Install a Pond Kit
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.
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.) 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!!!