Airmax SolarSeries Floating Fountain Owner's Manual

1. System Components

SolarSeries Fountain Components

The fountain unit includes the power unit and float. It comes with three spray patterns: Trumpet, Crown & Trumpet, and Classic (no nozzle required).

SolarSeries Solar Panel Components

The system includes SolarSeries Solar Panels (4) and MC4 Cables (pre-wired leads on back of each panel).

SolarSeries Power Cord

Available in 100'-300' lengths, with strain relief cable attachment.

SolarSeries Fountain Disconnect Switch & Controller Assembly

This assembly is crucial for controlling the fountain's power.

2. Important Safety Instructions

• Read all assembly and operating instructions carefully.
• Never enter the water with the fountain plugged in or operating.
• Warning - Risk of electric shock. Use grounding conductor. Not approved for swimming pool areas.
• Do not modify switch or controller wiring.
• Only use Airmax components.
• Never run the unit out of water; it will damage seals and create a hazard.
• Never lift or drag the fountain by the power cord.
• During freezing temperatures, remove the fountain and store inside.
• Always wear a Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device when installing from a boat or raft.
• Follow all instructions for proper installation of electrical components.
• Ensure hands are dry before performing maintenance or troubleshooting electrical components.
• Always turn the disconnect switch to OFF before removing the fountain for maintenance or storage.
• Wait 48 hours between post installation and solar panel installation for concrete to cure.
• Avoid installation in windy conditions to prevent damage to solar panels or hardware.
• Check for local underground utilities before digging holes for solar mounting systems.
• Avoid installation where solar mounting systems could contact utility poles or wires.
• System must be properly grounded per installation instructions.
• Airmax is not responsible for equipment damage, failure, injury, or death resulting from failure to follow safety precautions, misuse, or abuse.
• GROUNDING: Product must be grounded per installation procedures. Grounding reduces electric shock risk.
• WARNING: Consult a qualified electrician if grounding instructions are unclear. Do not modify grounding equipment.

3. System Installation

A) Tools & Hardware Required (Not included with system)

Tools:

• Post Pounder
• Sledge Hammer
• Post hole digger or auger
• Wheelbarrow
• Shovel
• Rake
• Step Ladder
• 1/2" Drill (cordless or electric)
• 1/4" x 6" drill bit
• 5/8" x 6" drill bit
• 3/16" Allen wrench
• 7/16" socket and ratchet
• 7/16" wrench
• 1/2" wrench
• 3/4" deep-well socket and ratchet
• 3/4" wrench
• #2 Phillips screwdriver
• #2 slotted screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Marker or pencil
• 4' level
• Cable cutters
• C-clamps or bar clamps (2 with a minimum 4" throat depth)
• Waders and Coast Guard-approved life jacket
• Compass (or smart phone with compass app)
• Cardboard/blankets/towels to block solar panel energy
• 10-15 gallons of cold water

Hardware:

• TWO 2-1/2" dia. x 10' (min) Schedule 40 Galvanized Steel Pole (2.875" O.D. / 2.47" I.D.)
• TWO 1/2" dia. x 8' copper grounding rods
• 4" (I.D.) Schedule 20 PVC pipe (for burying power cord, quantities vary; Schedule 40 if burying under a roadway)
• 1/2" dia. x 8" rebar (2)
• Concrete bags - 60 lb (10) or 80 lb (8)
• 2 x 4 wooden block (6" - 8" long)
• 2 x 4 x 8' wooden studs for bracing posts (4)
• 24" wooden stakes (4)
• 3" wood screws w/ appropriate drill tip
• Airmax Mooring Kit (recommended)
• Electrical or duct tape

See Video Instructions of the Airmax SolarSeries Fountain Installation Online

B) Post Installation

1. Ensure solar mounting pole holes do not interfere with underground utilities.
2. Locate the system away from irrigation sprinklers.
3. Select a solar panel mounting location well above the high-water mark with optimum southern exposure. Ensure the location is clear of obstructions like trees, shrubbery, buildings, or privacy fences (Fig. 3).
4. Establish a plane perpendicular to solar south. Solar south is determined by the pivot angle needed for optimum southern exposure based on geographical regions. This plane ensures solar panels do not interfere with each other's exposure (Fig. 4).
5. Offset from Magnetic South: Determine your east/west pivot using magnetic declination. Use the NOAA website (https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/calculators/magcalc.shtml) to find your declination. Enter your zip code, get latitude and longitude, then calculate declination. Note your latitude.
6. Post Alignment: Lay a 10' galvanized pole on the ground. Use a compass or compass app to position the pole perpendicular to magnetic south. Pivot one end of the post in the appropriate direction based on your region. For example, if zip code 48005 (Armada, MI) is used, pivot 7° west (Fig. 4B).
7. Post Spacing: Dig TWO 10"-12" diameter holes, 36" deep (min). Posts should be approximately 76"-80" apart, leaving 8"-10" between each set of solar panels (Fig. 4C). This spacing helps prevent interference with solar panel wiring. Note: Hole can be bell-shaped at the bottom, but never at the top.
8. Use a 5/8" drill bit to drill a hole 8"-10" up from the bottom of each pole. Insert 1/2" rebar into each hole, ensuring equal amounts show on each side. Secure rebar with electrical tape/duct tape or a zip tie to keep it centered until the post is set. This prevents the post from rotating in the concrete under high wind conditions (Fig. 5).
9. Mix concrete and water according to manufacturer's specifications.
10. Place a post in the center of the first hole and pour concrete 4"-6" below grade. Repeat for the second post. Keeping concrete slightly below grade prevents curbing.
11. Plumb posts with a level and brace using 2x4 studs, clamps, and stakes. Allow a minimum of 48 hours for concrete to cure before installing assemblies and solar panels (Fig. 9).
12. Drive an 8' grounding rod into the ground 6"-8" away from the inside edge of the concrete (Fig. 9), leaving approximately 6" exposed above grade. Repeat for the second grounding rod. Grounding wire will be installed later.
13. If burying the power cord, use 4" schedule 20 PVC pipe. If burying under a driveway or roadway, use 4" schedule 40 PVC pipe. Bury conduit 6"-8" below grade (Fig. 10).

C) EasyMount Main Assembly Installation

1. Mark the post approximately 3" down from the top on the south side using a pencil or permanent marker.
2. If installing alone, clamp a 2x4 block to the post at the 3" mark to provide a shoulder/shelf for the EasyMount Main Assembly upper beam (Fig. 2).
3. Rest the EasyMount Main Assembly upper beam on the clamp/block. Secure using two U-bolts, washers, lock washers, and nuts. Tighten one half turn past hand tight using a 3/4" deep-well socket wrench. Secure the lower pole mount beam with the second U-bolt and tighten. Leave U-bolts loose enough to pivot the assembly when re-establishing solar south (Fig. 3).
4. Pivot the EasyMount Assembly to face solar south, based on the recommended angle for your region. Tighten all four U-bolts securely using a 3/4" deep well socket wrench.
5. Use your region's latitude to set the optimal tilt angle (Fig. 5). Refer to the table for recommended tilt angles (Fig. 5A).
6. If not running the system in winter, use your latitude as the reference point and set the tilt angle closest to your latitude (e.g., 42° latitude = 40° tilt angle).
7. If running the system year-round, add 10°-15° to your latitude for optimum performance during shorter daylight hours. For example, 42° latitude could be set to 55° or 60° for winter optimization. Airmax recommends setting the tilt angle for winter months due to reduced daylight.
8. Remove the tilt support hardware from the temporary location on the support rail. Attach the tilt support strut to the appropriate hole in the panel support rail to set the angle. Secure using the provided tilt support hardware. Tighten completely using two 3/4” wrenches. Repeat for the opposite side (Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B).
9. Continue by installing a panel support rail extension. Remove bolts, lock washers, and nuts from the end of the rail extension connector. Attach to the panel support rail. Tighten using a 7/16" wrench and socket wrench (Fig. 7). Repeat for the opposite side.
10. Tighten the four pivot bracket bolts using a 3/4” socket wrench (Fig. 8).
11. Repeat steps 1-8 for the second post and EasyMount Assembly.

D) Solar Panel Installation & Grounding

CAUTION: Cover solar panels with cardboard, blankets, or towels to prevent voltage transmission during installation. Avoid installing on windy days.

1. Position a single-sided solar panel clamp at the bottom edge of one panel support rail extension and tighten using a 7/16" wrench. Do not tighten the top hex bolt yet to allow room to slip the solar panel frame into the clamp (Fig. 1). Repeat for the second panel support rail extension.
2. Temporarily position a double-sided solar panel clamp at the joint between the support rail and support rail extension; hand tighten only (Fig. 2). Repeat for the second panel support rail extension.
3. Position a single-sided solar panel clamp at the top edge of one panel support rail and hand tighten only (Fig. 3). Repeat for the second panel support rail extension.
4. Position the first solar panel so the wiring junction faces the interior, ensuring all junction boxes face the adjacent solar post mount assembly (Fig. 4). Rest the panel on the two lower single-sided clamps, ensuring the solar panel frame is beneath the clamp. Hand tighten each clamp. (Two people recommended).
5. Loosen the double-sided clamp from the rail on each side. Position the clamps to seat against the top frame of the solar panel. Secure clamps to the rail, but leave the top hex bolt loose for positioning the next solar panel (Fig. 5).
6. Position the second solar panel atop the double-sided clamps, ensuring the wiring junction box faces the same direction as the lower panel. Hand tighten. Slide the top two single-sided clamps down until they seat against the top frame of the upper solar panel. Secure the clamp to the rail with a 7/16" wrench, but leave the top hex bolts hand tight (Fig. 6).
7. Use a tape measure to center the upper and lower solar panel widthwise on the panel support rails, measuring approximately 17-1/2" from the rail to the panel edge on each side. Once centered, secure all clamps using a 7/16" wrench, but do not over tighten. Ensure all bolts securing clamps to the rail and upper bolts securing panels are tightened (Fig. 7).
8. Repeat steps 1-7 for the second set of solar panels.
9. Grounding Your System: Attach a grounding lug to the center grounding location of each solar panel using the provided screw and nut (Fig. 9). Tighten using a Phillips screwdriver.
10. Feed one end of the 12' copper grounding wire through each solar panel grounding lug and secure using a slotted screwdriver (Fig. 10).
11. Slide one ground rod clamp onto the opposite end of the 12' copper grounding wire. Loosen the bolt on the ground rod clamp, attach it to one of the upper U-bolts on the EasyMount assembly, and secure it, ensuring good contact with the U-bolt. Leave some slack in the cable for potential tilt angle changes (Fig. 11).
12. Feed the remainder of the grounding cable down the pole and attach in 3-4 places using cable ties (Fig. 12). Run the grounding cable down the south side of the pole to avoid interference with the Disconnect Switch and Controller Assembly.
13. Feed the grounding cable through a ground rod clamp and temporarily secure it on top of the grounding rod. Excess cable can be cut and discarded or buried alongside the grounding rod.
14. Repeat steps 9-13 for the second EasyMount Assembly.
15. Run the 8' grounding cable from the first to the second grounding rod. Loosen the ground rod clamp on one rod, feed one end of the cable into the clamp, and re-secure to the ground rod. Repeat for the opposite grounding rod (Fig. 15).

E) Disconnect Switch, Controller, and Fountain Power Cord Installation

1. Measure 10"-12" down from the bottom beam of the EasyMount Main Assembly and mark the post. Remove the 4 bolts holding the controller and disconnect switch mounting brackets together using a 3/16" Allen wrench. The assembly can be mounted to either post.
2. Position the top of the disconnect switch mounting bracket at the mark. Attach the controller mounting bracket to the disconnect switch mounting bracket using FOUR Allen bolts (Fig. 2A). Secure with a 3/16” Allen wrench. Ensure the switch and controller are parallel to the solar panels for accessibility (Fig. 2B).
3. Leave the switch in the OFF position until all wiring is complete and the fountain is moored.
4. Using MC4 cables and connectors, wire the four panels in series per the diagram (Fig. 4). Connect the negative lead from the first panel to the corresponding connector on the disconnect switch. Wire subsequent panels so the wire exits on the + and flows to the – on the next panel. The + terminal on the last panel connects to the shut-off switch. (Solar panel cables are labeled with + and - symbols. Diagram shows control panel on the 'right' pole; flip wiring if control panel is on the 'left' pole).
5. Use a rope or fish tape to pull the power cord through the pipe from the shore to the mounting pole. Feed the correct power cord quick disconnect into the PVC pipe for a proper connection to the controller whip.
6. Connect the power cord disconnect to the output side of the controller whip (Fig. 6).
7. Use a cable tie to secure the power cord to the pole as a strain relief and to prevent strain on the disconnect.

Recommended Final Grade and Surface Prep: Prep areas beneath and around the Airmax SolarSeries assembly with ground fabric and finish with stone or mulch to prevent damage during lawn maintenance and vegetation growth.

Note: Use provided zip ties to secure MC4 cables to solar panels to prevent wear or chafing during windy conditions.

F) Fountain Set Up & Installation

1. Choose Your Spray Pattern (Fig. 1): The SolarSeries fountain creates a classic pattern without a nozzle. Trumpet and Crown & Trumpet patterns are included. To change patterns, unscrew the nozzle nut, replace the pattern, and reinstall the nozzle nut (hand tighten only). Remove the nozzle nut when displaying the classic pattern.
2. Assembling the Unit (Fig. 2): Lay the float flat with the Airmax logo up. Place the fountain pump assembly into the center of the float. Lift the float straight up, ensuring the fountain pump lead power cord passes through the center hole. Gently lay the fountain aside. Securely attach the power cord to the fountain pump lead quick disconnect. Attach the power cord strain relief to the D-ring on the lower intake basket assembly. Attach a mooring cable (not included) using the outside mounting locations on opposite sides of the fountain float.
3. Installing the SolarSeries Fountain in Your Pond or Lake (Fig. 3): Pick up the fountain by the float and place it into the water. Note: A minimum of 36” of water is required for proper operation. Tie one side of the mooring cable to a stake and drive it securely into the ground. Take the other stake and mooring cable, walk around the pond pulling the fountain across the water. Once in position, tie the second mooring cable to the second stake and drive it securely into the ground.
4. Ensure both mooring cables are snug to prevent the fountain from twisting and shifting during operation.
5. Center Mooring Fountain (alternative): Anchor the fountain to the pond floor using blocks. Spread blocks apart so mooring lines are snug and the fountain cannot spin from motor force, preventing tangled lines.
6. At this time, after all connections are made and the system is properly grounded, test the fountain by turning the disconnect switch to the ON position.

4. Initial Start-Up

1. Depending on sunlight quality, a pattern should slowly emerge. The fountain takes approximately 10-15 seconds to start after powering on.
2. The height of each spray pattern depends on the time of day and cloud cover. Maximum advertised height and width are achieved when solar panels are exposed to maximum sunlight. Fluctuations in pattern size are normal (Fig. 2).
3. If the fountain does not produce a pattern upon initial start-up, refer to the troubleshooting section.

5. Maintenance & Winter Storage

1) Maintenance

• Turn external disconnect switch to OFF before any maintenance.
• Periodically clean the fountain intake screen of debris, algae, and/or aquatic weeds.
• Periodically clean solar panels with a damp, soft cloth. DO NOT use abrasive sponges or cleaners.

2) Winter Removal and Storage

• Remove the fountain from the pond before ice forms.
• Install the winterization cap provided with the power cord quick disconnect. Coil the power cord on the shore or in the water near the pond's edge after installing the cap. Keep the disconnect out of the water to avoid damage from shifting ice.
• Clean or power wash any debris from the unit before storing.
• Store the fountain and float indoors whenever possible.

3) Spring Installation/Inspection

• Before reinstalling the fountain, check the condition of the power cord and quick disconnect connectors. Replace any o-rings that may be cracked or missing.
• Contact your local Airmax Certified Repair Center for annual inspection, preventative maintenance, and cleaning of the fountain motor assembly.

6. Troubleshooting

IF FOUNTAIN WILL NOT TURN ON

IF NOZZLE HAS POOR QUALITY STREAMS

IF FOUNTAIN STARTS AND STOPS

IF STREAMS RAISE AND LOWER

IF FOUNTAIN IS HUMMING - RUNNING

IF FOUNTAIN IS HUMMING - NOT RUNNING

* If your issue persists or is not covered, please contact your Certified Airmax Service Technician.

7. Replacement Parts & Accessories

SolarSeries Fountain Replacement Parts

• 653100 Float Mount Ring Assembly, 12"
• 651253 Float Mount Ring Hardware Assembly
• 653102 Discharge Horn Assembly
• 3a. 653311 Discharge Horn Discharge Horn O-Ring, 4"
• 3b. 652163 Pump Screw Assembly (6)
• 653103 Upper Shroud with Bearing Assembly
• 651620 Lower Shroud, 4"
• 653105 Impeller & Clip Assembly, 3/4 - 1 HP
• 6a. 651474 Spiral Retaining Ring
• 653107 Thrust Bearing Assembly
• 8. 653215 3/4" Stainless Coated Shaft 1/2 - 1 HP
• 9. 653213 Stainless Shaft Coupler Assembly 3/4 - 5 HP
• 10. 652157 Sand Slinger Washer Assembly 3/4 - 5 HP
• 11. 232561 Sacrificial Anode
• 12. 654816 Motor Assembly 100v 3 PH
• 13. 651931 4-Pin Motor Lead with Disconnect, SolarSeries Only
• 14. 652162 Cooling Shroud Screw Assembly
• 15. 651861 Stainless Cooling Shroud Assembly, 1/2 - 3/4 HP
• 16. 651196 T-Knob Assembly
• 17. 653209 Intake Basket Assembly, 3/4 - 1 HP
• 18. 653112 Intake Extension with Hardware
• 19. 652219 Tie-Down Ring
• 20. 653111 Intake Bottom Plate with Hardware
• 21. 651500 Float, 34", Blue w/Airmax Logo

SolarSeries Disconnect Switch & Controller Assembly

• 1. 654817 Fountain Disconnect Switch & Controller Assembly Complete
• 2. 654812 Replacement Disconnect Switch
• 3. 654813 Replacement Fuses for Disconnect Switch
• 4. 654819 Fountain Disconnect Switch & Controller Mounting Assembly

SolarSeries EasyMount Assembly Replacement Parts

• 1. 653911 Solar Panel
• 2. 654117 EasyMount Assembly Complete
• 3. 654116 EasyMount Post-Mount Assembly
• 4. 654119 EasyMount Rail Extension
• 5. 654126 EasyMount Support Rail & Support Strut
• 6. 654127 EasyMount Single-Sided Clamp (2 pack)
• 7. 654128 EasyMount Double-Sided Clamp (2 pack)

Airmax, Inc. Airmax SolarSeries Fountain Limited Warranty

Airmax, Inc. warrants to the original purchaser (the end user) of any Airmax SolarSeries Fountain manufactured by Airmax, Inc. that any component which proves to be defective in materials or workmanship, as determined by the factory within 3 years (fountain, electrical components & mounting hardware) / 25 years* (solar panels) from the original purchased date, will be repaired or replaced at no charge with a new or remanufactured part, and returned freight prepaid. The end user shall assume all responsibility and expense for removal, packaging, and freight to ship to Airmax, Inc. to determine the warranty claim and for all reinstallation expenses.

The warranty is void in cases where damage results from: improper installation, improper wiring, alteration, lightning, careless handling, misuse, abuse, disassembly of motor or failure to follow maintenance or operating instructions. Modification or repair by an unauthorized repair facility will void the warranty.

Airmax, Inc. or its dealers will not accept responsibility for any costs incurred by the user during installation, removal, inspection, evaluation, repair, parts replacement, or for return freight. Liability for loss of use, profits, goodwill, consequential damage, or personal injuries is also excluded.

To resolve warranty issues, notify the dealer who can assist and contact the factory if necessary. A Return Material Authorization (RMA) from the dealer is required before shipment. Freight collect shipments will not be accepted.

Products or parts must be returned freight prepaid, to the factory, as directed, in original packaging or a container that prevents damage. Shipping damage to returned parts will not be covered under warranty. If the factory evaluation concludes defects in materials or workmanship, parts will be replaced with new, remanufactured parts, or repaired at the factory's option. Warranty period for all parts supplied under warranty terminates at the end of the original product's warranty. All warranty shipments from the factory will be shipped freight prepaid.

Warranty registration is HIGHLY recommended. Register at airmaxeco.com/warranty within 30 days of purchase.

No implied warranties are made by Airmax, Inc. for its products. The purchaser's sole remedy is repair or replacement of the product as expressly provided.

*Degradation of solar panels not to exceed 2% in year one and 0.58% annually from years 2 to 30.

Spray Patterns

The Airmax SolarSeries Fountain offers various spray patterns. For detailed information and visuals, visit Airmax online at airmaxeco.com.

• Crown & Trumpet Pattern
• Optional Double Arch Pattern
• Optional Double Arch & Geyser Pattern
• Optional Single Arch Pattern