Aquascape DIY Backyard Pond Kit

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Aquascape DIY Backyard Pond Kit. Aquascape connects people to water as nature intended. Since 1991, we have been creating and field-testing water features to provide reliable products and excellent value in the water gardening industry.

This guide provides instructions for all DIY Backyard Pond Kit sizes. The system is designed to include a waterfall and a pond. Follow the step-by-step instructions in order. Skipping steps or changing the order may create extra work. We aim to make this experience as easy as possible, allowing you to focus on the creative design of your pond.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Contents
• Recommended Tools
• Helpful Symbols
• Safety Information
• Electrical Specifications
• Quick Step Guide
• Installation
• Winter Application
• General Maintenance
• Replacement Parts
• Warranty Information

Contents

The kit includes the following components:

Helpful Symbols

• ⚠️ WARNING Symbol: Alerts to potential damage, injury, or death if warnings are not followed. Hazards can be mechanical or electrical.
• ? TIP Symbol: Helpful information provided by a professional pond installer.

Safety Information

• ⚠️ WARNING: Risk of electric shock – This product is not approved for use in swimming pools or marine areas.
• ⚠️ WARNING: To ensure continued protection against electric shock, connect only to properly grounded, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets, following these guidelines:
  • (A) Have a qualified electrician install a properly grounded receptacle outlet suitable for outdoor use and protected from snow and rain.
  • (B) Inspect the cord before use.
  • (C) Do not use extension cords.
  • (D) All wiring must be performed by a qualified electrician to ensure code compliance and user safety.
  • (E) Unplug the pump at the receptacle outlet when not in use or before removing it from the pond.
  • (F) To reduce the risk of electrical shock, all wiring and junction connections must comply with local codes. Requirements may vary by usage and location.
  • (G) The power cable must be protected at all times to prevent punctures, cuts, bruises, and abrasions.
  • (H) Never handle power cords with wet hands.
  • (I) Do not remove the cord and strain relief. Do not connect conduit to the pump.
  • (J) Do not use the power cable to lift the pump.

Electrical Specifications

Ecowave 2000 Pond Pump

• Input Voltage: 120V AC
• Input frequency: 60 Hz
• 65 Watts

Quick Step Guide

Installation

STEP 1: SELECT AND MARK OUT YOUR AREA

Choose a location near a deck or patio for easy viewing and enjoyment. Consider viewpoints from inside your house. Use a garden hose to define the pond shape; it's flexible and can be adjusted. Step back, evaluate, and modify until satisfied (Ex. 1).

Once the shape is defined, use a can of brightly colored spray paint to mark the outline on the grass (Ex. 3).

DIY Backyard Pond Kits come in three sizes: 4' x 6', 6' x 8', and 8' x 11'. Ensure your layout dimensions do not exceed the included liner size (Ex. 2).

STEP 2: PLACE BIOFALLS® AND SKIMMER

Position the BioFalls filter to create your waterfall, facing a main viewing area. Place it near the pond edge for easy liner connection (Ex. 4).

For optimal circulation, place the BioFalls and Skimmer on opposite ends of the pond, facing each other (Ex. 5).

STEP 3: LAY PLUMBING

Lay the kink-free pipe around the pond perimeter before excavating. This allows the excavated soil to cover the pipe, hiding it from view (Ex. 6).

STEP 4: HOOK UP AND LEVEL BIOFALLS®

Install the bulkhead fitting into the BioFalls opening. Ensure the rubber gasket is inside. Tighten the nut on the outside until the gasket bulges slightly (about one turn past hand-tight). Do not overtighten, as it may crack the bulkhead. Note that the bulkhead fitting is reverse-threaded; turn counterclockwise to tighten (Ex. 7 & 8).

Install the barb fitting (or PVC slip fitting) into the bulkhead fitting. Use silicone sealant on the threads for a watertight seal (Ex. 8).

Position the BioFalls at or slightly below yard grade. Create a firm foundation by removing sod or soil. Compact the area beneath the BioFalls. Use a 2' bubble level to ensure the BioFalls is level side-to-side and tilted forward 1/4 bubble to ensure water flows over the spillway (Ex. 9).

Attach the kink-free pipe and hose clamp to the barb fitting. You may need to heat the hose or use lubrication (silicone grease or vegetable oil) to fit it onto the barb. Tighten the hose clamp (Ex. 10).

Double-check that the BioFalls remains level after plumbing is installed.

STEP 5: EXCAVATE YOUR POND BASIN

Excavate the pond to a depth of 18-24 inches for adequate water levels for plants and winter fish survival. Create shelves for stability and planting beds.

The first shelf should be 8-10 inches deep, or about one shovel blade depth (Ex. 11).

Dig the second shelf another 8-10 inches deeper (Ex. 12).

If desired, excavate a third shelf another 6 inches deep, reaching a final depth of 24 inches (Ex. 13).

Spread and compact the excavated soil around the BioFalls to create a berm, ensuring the filter is fully surrounded. Verify the BioFalls remains level throughout this process (Ex. 14).

DESIGN SPACES FOR PLANTS

Design shelves wider where aquatic plants will be placed, with a water depth up to 10 inches on the top shelf (Ex. 15).

Water lilies thrive at depths of 12-24 inches; the second shelf or pond bottom is suitable for them (Ex. 15).

To plant lilies easily, create 'lily pockets' – depressions 6-8 inches deep and 10-16 inches in diameter – to hide plant pots and create a natural look (Ex. 15).

LEVELING THE EDGES

Leveling the pond perimeter and water level is crucial. Use a 2x4 board across the pond with a 4-foot bubble level to check for levelness. A transit or sight level is recommended for larger projects. Check frequently while digging (Ex. 16).

Set the water level 2-3 inches below the main viewing area (patio, deck) so the water comes close to the edge without overflowing (Ex. 17).

Excavate a rough area for the skimmer: 18 inches wide by 21 inches long, and 18 inches below the intended water level. Ensure this area is compacted and level.

The skimmer excavation should be deep enough so the pond's water level is approximately 3/4 inch below the top of the skimmer opening (Ex. 18).

Re-check all measurements: pond length, width, shelf depths, and overall depth.

STEP 6: INSTALL UNDERLAYMENT AND LINER

Remove any sharp objects from the excavation that could damage the liner.

Unfold the underlayment fabric and place it in the basin, starting from the bottom. Remove slack and ensure it conforms to all elevations (Ex. 19).

Place the EPDM fish-safe liner over the underlayment, starting from the bottom and working upwards, ensuring it lies flat and conforms to corners. Don't aim for perfection, as rocks and gravel will hide wrinkles later. Ensure sufficient liner around the edges; adjustments can be made by repositioning or backfilling (Ex. 20).

ATTACHING THE SKIMMER FACEPLATE

NOTE: Power tools are not recommended for screw installation to avoid stripping nut inserts.

Position the liner against the skimmer opening, allowing slack below. Mark the skimmer opening perimeter on the liner with your finger or a screwdriver (Ex. 23).

Mark a second box 1.5 inches inside the first to prevent cutting too much liner and causing leaks (Ex. 24).

Cut the inner box and insert the skimmer faceplate (Ex. 25). Ensure the faceplate is upright with the hinge at the bottom (Ex. 26).

Temporarily attach the faceplate and liner using two screws in the upper corners. Use an awl or nail to poke the first hole through the liner into the filter box, then thread a screw (Ex. 27). Repeat for the other screw.

Remove the faceplate, leaving the screws in place through the liner (Ex. 28).

Apply a bead of fish-safe silicone sealant around the skimmer opening and over the nut inserts. Pre-installing screws helps align the faceplate and maintain a thick silicone bead (Ex. 29).

Reattach the faceplate and the two upper corner screws, then attach the two lower corner screws. Ensure the weir flap holes are at the bottom (Ex. 30).

With all four corners secured, punch remaining holes and insert screws. Be careful not to damage nut inserts. Let dry for at least one hour before adding water.

STEP 7: INSTALL THE SIGNATURE SERIES 200 SKIMMER

You have already excavated a hole approximately 21"L x 18"W x 18"H deep. Use a 2' bubble level to ensure the skimmer is level side-to-side and front-to-back (Ex. 21).

OPTIONAL OVERFLOW FITTING ORIENTATION

If installing an optional overflow, drill a 2" bulkhead fitting hole using a 3" hole saw in the back of the skimmer, centered 3.5" from the top edge. Install the bulkhead fitting (Ex. 22). Attach a barb or PVC fitting and use silicone sealant or Teflon tape for a watertight seal. The overflow pipe can be connected later.

STEP 8: ADD ROCKS AND GRAVEL

The skimmer opening can be hidden by placing boulders on the sides and bridging a stone or driftwood across it to create a cave effect. Ensure boulders do not block water flow into the skimmer (Ex. 31).

Cover remaining flat surfaces with a few inches of decorative gravel. This secures boulders, covers liner, protects from UV rays, and provides a surface for bacteria colonization (Ex. 32).

With the four corners secured, punch remaining holes and insert screws. Be careful not to damage nut inserts. Let dry for at least one hour before adding water.

NOTE: You will need several tons of stone and gravel. Consult your Aquascape retailer or rock yard. Visit aquascapeinc.com for calculation information. Formulas provided:

• Stone Calculation for the Pond: Length x Width / 65 = Tons of boulders
• Gravel Used in the Pond: Pond Gravel = 30% total tons of pond boulders

Start from the bottom, placing largest character boulders against vertical walls, then stack smaller ones. Be careful not to damage the liner when placing large boulders.

STEP 9: WASH ROCKS AND GRAVEL

Use a garden hose to wash rocks and gravel, removing dust and dirt. Use the provided pump attached to a kink-free pipe section. Temporarily place the pump in the pond's lowest point to discharge dirty water to a drainage area (Ex. 33).

STEP 10: COMPLETE SKIMMER AND PUMP INSTALLATION

Insert the optional Filter Brush Cartridge (not included) and the Debris Net into the skimmer (Ex. 34).

The skimmer has two holes on its sides for plumbing to the BioFalls 1000. Choose the most convenient hole. The pipe passes through the opening. The pump's electrical cord can also be run through the opposite hole.

Insert the barbed multi-hose adapter onto the pipe end and tighten the hose clamp (Ex. 36).

Attach the rotational ball fitting to the pump and place the pump in the skimmer. Attach the collar to the rotational ball fitting (Ex. 37 & 38).

A layer of scrap underlayment fabric, soil, or sod can be added to cover the drainage area.

STEP 11: ADD WATER

Fill the pond basin with water, just below the overflow level in the skimmer (Ex. 40).

NOTE: Aquascape recommends adding Pond Detoxifier to dechlorinate and condition water before introducing fish. Consult your dealer for water treatment products.

STEP 12: ATTACH LINER TO BIOFALLS®

Before installing the waterfall lip, ensure the BioFalls filter face and liner are clean and dry. Use a damp towel for cleaning.

Have someone hold the liner against the BioFalls while you align the waterfall lip over it. Ensure no wrinkles and the liner extends above the BioFalls sides. Leave a few inches of slack liner along the front base of the BioFalls to reduce tension when placing boulders (Ex. 41).

Temporarily attach the waterfall lip and liner using the two outermost screws. Use an awl or nail to poke the first hole through the liner into the BioFalls, being careful not to damage nut inserts. Remove the awl/nail and thread the first screw (Ex. 42).

Repeat for the other screw.

Remove the waterfall lip, keeping the screws through the liner. Apply a thick bead of silicone sealant across the insert nuts on the BioFalls front. Pre-installing screws aids alignment and maintains silicone thickness (Ex. 43).

Reattach the waterfall lip and liner using the pre-installed screws (Ex. 44). Poke remaining holes with an awl/nail and install the rest of the screws (Ex. 45).

Trim excess liner using the waterfall lip as a guide (Ex. 46).

Let dry for at least one hour before adding water.

WARNING: Power tools are not recommended for screw installation as they may strip nut inserts.

TIP: The BioFalls has a plastic lip for water cascade. You can use it or hide it with thin natural slate (max 3/4" thick), attached with Aquascape Black Waterfall Foam (Ex. 47).

STEP 13: BUILD THE WATERFALL

Ensure at least 2 feet of liner on each side of the BioFalls (Ex. 48).

Place two large boulders on either side of the waterfall to 'frame' it. Water will flow between these boulders (Ex. 48).

Begin stacking rocks between the large boulders, starting with larger ones at the bottom and working up to smaller ones. Be creative with placement (Ex. 49).

Use small stones and gravel to fill gaps between larger waterfall stones.

Use Pond and Waterfall Foam Sealant to fill gaps between stones where water flows. This directs water over the stones; without it, water will be lost beneath the rocks (Ex. 50).

Let dry for at least one hour before adding water.

STEP 14: ADD TOPSOIL AND BUILD RETAINING WALL

Add topsoil to the berm and surrounding area to provide a good substrate for future planting (Ex. 51).

Finish the berm where the BioFalls is buried by building a small retaining wall with boulders. This step may be optional depending on berm size and landscape transition (Ex. 52).

STEP 15: ADD BIOFALLS® FILTER MEDIA

Install the two filter pads into the BioFalls.

Add Aquascape BioBalls Biological Filter Media into the media net. Place the media bag on top of the filter mats (Ex. 53). Use a few larger rocks on top of the media bag and filter pads to hold them down.

STEP 16: TURN ON WATERFALL

Once the pond is filled and the waterfall foam is dry, plug in the pump and test the waterfall.

⚠️ WARNING: All electrical equipment must be plugged into a GFCI-rated receptacle.

Adjust the waterfall flow by placing smaller stones and gravel on the cascades. This will change the appearance and sound of the water. Experiment until the desired effect is achieved.

STEP 17: TRIM LINER AND FINISH EDGING

With the waterfall running and pond filled, trim excess liner with scissors, leaving several inches above the water level as a precaution (Ex. 54).

Tuck and cover the remaining liner edges with gravel, sod, or mulch (Ex. 55).

⚠️ WARNING: Do not trim the liner until the waterfall is running and the pond is filled to the desired level. Premature trimming may cause leaks.

STEP 18: CLEAN UP

At the final stages, clean up the area, removing excess materials or equipment.

STEP 19: LANDSCAPE AND MULCH

Mulch the entire area surrounding the basin and add surrounding plants (Ex. 56).

STEP 20: ENJOY!

Winter Application

If you have fish, maintain a constant hole in the ice for gas exchange using an Aquascape 300-Watt Pond De-Icer, an Aquascape Pond Aeration Kit, and/or an Aquascape AquaForce Solids-Handling Pond Pump positioned just below the water surface.

If not running the pump during winter, remove and store it in a frost-free location.

For shallow streams or waterfalls, inspect regularly during cold weather to eliminate ice damming.

General Maintenance

Debris Net:

• The skimmer sweeps the water surface free of debris. The debris net is the first filter stage, collecting leaves, twigs, seeds, and other pond debris. Empty the net every two weeks (more often in fall/spring).
• Periodically check the skimmer lid for debris quantity, especially in fall. Ensure the net doesn't become too full, as this can reduce water flow to the pump.

Optional Brush Cartridge:

• The optional Filter Brush Cartridge is the second filtration stage. It handles debris that bypasses the net. It requires less frequent maintenance than the net. Remove and rinse when waterfall flow decreases.

Add Water:

• Water levels decrease due to evaporation and splashing. Top off the pond throughout the year to ensure the pump has sufficient water.

Add Water Treatments:

• To maintain a healthy pond, consider an Aquascape Automatic Dosing System. Visit aquascapeinc.com for information on this system and other water treatment products.

Replacement Parts

Skimmer Replacement Parts

BioFalls® Replacement Parts

Ecowave® Pond Pump Replacement Parts

Warranty Information

LIFETIME WARRANTY
Skimmer Plastic Components
BioFalls® 1000 Filter Plastic Components

20 YEAR GUARANTEE
45 MIL Fish Safe Pond Liner

THREE YEAR WARRANTY
Ecowave® 2000 Pond Pump

ONE YEAR WARRANTY
1.5" Kink Free Hose
Skimmer Debris Net

This warranty does not cover damage from electrical supply problems, improper wiring, lightning, negligent handling, misuse, or lack of reasonable maintenance. The product should only be operated in fresh water without corrosive chemicals like chlorine or bromine. If Aquascape's inspection reveals a manufacturing defect, Aquascape's liability is limited to repair, replacement, or refund at Aquascape's option. The warranty excludes labor costs, removal, shipping, and re-installation expenses. Aquascape, Inc. and its affiliates are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the product's use, whether defective or not, nor for incidental, consequential, or other damages.