5-Column GFRC "Basalt" Fountain Kit Installation Manual

5-COLUMN GFRC HANDCRAFTED "BASALT" FOUNTAIN PRE-PREP INFORMATION

Complete Kit Includes

• 5 Handcrafted "Basalt" Column Fountains
• Altum AquaBox® Basin w/ center support
• 800gph and 1300gph Mag-Drive Pumps
• A Double and a Triple Manifold with Ball Valves for Fountain Flow Control
• 5 Pre-cut Hoses, with quick disconnects
• Basin Screen (pre-cut) and Splash Apron
• 320lb Polished Pebbles

GFRC Handcrafted "Basalt" Fountain Dimensions

• 18"H Short Column 8" x 9"; approx. 18 lbs
• 24"H Small Column 9" x 11"; approx. 34 lbs
• 30"H Medium Column 10" x 11"; approx. 44 lbs
• 36"H Large Column 11" x 12"; approx. 54 lbs
• 48"H Tall Column 11" x 12" approx. 60 lbs
• Total weight of the 5 fountains; approx. 210 lbs

Be certain to avoid underground utilities. If uncertain call your utility company or Miss Dig.

IMPORTANT: WHEN UNBOXING, MOVING, OR INSTALLING YOUR GFRC FOUNTAIN(S) DO NOT LIFT OR CARRY BY THE HOSE UNION ASSEMBLY THAT EXTENDS INSIDE THE FOUNTAIN(S).

Fountain Placement on Basin

We recommend you choose location and positioning using the expertly calculated installation plan shown below. We chose this placement based on optimal pump flow. Your best viewing will be from the pump access corner.

Plumbing Setup

For ease of installation, the plumbing assembly will be complete. There are two pumps running hoses to the 5 fountains. Our GFRC fountains have an open bottom for easy installation, and also allows for play when positioning of your fountains.

2-split valve is on the 800 gph pump. Connect the two 4-foot hoses to this assembly.

3-split valve is on the 1300 gph pump. Connect the 6-foot hoses to this assembly.

Diagram illustrating the placement of the five GFRC 'Basalt' columns on the Altum AquaBox® Basin. It shows approximate positions for columns of sizes 18", 24", 30", 36", and 48" and indicates areas on the grate where the molded basin cones are located, which may obstruct hose routing.

ALTUM AQUABOX® BASIN/RESERVOIR

Altum Specs

• 52.5"square x 20"H Basin with 4 molded supports
• 2-piece 48"square Grate
• Pump Access Cover with cord notch in one of the halves

Recommended Tools for Installation

• Shovel, Marking Paint, Level, Rake and/or Tamp

Choosing Your Fountain Location

Locate your fountain near your preferred viewing area where both water and electricity services are accessible for the pump.

Plumbing Diagram

This diagram shows how to set up the plumbing.

• The yellow and orange are 4' kink-free hoses that will attach to the two smallest fountains. They are attached to the 2-split valve manifold.
• The red, green and purple are 6' kink-free hoses that will attach to the larger three fountains. They are attached to the 3-split valve manifold with the largest 48" fountain (red hose) attaching to the single flow side of the manifold for strongest pump flow.

This plumbing assembly process allows easy access to the pump after the functioning GFRC "Basalt" Column Fountain Kit is in place.

Detailed plumbing diagram for the GFRC 5-Column Fountain Kit. It shows the connection of two pumps (800 gph and 1300 gph) with their respective split manifolds (2-way and 3-way) to the five fountain columns using color-coded hoses: yellow and orange 4-foot hoses connect to the 24" and 18" fountains via the 2-way split; red, green, and purple 6-foot hoses connect to the 48", 36", and 30" fountains via the 3-way split. The red hose is specifically shown connected to the 48" fountain for maximum pump flow.

ALTUM AQUABOX® BASIN INSTALLATION

STEP 1 Mark Excavation Area

If your basin comes with a cardboard cover, you may leave it in place to keep dirt from falling in during installation. Prepare to excavate by using marking paint to trace around your basin about 1"-2" wider than the top. Move basin aside.

STEP 2 Excavation of Basin Area

Using a shovel, dig approximately 22" straight down into the ground and slightly wider than the fountain basin making sure to remove any sharp rocks or roots.

STEP 3 Level and Tamp Soil

Important! Level the bottom of the hole with a layer of sand or small gravel and tamp it down thoroughly. This prevents settling over time, especially in the center where the weight load is heaviest.

STEP 4 Set Basin in Place

Set basin in the hole and verify that the box top is level and approximately 2" below grade. Position the basin within the hole. Make sure the pump access in the grate is orientated near electrical service.

STEP 5 Check Basin is Leveled

Using a level, ensure the fountain basin remains level side to side. The basin should sit solidly on the leveled ground below. Hanging the lip of the basin on the surface can cause the basin to buckle over time.

Optional Auto Fill Kit Install

If an Auto Fill Kit is being incorporated, you may bury your water supply line and make any Auto Fill connections at this time. Item: #ABDAUTO

STEP 6 Backfill to Stabilize and Secure the Basin

If your basin included a cardboard cover leave it in place while you backfill to prevent soil from falling into the basin. Backfill around the box and soil using excavated soil or self-compacting material such as sand or pea gravel. When using excavated soil be sure to regularly compact with a tamper. Now you may brush off and remove cardboard. Vacuum out any dirt that may have fallen into the basin. IMPORTANT: Once Altum Basin is in place, clean basin area of any lose dirt.

STEP 7 Slope and Smooth Ground

Using a shovel, create a gentle slope starting approximately 18 inches from the edge of the basin. Slope the ground toward the basin lip to help direct any water runoff back into the basin, minimizing water loss. Clear any rocks and tamp to smooth.

STEP 8 Install Splash Apron Prior to Fountain Installation

Cut the Splash Apron

Measure to find center on the sheet of liner, then measure 20" in each direction from the center point. Cut out a 40" x 40" square out of the splash apron center. This size will leave 4 inches all around to tuck under the basin grate.

Lay the Splash Apron

Lay the splash apron over the open basin. You will want to have the pumps and plumbing set in the basin, and in position to thread hoses through the 2-piece grate once placed. Set screened grates over the liner. Adjust until positioning of the splash apron is secure and satisfactory.

GFRC 5-COLUMN FOUNTAIN INSTALLATION

Remove cardboard and vacuum out any dirt that may have fallen into the basin during the basin installation. Wipe clean before adding water.

You may fill your basin with clean water at this point to stabilize the basin, or you may wait until your fountains are in place. Before filling pull both pump cords through the notch on the pump access cover. Do not get the plugs wet.

STEP 1 Fountain Set-up Orientation

Fountain Placement on Basin

The screen has had holes cut for fountains placement without molded support cone interference. Remember to have the basin grate oriented with the pump access toward your desired best view, with the smaller fountains in the front.

Basin Grate Placement

The grate halves are designed to meet over two support columns, ensuring maximum strength. An additional PVC Center Support may be included for added stability.

Pump Plumbing Assemblies

For ease of installation, the plumbing assemblies are complete. A Pump Discharge Assembly 3-split valve manifold comes attached to the 1300 gph Mag-Drive Pump, which will have 6 ft. hoses connected to it. The smaller 800 gph Mag-Drive Pump will be connected by two 4 ft. hoses to the two smaller fountains. If maintenance is needed, gently turn manifold 1 to 3 turns. Do not over tighten.

Check These Pump Assemblies should be under the Pump Access, and the PVC Center Support Column should be in the center of the basin. Also, take care not to kink or bind the hoses.

NOTE: The notched end of the hose is designed to attach to the rock and allow passage for a plume lighting cord. If you are installing the fountain without a light kit, simply thread this notched end into the hose union inside the fountain—it will not cause any issues.

STEP 2 Thread Hoses through Basin Grate

Pay attention so that the hose sizes line up with your fountain positions.

2a: Thread the notched end of the hoses through the screened basin two holes on the solid grate.

2b: Set the grate in place gently, taking care not to pinch hoses.

2c: Thread the other three hoses through on the grate with the pump access.

STEP 3 Attach the Bubbler Rock(s)

Caution: Some taller columns contain a long internal extension tube. Mishandling may damage this component. Handle with care during installation.

3a: Set the bubbler rock on the basin near the designated protruding hose.

3b: Lay or tilt the rock on its edge and hand-tighten the hose to the union assembly located on the underside of the rock.

3c: Carefully stand the rock upright while keeping the flex hose from binding where it extends through the grate.

3d: Repeat for remaining bubbler rocks and gently adjust the placement of rocks to your liking.

Finish Fill and Test

If you haven't already added water to the fountain basin, use a garden hose to add water until the basin is filled to the bottom of the grates. Also fill the kettle with water until it begins to spill over.

Plug in the pump cord to test your fountain. You may make flow adjustments to each fountain individually by using the red (or blue) key to turn the ball valve.

Select decorative gravel that compliments your fountain, adjacent landscape and is sized appropriately to not fall through the cracks of the grates into the fountain basin. For the best look, consider adding plants and moisture loving ground covers around the footprint of the fountain basin, or adding a lighting kit.

General Fountain and System Maintenance

It is OK to run pump continuously 24/7, or you may choose to connect it to a timer.

Fill evaporated water as necessary or considering installing an Auto Fill Kit #ABDAUTO.

Add Muck Buster® #PB2682 every couple of weeks to the basin to ensure muck doesn't build-up over time and clog the pump. 3 tablets treat 500 gallons of water.

If algae forms on columns, brush off and use CrystalClear® Algae D-Solv® #PB2002 to quickly clear organic debris and remove odors. 1 ounce treats 360 gallons.

Winterizing - To prevent the risk of damage:

FOR AREAS THAT DIP BELOW FREEZING disconnect the pump from the fountain during these spells.

IF TEMPS ARE BELOW FREEZING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME, as in Northern States, we recommend removing both the pump and fountain for the winter.

DO NOT DRAIN THE BASIN FOR THE WINTER. It is best to keep the basin at least 50% filled with water to avoid heaving during freeze and thaw. Drain and refill in spring during your seasonal cleaning.

Spring Start-Up:

• Once everything has thawed in the spring we recommend draining the water in the basin and replacing it with fresh, clean water. A wet/dry vacuum works well for removing water and accumulated debris.
• Visually inspect your pump for damage before reconnecting. Make sure the mesh filter bag is clean, so the pump doesn't get blocked and cause damage or failure. Place pump in your basin and connect the plumbing..
• Add Muck Buster® to the running fountain to replenish good bacteria to further break down any remaining waste.

Now, snap a picture of your completed waterfall and post it to our Facebook page at facebook.com/bluethumbinc!

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