in the basin).
4. Divide the total height of the pump vault by the total cubic volume to determine the basin size required.

Step Two – Digging the Hole for the Pump Vault Basin

The pump vault (the "bucket" contraption) measures approximately 20" x 20" x 15". This will be sitting in the hole; you will need to dig a hole according to the basin size (calculated in step 1) that will allow the pump vault to fit into it fully.

Step Three – Build Up Waterfall Mound

Using the dirt from the hole, as well as some dirt and stone from your local quarry, build up a mound for your waterfall. This can be designed however you want, but keep in mind that your Bio Waterfall will need to sit at the top.

Step Four – Installing the Bio Waterfall Filter

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. Choose an appropriate location for the BioWaterfall, it should be high enough to allow for proper drainage. Create a stable foundation to place the BioWaterfall on. Ensure that the BioWaterfall is level and will drain properly. Attach the bulkhead fitting with the barbed fitting to the BioWaterfall with a gasket on either side of the pre-cut hole.

Step Five – Lining the Waterfall

Using first the underlay, then the liner, line the hole for your pump vault, all the way up to the top of your spillway. This will prevent losing water and constantly having to top off your waterfall.

Step Six – Installing the Pump and Pump Vault

Insert the pump vault into the hole. Place the pump inside the pump vault, and connect the pump to the Bio Waterfall using tubing and clamps - connect the tubing to the barb-head fitting and secure with a clamp. Close the lid on top of the pump vault, and start filling the area with water. Once the pump has started working, fill the area surrounding the pump vault with pebbles. Then fill the rest of the hole with water, until the water from the Bio Waterfall flows continuously.