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Savio Skimmerfilter™

Skimmerfilter™ models act as the sole source of filtration for ponds up to 1,000 gallons. On ponds over 1,000 gallons all Skimmerfilter™ models act as supplemental filtration to a Savio Livingponds™ filter. All models include the capacity for either one or two integral Ultraviolet Clarifiers(UV). UVs create optimum water quality and can be purchased with the Skimmerfilter™ or added later. Consult the back of this booklet for pump flow rates to ensure efficient UV operation.

Important Safety Instructions

Locate a GFCI (ground fault current interrupter) protected power source nearby. Typically a 4 outlet, 15amp, 110v, grounded, single phase service is sufficient.

Placement

Place the Skimmerfilter™ opposite the waterfall or filter return in an easily accessible location. Avoid placing rocks or plants in front of the Skimmerfilter™. Anything placed in front interferes with
skimming action. Waterfalls generally face the viewing area. Place the Skimmerfilter™ so it faces the waterfall. This hides the skimmer from view and allows easily access. Positioning the Skimmerfilter™ on the down-wind side of the pond will aid in the effective collection of floating debris. This is less important than placing the skimmer opposite the waterfall but it is a significant design consideration.

Drill Hole for Pump

Use the side closest to your water return or waterfall. Cut a hole using the guides shown on the side of the Skimmerfilter™.

Proper pipe size is determined by the flow of the pump and the length of the pipe run. This chart indicates the recommended inner diameter (I.D.) of pipe or tubing for the maximum gallons per hour (GPH) of the pump.

GPH
I.D.
1,000
1"
2,500
1 1/2"
4,000
2"
7,000
3"

For 15’ of horizontal pipe run add 1⁄2” I.D to the pipe size. For 25’ add 1” I.D.

Excavate

Excavate 6” back from the coping shelf. Dig a round hole measuring 30” across, with a depth of 19” below the intended water line. Dig the front of the hole 1/4” deeper than the back to compensate for future settling. When the Skimmerfilter™ is placed it will tilt slightly towards the pond. Do not dig too deeply as soil settles it will become off level. Compact and level the bottom of the excavation.

Dig a channel 7” below water line, measuring 24” wide, from the hole to the pond. The Skimmerfilter™ neck rests on this channel.

Dig a trench for the output pipe from the Skimmerfilter™ excavation. Extend this trench so that it connects to the waterfall filter.

Installation & Backfill

Place the Skimmerfilter™ in the hole. Verify:

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

Connect Pump

The Skimmerfilter™ tank protects and hides a submersible pump. The leaf basket protects the pump(s) from large debris and reduces clogging. Use a solids handling pump for water gardening applications. Remove filter media if pump flow rate exceeds 3000 gph.

  1. Slide the PVC pipe from the pump through the outlet pipe hole.
  2. Use a quick disconnect coupling for easy pump removal.

To install an external pump using the Savio Skimmerfilter™ purchase an external pump adapter kit and follow the instructions.

Optional Mid-Water Intake

A mid-water intake helps prevent pump burnout if the water level falls below the level of the weir. In winter months, when ice forms on the pond, the Skimmerfilter™ door can be closed and water can be drawn from below the surface of the pond. To install a mid-water intake for the Savio Skimmerfilter™ purchase a mid-water intake kit.

Leaf Basket

The Skimmerfilter™ basket is constructed of durable injection molded material. The weave of the basket is designed to catch large debris. Fine debris will pass through the weave and be captured by the filter mat or processed through a solids handling pump and collected in the Livingponds™ filter.

Attach Weir

Insert weir dividers in the appropriate slots for the model purchased

Push weir door hinge tabs into notches on weir dividers as shown. Lay the door horizontal in the Skimmerfilter™ neck.

Attach Liner

Position the pond liner over the mouth of the Skimmerfilter™ and hold it in place. Clean and flatten the liner free of wrinkles and folds along the front of the Skimmerfilter™ face.

Insert locator pins through liner into the holes.

Make a 3” incision through the liner centered and 3/4” below the top of the skimmer opening.

Slide the faceplate over the locator pins to align the screw holes.

Use a #3 phillips head screwdriver to install corner screws half way into all 4 corners. Place the rest of the screws halfway. Alternate tightening the screws from top to bottom and side to side until the screw heads are flush with faceplate. This creates a water tight seal.

After the faceplate is properly tightened down, use a knife to trim the liner inside the skimmer mouth.

UV Assembly

For Skimmerfilters™ with one or more UVs, follow the instructions provided in the UV kit. Remove the lid. UVs are fragile. Avoid fingerprints on bulb which shorten its life span. Place the UV assembly in UV mount(s). Insert the lock ring tabs in slots and rotate 1/4 turn to secure. Replace lid. Connect UV to power source. Use a baffle block to close off flow water flow to the unused UV compartment. For ponds less than 3000 gallons incorporating one UV. For ponds with over 3000 gallons do not use baffle block on either compartment.

The pump needs to flow the total volume of pond water past the UV no faster than every 30 minutes, and no slower than every two hours. If water flows past the UV lamp too fast the UV will not be able to eliminate algae efficiently. If water flows too slow the UV will not keep up with algae growth in the pond. Use one UV for ponds up to 5000 gallons. Use two UVs for larger ponds.

Note: When introducing beneficial bacteria into a pond. Turn off the UV unit for 24 hours to allow bacteria to settle.

Water Level

The water level mark on the Skimmerfilter™ faceplate represents optimum water level for proper Skimmerfilter™ operation when the unit is running.

Operating tolerances allow water levels to run 3/4” above or below this mark.

Maintenance

Under normal operating conditions this Skimmerfilter™ will provide years of trouble-free use. Here are a few items which will require periodic maintenance:

Short Term Maintenance

  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. Check and clean the filter mat as needed using water from the pond. Clean the filter when it looks dirty or before there is a noticeable decrease in the flow of water to the pump chamber.

Long Term Maintenance (every 18 months)

  1. Replace UV bulbs every 18 months for optimal water clarity.

Using the patented One-Click Locking Weir™ makes cleaning a snap.

  1. Turn off electrical components.
  2. Remove lid.
  3. Reach into tank and, while pressing the weir lock lever, upward push weir door forward unit you feel it lock upright into place.
  4. To release, reach into tank and press the release lever upward.

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 a 40º or higher consistently. If the pond is to be shut down in Winter:

Product Overview:

This Kit Includes:

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