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Installation
STEP 1
PLACEMENT OF THE SKIMMER
• In order to maximize circulation, the skimmer should be
placed directly across from a waterfall. If you do not have
a waterfall, use your area’s prevailing winds to determine
where you should place your skimmer along the longest
axis. Use the wind to help push the debris toward the
skimmer (Ex.1).
STEP 2
EXCAVATING YOUR POND BASIN
• If you are installing the skimmer on an existing pond, skip
this step and proceed to step three.
• 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. 2).
• Dig the second shelf another
8-10" deeper (Ex. 3).
• The third shelf (if desired) will
be excavated down another
6
"
reaching a final excavation
of 24
"
(Ex. 4).
Ex. 3
Ex. 4
Ex. 2
STEP 3
EXCAVATING YOUR SKIMMER LOCATION
• When installing the skimmer onto an existing pond you
will need to drain the water from the pond. If you have
fish, save some water from the pond and place in a large
bucket, kiddie pool, or cooler. Net your fish and place
them in your container. Be sure to add an aerator and
keep the fish in a shaded area.
• On existing ponds, remove any rock that is within 3 feet
on either side and in front of where you will place the
skimmer. Pull your existing liner and underlayment back
into the pond 3-4 feet from edge so you expose the area
that needs to be excavated for the skimmer.
• We recommend placing the skimmer upside-down in the
position you have chosen. Overhang about 6" towards
the inside of the pond to allow some slack in the liner and
make attaching the exterior liner plate easier.
• Using a can of brightly-colored spray paint, trace around
the skimmer to outline the area that is to be excavated.
• Excavate the skimmer
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. 5). If
installing on an existing
pond, use the known
water level as your guideline on how deep to excavate the
skimmer.
• Make sure the excavated area under the skimmer is
compacted and level.
• Install the two bulkheads into the back of the skimmer
prior to dropping into the excavated hole. Make sure the
rubber gasket is installed on the inside of the skimmer
(Ex. 6). The filter has two openings on the back, allowing
multiple plumbing options.
• Use a 2-foot bubble level to make sure your skimmer is
properly set into position. Your skimmer should be level
from side to side and front to back (Ex. 7).
Bulkhead
Rubber
Gasket
Nut
Plastic
Washer
Flex PVC
Bulkhead
Adapter
Ex. 6
Ex. 1
Prevailing Winds
Waterfall
Skimmer
Ideal Water Level
Front of Skimmer
Soil Level
on 1st Shelf
3/4"
Ex. 5
