ATLANTIC PS15000 (01) PDF Document

To properly size your equipment and ensure accurate dosing for treatments, you can calculate the pond volume using the following formula:

Average Length x Average Width x Average Depth x 7.5 = Total Gallons in Pond

It is recommended to calculate the volume before construction and re-calculate after the pond is built to ensure the actual volume is known.

To limit the transitional volume of water needed to get the system cycling, the stream surface area should be half of the pond surface area or less. Use the following formulas based on what information you have available:

Maximum Area Of Stream (If You Know Your Pond Size): Average Length of Pond x Average Width of Pond ÷ 2 = Maximum Area of Stream

Minimum Area Of Pond (If You Know Your Stream Size): Average Length of Stream x Average Width of Stream x 2 = Minimum Area of Pond

Proper streambed construction reduces the amount of “transitional” water needed to fill the system when the pump starts. Minimizing the height that rocks extend above the liner at the spillways reduces the water necessary to fill the streambed. Proper construction should keep the transitional water to a maximum of 3 to 4 inches in depth.

Avoid improper construction where stone, gravel, and foam create a barrier that is not watertight. When the pump is turned off, water will always drain down to the highest point of the liner; improper construction greatly increases this drainage volume.

Whenever possible, it is best to position the Skimmer and FilterFalls directly across from each other at opposite ends of the pond. This setup creates a current that pulls surface debris into the Skimmer. If they are placed too close together or the pond has an unusual shape, dead areas can occur. These dead areas can be eliminated by using multiple falls or multiple skimmers.

Step 1. Determine the surface level of the water in the pond.

Step 2. Excavate a hole for the skimmer that is a few inches wider and longer than the skimmer body. For the ATLANTIC PS15000, the approximate depth of the hole should be 24 to 25 inches.

Step 3. Ensure the skimmer is set on undisturbed earth. If you over-dig, compact the soil thoroughly to prevent settling. The bottom of the hole must be level side-to-side and front-to-back.

Step 4. Place the skimmer enclosure into the hole. Check that the water level falls between 1 1/4 inches and 1 1/2 inches below the top of the weir door opening or even with the molded water level indicator.

Step 5. Ensure any unexcavated soil in front of the skimmer is at least 10 inches below the water level to allow the weir door to function properly.

Step 6. Place a few stones inside the enclosure to weigh it down. Install the solid support bars to help the enclosure retain its shape.

Step 7. Loosely backfill the enclosure on all sides, lightly compacting as you go. Do not over-compact, as aggressive compaction may deform the enclosure.

Step 1. Hold the liner against the face of the skimmer, allowing at least 2 inches to extend above the top of the enclosure. Leave some slack in the liner below the weir opening to avoid strain if the soil settles.

Step 2. Ensure the skimmer surface and the back of the liner are clean and free of debris.

Step 3. Secure the liner in place with the provided spring clips.

Step 4. Using a sharp razor knife, cut a hole in the liner for the weir door, using the hole in the skimmer face as a guide.

Step 5. Remove the spring clips and pull the liner away. Apply a consistent bead of fish-safe RTV Silicone Sealant around the weir door opening on all four sides, approximately 3/4 inch away from the opening and directly on top of the bolt holes.

Step 6. Return the liner to its original position and replace the spring clips.

Step 1. Unlatch the weir door and lower it to the fully open position.

Step 2. Insert the weir door assembly into the skimmer opening and push the frame tight against the skimmer face.

Step 3. Line up the holes of the weir door frame with the holes in the skimmer face. Use a nail or awl to pierce the liner in the top corners.

Step 4. Loosely fasten the top corners using two supplied 1/4-20 machine screws and serrated flange nuts. Install two screws in the bottom corners next.

Step 5. Once the corners are tacked, install the remaining screws. Use your fingers to hold the flange nut and a handheld screwdriver to tighten the screws until they are snug. Do not over-tighten; they only need to be snug enough for the silicone to make a seal.

The ATLANTIC PS15000 does not come with a pre-drilled pump outlet, allowing the installer to choose the exit side and pipe size. Drill-points are provided on both sides of the enclosure to show the proper location. Use the following table to determine the hole saw size for your chosen PVC pipe:

It is recommended to install a Triton Check Valve between the pump and the supply line to prevent the FilterFalls from draining when the pump is off.

Step 1. Choose which panel of the FilterFalls to enter. Use the provided drill-points to locate the proper height.

Step 2. Drill the hole for the bulkhead. For the ATLANTIC PS15000 (referenced as BF3800 for the FilterFalls component), use a 4.5 inch hole saw for a 3 inch bulkhead.

Step 3. Remove the retaining nut and plastic friction washer from the bulkhead, leaving the rubber gasket on the body. Note that the nut has reverse threads; turn clockwise to loosen.

Step 4. From the inside of the FilterFalls, insert the threaded end of the bulkhead through the hole, sandwiching the rubber gasket between the flange and the inside wall.

Step 5. Slip the friction washer over the threads on the outside and install the retaining nut. Hand-tighten and finish with a half-turn from a wrench (turn counterclockwise to tighten).

Step 1. Place the FilterFalls on undisturbed soil. If elevated above existing grade, compact the area thoroughly to prevent settling. You can use cinder blocks or bricks on undisturbed soil to raise the unit.

Step 2. Ensure the unit is level from side to side.

Step 3. Check the level from front to back. The FilterFalls should always be installed tilted slightly forward by about 1/4 inch to ensure water does not leak out over the back of the enclosure.

Step 4. Weigh the unit down with stones while making liner and plumbing connections. Do not completely backfill until plumbing and the liner are attached.

Step 1. Drape a minimum of 6 inches of liner over the top of the enclosure. Secure it temporarily with spring clips. Leave slack below the spillway to prevent strain.

Step 2. Use a sharp razor knife to cut the spillway opening in the liner, using the inside of the spillway as a guide.

Step 3. Pull the liner away and clean the face of the FilterFalls and the back of the liner.

Step 4. Apply fish-safe RTV silicone to the face of the FilterFalls along the center line of the threaded inserts.

Step 5. Re-attach the liner with spring clips. Attach the liner flange starting with the center screw first, then work outward. Pierce the liner with a nail or awl before inserting screws.

Step 6. Tighten screws with a handheld screwdriver until snug. Do not over-tighten, as this could strip the inserts or crack the flange.

When installing a Triton Check Valve, locate your pump model and the ATLANTIC PS15000 skimmer column on the chart to find the reference mark. If the mark is a letter, use the 1 1/2 inch threaded end. If it is a number, use the 2 inch threaded end.

Use a hacksaw or PVC saw to cut the pipe at the identified mark, making a clean, square cut.

Step 1. Determine the best side of the skimmer for placement to ensure proper clearance.

Step 2. Drill a 7/8 inch hole using a spade bit or hole saw at the provided drill point.

Step 3. Insert the Auto Fill, ensuring the gasket is on the water side and the plastic retaining nut is on the outside.

Step 4. Thread the retaining nut onto the valve, being careful not to over-tighten.

Step 5. Connect to your water supply (garden hose, 1/2 inch irrigation line, or 1/2 inch Sch 40 PVC) using the included fittings. Use thread sealant on the 1/2 inch male threads.

Step 6. Adjust the water level by loosening the wing nut and raising or lowering the height of the float. The kit operates at a flow rate of 0.5 to 1.5 gpm with a maximum inlet pressure of 80 psi.

Step 1. Locate the drill-point on the back of the skimmer designed for an HA2000 bulkhead fitting and 2 inch MTA. This positioning puts the bottom of the overflow pipe approximately 1 inch above the recommended water level.

Step 2. Drill a 3 inch hole at the drill point.

Step 3. Install the bulkhead following standard bulkhead installation instructions. Install a 2 inch MTA into the bulkhead.

Step 4. Apply silicone to the threads of the MTA and screw it into the bulkhead until tight. Use PVC glue and cleaner to secure the PVC flex hose into the MTA.