Koi Pond
Kit Installation
Complete instructions come with
our pond kits but here is a jist
of how easy they are to install!
You get everything you need with our Deluxe Pond Kits
including 45 mil EPDM liner, underlayment, Easy Pro Skimmer,
Aquafalls filter (filter and waterfall unit all-in-one), high efficiency pump,
check valve assembly, waterfall installation kit, flexible
PVC pipe, underwater light kit
with transformer
and Microbe Lift beneficial bacteria. Here's a link to our pond kit prices
and selection of sizes.
STEP 1.
OUTLINE THE POND AND PLACE UNITS
IN THEIR RESPECTIVE LOCATION
Make the outline of your pond (shown here in yellow). Place the
Aquafalls unit
on the opposite end of the pond as the skimmer and attach with
flexible pvc pipe (tubing). (Skimmer on far end of picture, Aquafalls at the bottom
of the photo).
STEP 2.
EXCAVATION.
Dig the pond out including the bog and marginal shelves
if you would like plants. (You can find complete pond
installation instructions in our Ponds Online Course here.)
You can roughly dig an area where the skimmer will go.
Later you will install it and complete the skimmer excavation.
STEP 3.
LINE THE POND
After the pond is all excavated the way you would like, remove all loose rocks and debris,
tamper down the sides and edges and place the underlayment down inside the pond.
Spread out as many folds as possible. Next, spread the pond liner over the pond and
spread out as many folds as possible.
STEP 4.
PLACE ROCKS & LIGHTING
Place larger rocks on the bottom of the walls and stack graduating smaller rocks up on top
of them. Try to use rocks that have smooth edges instead of sharp, jagged edges that
could puncture the liner. You do not have line the pond with rocks, but the rocks
add more surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow on, which results in a clearer pond.
Rocks can also make the pond look more natural and help protect the liner from UV
rays. The liners usually last at least 20 years regardless of the rocks, so it is
your choice regarding their use. A "typical" 11 ' x 16' pond will use
approx. 3-4 tons of 6" - 18" rocks and 1-2 tons of 1-2" rocks or
cobblestones. Make sure none of the rocks are limestone. Lime causes the pH
levels to go up, high algae blooms and can be fatal in high quantities to your fish.
Start working in the center of the pond and work your way out to the
edges when installing the rocks. Now is a good time to install the light(s) and hide
them among the rocks while you're putting the rocks in.
STEP 5.
INSTALL SKIMMER
After the rocks are installed you can start filling the pond with water then start
installing the skimmer. This will require a level, screw driver, silicone caulk
(provided) and a second person which makes it easier.
(Easy Pro Skimmer shown with optional extension tube. The extension tubes are great
since you can connect several of them together in case you want the skimmer and pump to be
a short distance away from the pond's edge.)
STEP 6.
INSTALL AQUAFALLS
You will again need your screw driver, silicone caulk, level,
shovel, awl (that thing with the pointed end so it will poke a hole in the liner in order
to screw the lip in place) and another person. Be sure you have plenty of liner from
the pond to go up to the Aquafalls or else have a seperate piece
of liner to attach to the Aquafalls and drape over the pond's edge.
STEP 7.
INSTALL PUMP ASSEMBLY IN SKIMMER
Attach the check valve assembly to the pump and place in skimmer.
STEP 8.
FINISH UP
Add optional water fill valve. This can be attached to a 1/2"
garden or irrigation tubing to keep the water level constant in your pond. It's good
for small ponds due to summer heat and evaporation.
Add lava rocks or bioballs (not
included, we recommend the 4.5 cu. ft. bag for large Aquafalls) to your Aquafalls unit and
add rocks along the rock edge inside the unit to help conceal it. (Waterfall foam included
in pond kit).
LANDSCAPE AS YOU WISH.
This is how the Easy Pro Skimmer can look when concealed:
See the black "hole"? That's where the skimmer is!
Can hardly see it here, too! The optional extension tubes are
great for concealing it away from the pond's edge.
ENJOY!!!
|
