Aquascape PRO-Fit PondSweep Skimmers (00250 & 00900) - Manual (Page 4)

Excavate your Pond
The shape and depth
• We suggest excavating the pond
no more than 18-24" deep. This
depth provides the proper water
levels required for aquatic plants
and is deep enough to keep
fish alive during winter. See the
maintenance section for more
information on caring for fish.
• The excavation should be dug
with a series of shelves. The
shelves will add stability to the
walls of the pond and will also
create planting beds for different
types of aquatic plants.
• The first shelf should be about
8-10" down (See fig. ) or the
height of a standard shovel.
• The second is typically down
another 8-10" (See fig. ).
• The third shelf (if desired) will
be excavated down another 6"
(See fig. 5), reaching a final
excavation of 24".
• All of the soil removed from the
excavation can be spread and
compacted around the BIOFALLS ®
filter, creating a berm. The filter
should be completely surrounded
by soil by the end of the project.
Design spaces for plants
• Design your shelves wider in
areas where you wish to place
aquatic plants. (See fig. 8)
• Marginal and bog plants require
a water depth up to about 10", so
the top shelf is a perfect location
for these plants. (See fig. 8)
• Water lilies will vary according to
species, but a depth of 12-24"
at the crown works best, so the
second shelf or bottom of the
pond will work great for the lilies.
(See fig. 8)
• To make planting lilies easier add
a few ‘lily pockets’. These pockets
are simply depressions or bowls
cut into the soil 6-8" deep and
10-16" in diameter. The goal is
to create a natural looking pond,
and this is easier if plant pots are
eliminated or completely hidden.
(See fig. 8)
• It is typical to set the water level
2- 3" below the main viewing
area (patio, deck, etc.). This will
bring the water level of the pond
up close to the edge of the pond
without going over the sides.
(See fig. 6)
• Dig a hole alongside the pond to
house the skimmer filter.
• The skimmer should be exca-
vated down to a depth so that the
proposed water level in pond is
approximately 3/4 inch below the
top of the opening of the skim-
mer. (See fig. 7)
• Make sure the excavated shelf
in front of the skimmer is low
enough to provide access to the
lower screws of the “U” frame.
• Re-check all your measurements,
including length and width of
pond, plant shelf depth, and
overall pond depth.
STEP 4
Fig. Dig second shelf one shovel
depth and start excavation of
skimmer hole.
Fig. Dig entire pond one shovel depth.
Fig. 5 Dig a third shelf, if desired.
Fig. 7 Dig the pond to its max depth and finish excavation of the skimmer hole. Fig.6 Set water level 2" - 3" below viewing area.
Viewing Area
(Patio, Deck, or Lawn)
2" to 3"