1. Introduction
The Atlantic Water Gardens SP1900 FastFall is engineered to create the starting point of beautiful, natural-looking disappearing waterfalls and streams. Its robust design ensures durability and ease of integration into various landscape designs. This manual provides essential information for proper installation, operation, and maintenance to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your FastFall unit.
Image of the Atlantic FastFall SP1900 unit, a black, rectangular spillway with a wide opening at the front and three circular depressions on top.
2. Key Features
The SP1900 FastFall incorporates several design elements to enhance its functionality and durability:
- Internal Baffle Systems: Two internal baffles slow down water velocity and ensure even water distribution across the spillway, creating a smooth, consistent sheet of water.
- Molded Support Cones: These provide incredible strength, stabilizing the internal baffles and preventing crushing under heavy loads.
- Rear Liner Attachment: An innovative 'inside the liner' design with a one-piece liner flange simplifies installation and eliminates leakage concerns, even with potential settling.
- Reinforced Spillway Lip: Designed to retain rock, gravel, soil, or mulch, allowing for seamless integration into the surrounding landscape, even enabling planting directly over the unit.
- Sealed Construction: The unit is completely sealed except for the spillway opening, preventing water loss.
- FIPT Spinweld® Fitting: Includes an installed 2" or 3" FIPT Spinweld® fitting for easy plumbing connection.
Diagram illustrating the key features of the FastFall SP1900/SP2600/SP3800, including molded support cones, internal baffles, raised front radius, sealed design, molded gussets, and the FIPT Spinweld® fitting.
3. Setup and Installation
Proper installation is crucial for the performance and longevity of your FastFall. Follow these steps carefully:
- Site Preparation: Select a suitable location for your waterfall. Excavate the area for the FastFall unit at the highest point of your waterfall and dig the basin area for your pond-free system at the lowest point. Ensure the FastFall is level to achieve an even water flow.
- Liner Installation: Lay out your pond liner, ensuring it extends sufficiently to cover the basin and reach the FastFall unit.
- FastFall Connection: Position the FastFall unit. The innovative rear liner attachment allows the liner to be securely fastened to the back of the unit, creating a watertight seal. Use the provided one-piece liner flange and sealant to ensure a leak-free connection.
- Plumbing: Connect your pump's tubing or PVC pipe to the FastFall's FIPT Spinweld® fitting. Ensure all connections are tight and secure to prevent leaks.
- Concealment and Landscaping: Once plumbing is complete and tested, backfill around the FastFall unit. The reinforced spillway lip is designed to hold rock, gravel, soil, or mulch, allowing you to blend the unit seamlessly into your landscape. You can even plant directly over it for a natural appearance.
Close-up image showing the rear liner attachment point of the FastFall unit, featuring a circular flange with screws for secure liner connection.
Cutaway diagram showing the FastFall unit installed as part of a disappearing waterfall system, with water flowing from the spillway into an underground basin filled with water matrix blocks.
Side-view diagram illustrating the elevation and components of a pond-free waterfall system, with the FastFall unit positioned at the highest point, feeding water into a lower basin.
4. Operating Your FastFall
Once installed, the FastFall operates by receiving water from your pump through the connected plumbing. The internal baffle system within the unit diffuses the incoming water flow, ensuring it spreads evenly across the entire width of the spillway. This creates a consistent, smooth sheet of water that cascades over the spillway lip, forming the beginning of your waterfall or stream. The design is optimized for continuous operation, providing a steady and aesthetically pleasing water flow.
Image of a completed natural-looking waterfall feature, with water cascading over rocks and blending into the surrounding landscape, demonstrating the aesthetic result of using the FastFall.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance will help ensure the long-term performance and appearance of your FastFall and water feature:
- Debris Removal: Periodically check the spillway opening and the area around the FastFall for leaves, twigs, and other debris that could obstruct water flow.
- Water Quality: Maintain good water quality in your basin to prevent algae buildup, which can affect the appearance of the waterfall and potentially clog the pump or plumbing.
- Winterization: In regions with freezing temperatures, it is recommended to drain the system and remove the pump for winter storage to prevent damage from ice expansion. The FastFall unit itself is durable, but ensuring no standing water remains within the plumbing lines is advisable.
- Structural Inspection: Annually inspect the FastFall unit and surrounding landscaping for any signs of settling or shifting that might affect the levelness of the spillway.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your FastFall, consider the following common problems and solutions:
- Uneven Water Flow:
- Cause: The FastFall unit may not be perfectly level.
- Solution: Adjust the positioning of the FastFall to ensure it is level from side to side.
- Cause: Debris or sediment buildup within the internal baffles.
- Solution: Disconnect the plumbing and flush the FastFall unit to clear any obstructions.
- Water Leakage:
- Cause: Improperly sealed liner connection at the rear of the FastFall.
- Solution: Re-check the liner attachment, ensuring the flange is securely tightened and sufficient sealant is used.
- Cause: Loose plumbing connections.
- Solution: Tighten all pipe and hose connections to the FIPT Spinweld® fitting.
- Spillway Sagging (under heavy rock load):
- Cause: Excessive weight of rocks or landscaping material on the spillway lip or top of the unit.
- Solution: Redistribute the weight of the rocks. If necessary, add internal support beneath the spillway lip or within the unit (if accessible and safe to do so without compromising the sealed design) to prevent sagging. Consider using lighter decorative elements directly over the spillway opening.
7. Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 20.5 x 17 x 10.25 inches |
| Item Weight | 10 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Atlantic Water Gardens |
| Model Number | SP1900 |
8. Warranty and Support
For specific warranty information regarding your Atlantic Water Gardens SP1900 FastFall, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Atlantic Water Gardens website. For technical support, replacement parts, or further assistance, please contact Atlantic Water Gardens directly through their customer service channels.
