1. Introduction
This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and efficient installation, operation, and maintenance of your Atlantic Water Gardens PK191515T Professional Pond Kit. This kit is designed to create an 11 x 11-foot pond with a capacity of approximately 1400 gallons, offering a complete solution for a functional and aesthetically pleasing water feature.
Please read this manual thoroughly before beginning installation or operation. Retain this document for future reference.
Figure 1: Overview of the Atlantic Water Gardens PK191515T Professional Pond Kit. This image displays the primary components included in the kit, such as the pond liner, FilterFalls, skimmer, and pump, arranged for visual reference.
2. Safety Information
WARNING: Failure to follow these safety instructions may result in electric shock, fire, serious injury, or death.
- Always disconnect power to all electrical components before performing any maintenance or installation.
- Ensure all electrical connections are made by a qualified electrician and comply with local codes.
- Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) for all electrical outlets connected to pond equipment.
- Do not operate the pump or other electrical devices if the power cord is damaged.
- Keep children and pets away from the pond area during installation and operation.
- Exercise caution when lifting heavy components. Seek assistance if necessary.
- Ensure the pond area is level and stable to prevent structural issues.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all components listed below are present and undamaged before beginning installation. If any items are missing or damaged, contact Atlantic Water Gardens customer support.
- 15' x 15' Pond Liner
- Matching Underlayment for Pond Liner
- BF1900 19" Spillway FilterFalls
- PS4600 Medium Pond Skimmer (4000 GPH capacity)
- TT4000 Waterfall Pump (4000 GPH)
- 2" x 25' PVC Tubing
- LED Lighting Kit
- Instruction Manual (this document)
4. Setup and Installation
This section provides a general overview of the installation process. Refer to detailed diagrams and specific instructions provided with individual components for precise steps.
4.1 Site Preparation
- Select Location: Choose a level area away from large trees to minimize leaf debris. Ensure access to a GFCI-protected electrical outlet.
- Mark Pond Outline: Use spray paint or a rope to mark the desired 11 x 11-foot pond shape.
- Excavate Pond: Dig the pond to your desired depth, creating shelves for plants and varying depths for fish (if applicable). Ensure smooth contours and remove any sharp objects.
- Create Skimmer and FilterFalls Locations: Excavate areas for the PS4600 Skimmer and BF1900 FilterFalls according to their respective manuals. The FilterFalls should be at the highest point of the waterfall.
4.2 Liner and Underlayment Installation
- Install Underlayment: Line the excavated pond area with the provided underlayment, ensuring full coverage and protection against punctures.
- Install Pond Liner: Carefully unfold and position the 15' x 15' pond liner over the underlayment. Allow it to conform to the pond's shape, minimizing wrinkles.
- Secure Edges: Temporarily secure the liner edges with rocks or bricks.
4.3 Component Placement and Connection
- Skimmer Installation: Position the PS4600 Skimmer at the pond's edge, ensuring its opening is at the water level. Connect the TT4000 pump inside the skimmer.
- FilterFalls Installation: Install the BF1900 FilterFalls at the designated waterfall location.
- Tubing Connection: Connect the 2" PVC tubing from the pump (inside the skimmer) to the inlet of the FilterFalls. Ensure all connections are secure and watertight.
- LED Lighting: Install the LED lighting components according to their separate instructions, placing them to enhance the pond's evening appearance.
4.4 Filling and Finishing
- Fill Pond: Slowly fill the pond with water, allowing the liner to settle. Adjust liner edges as the pond fills.
- Trim Liner: Once the pond is full and the liner has settled, trim excess liner, leaving enough to secure under coping stones or landscaping.
- Landscape: Integrate the pond into your landscape using rocks, plants, and other decorative elements.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Initial Startup
- Ensure the pond is filled to the appropriate operating level, covering the skimmer opening.
- Verify all electrical connections are secure and plugged into GFCI-protected outlets.
- Turn on the power to the TT4000 Waterfall Pump. Water should begin flowing from the FilterFalls, creating your waterfall.
- Activate the LED lighting system as desired.
5.2 Continuous Operation
The pump and filtration system are designed for continuous operation to maintain water quality. Monitor water levels regularly and replenish as needed due to evaporation or splash-out.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of your pond kit.
6.1 Skimmer and FilterFalls Cleaning
- Skimmer Basket: Periodically empty the skimmer basket of leaves and debris. Frequency depends on debris load.
- Filter Mats: Clean or replace the filter mats in the FilterFalls and skimmer as they become clogged. Rinse with pond water to preserve beneficial bacteria.
- Pump Cleaning: Annually, or if flow decreases significantly, remove the TT4000 pump and clean its impeller and housing.
6.2 Water Quality
- Water Testing: Regularly test pond water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) to ensure a healthy environment for aquatic life.
- Algae Control: Implement appropriate algae control measures as needed, such as beneficial bacteria treatments or UV clarifiers (sold separately).
6.3 Winterization (for cold climates)
- Disconnect Pump: Before freezing temperatures, disconnect and remove the TT4000 pump from the pond. Clean it thoroughly and store it in a frost-free location submerged in water.
- Drain FilterFalls/Skimmer: Drain water from the FilterFalls and skimmer to prevent freezing damage.
- Remove LED Lights: If not rated for freezing, remove and store LED lights.
- Pond De-icer: Consider using a pond de-icer to maintain an open hole in the ice for gas exchange if fish are overwintering.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pump not running / No water flow | No power; Clogged impeller; Damaged pump. | Check GFCI outlet; Disconnect power and clean impeller; Inspect pump for damage, replace if necessary. |
| Reduced water flow from FilterFalls | Clogged filter mats; Partially clogged pump impeller; Kinked tubing. | Clean filter mats; Clean pump impeller; Inspect and straighten tubing. |
| Pond water is cloudy or green | Insufficient filtration; Excessive nutrients; Algae bloom. | Clean filter mats; Reduce fish feeding; Add beneficial bacteria; Consider UV clarifier. |
| Water level dropping rapidly | Leak in liner; Excessive splash-out; Evaporation. | Inspect liner for punctures; Adjust waterfall flow; Replenish water regularly. |
8. Specifications
- Model Number: PK191515T
- Pond Size (Recommended): 11 ft x 11 ft
- Pond Capacity (Approximate): 1400 Gallons
- Liner Dimensions: 15 ft x 15 ft
- FilterFalls Model: BF1900 (19" Spillway)
- Pond Skimmer Model: PS4600 (4000 GPH capacity)
- Waterfall Pump Model: TT4000 (4000 GPH)
- Tubing: 2" x 25' PVC
- UPC: 727429004586
- Manufacturer: Atlantic Water Gardens
9. Warranty and Support
Atlantic Water Gardens products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty details regarding your PK191515T Professional Pond Kit and its components, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official Atlantic Water Gardens website.
For technical assistance, replacement parts, or warranty claims, please contact Atlantic Water Gardens customer support directly. Have your model number (PK191515T) and proof of purchase available when contacting support.
Contact Information:
- Website: www.atlanticwatergardens.com
- Phone: Refer to the website for current contact numbers.
