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Savio Compact Skimmerfilter™

The Savio Compact Skimmerfilter™ provides skimming action for ponds up to 300 sq. ft. The Compact Skimmerfilter™ comes with two biological filtration pads and has the built-in capacity for one integral Ultraviolet Clarifier (UV). UVs help create optimum water quality and are available for purchase separately.

Important Safety Information

Locate a GFCI (ground fault current interrupter) protected power source nearby. Typically a 4 outlet, 15 amp, 110v, grounded, single phase service is sufficient. Refer to your electrical equipment specifications or consult a qualified electrician to determine power demands for your system.

Placement

Place the Compact Skimmerfilter™ opposite the waterfall or water return in an easily accessible location.

Avoid placing rocks or plants in front of the Compact Skimmerfilter.™ Anything placed in front will interfere with the skimming action.

Waterfalls generally face the viewing area. Place the Compact Skimmerfilter™ so it faces the waterfall. This hides the Compact Skimmerfilter™ from view and allows for easy access.

Positioning the Compact Skimmerfilter™ on the downwind side of the pond will aid in the effective collection of floating debris. This is less important than placing the Compact Skimmerfilter™ opposite the waterfall but it is a significant design consideration.

Install Skimmerfilter™

With the pond full, mark position of water level on the liner at the Skimmerfilter™ location. Partially drain pond 8”-10” inches before proceeding.

Five inches back from the coping shelf, dig a round hole measuring 22" across, with a depth of 14" below the marked water line. Dig the front of the hole 1/4" deeper than the back to compensate for settling.

Dig a channel 6¾" below the water line, measuring 15" wide, to rest the neck of the Skimmerfilter.™ Compact and level the bottom of excavation. Do not dig too deeply or the soil may settle unevenly.

Insert weir dividers for 6” weir into two innermost tracks. 8.5” weir, use outermost tracks.

Using thumbs to hold tabs secure, push the weir door hinge tabs into the notches on the weir dividers. Lay the door horizontal in the Skimmerfilter™ neck.

Place the Skimmerfilter™ in the hole. Check to make sure the intended water level meets the skimmer 3-1/4” inches below the top of the neck. Adjust up or down by adding or removing soil.

Verify that the face of the Skimmerfilter™ is flush with the back wall of the lined coping shelf. Adjust placement, if necessary.

Level the unit front to back and side to side. Make the front edge ¼” lower than the back edge. Check water level once again.

Place lid on top of Skimmerfilter™ and backfill around the entire unit. Use moist sand or pea gravel or, if unavailable, gravel and loose soil (free from clumps). Hand pack every two or three inches. Do not over compact. Lightly moisten the backfill to aid in settling.

Attaching a Liner

Position pond liner over the Skimmerfilter™ mouth and hold it in place. Smooth liner free of wrinkles and folds. Wipe clean.

Make a 3” wide incision through the centered liner 3/4” below the top of the Skimmerfilter™ opening.

Use a #3 phillips head screwdriver to install screws into all four corners. Install the remaining screws. Tighten top, bottom and sides alternately until screw heads are flush to create a watertight seal. Do not overtighten. Do not use a power drill.

After the faceplate is secured down, use a knife to trim the liner inside the mouth of the Skimmerfilter.™

Installing PVC

Flex PVC reduces plumbing joints and the leaks that come with them it’s easier to use, saves installation time and increases productivity. Flexible PVC is more freeze tolerant than rigid PVC, glues to standard PVC fittings and its black color makes easier to hide.

Dig a trench for the output pipe. Use the side closest to your water return or waterfall. Extend this trench so that it connects to the waterfall filter.

Bury the PVC below frost line. Dig a trench (shovel width) 10” below existing ground level along the pond perimeter from the Savio Skimmerfilter™ to the Livingponds Waterfall Filter™ or water return.

Connecting the Pump

The Skimmerfilter™ tank protects and hides the submersible pump. The leaf basket protects the pump from large debris and reduces clogging. Use a solids handling pump designed for water gardening applications.

Cut grommet to corresponding flex PVC size.


PVC Size
Diameter Hole
1"
1 1/2"
1 1/2"
2"
2"
2 1/2"

Attach assembly to pump prior to installation.

Place the pump and plumbing assembly into the Skimmerfilter.™

Insert PVC through rubber grommet. Apply primer, then glue PVC to pump plumbing assembly.

Finishing Up

To hide the Skimmerfilter™ from view extend coping shelf rockwork up to both sides of the Skimmerfilter™ opening. Place a flat rock over the Skimmerfilter™ neck to camouflage.

Maintenance

Under normal operating conditions this Skimmerfilter™ will provide years of trouble-free use.

1. Check and remove debris captured in the leaf basket every week or as needed. The frequency required will vary seasonally, with
cleaning required more often in the fall than at other times.
2. Clean the filter mat cartridges when they appear dirty or before there is a noticeable decrease in the flow of water to the pump chamber. Use clean water from the pond. Avoid using chemicals or scrubbing the media. Do not allow filter mat to dry out during
cleaning. Add beneficial bacteria and replace.

Winterization

Prepare for winterization in mid-to-late November, or when ice persistently develops on the pond. Keep equipment winterized until late February or early March when the water temperature rises to 40º F or higher consistently.

If the pond is to be shut down in winter:

Product Overview:

This Kit Includes:

[ Purchase Savio Compact Skimmerfilter™ ] [ Read Compact Skimmer Instructions ]