POND VOLUME

It is important to calculate the estimated water volume before you begin construction, and then re-calculate final water volume when your project is completed. Estimating water volume pre-construction is a step that is often skipped by many homeowners and contractors. This can prove to be a crucial mistake. Without having an estimated water volume you can not properly size the filtration components for your project. A water garden with undersized filtration can prove to be a maintenance nightmare.

Use the formula listed below to estimate water volume in gallons. Once you have done this, use the Product Specifications/Cross-Reference Guide on page 3 to determine the proper Skimmer, FilterFalls and pump size for your project. If you are in-between filter sizes it is always recommended to use the next biggest size. (Filtration is the one area that the “bigger is better” rule definitely applies.)

TO DETERMINE POND VOLUME

Multiply (in feet) the average length x the average width x the average depth to find cubic feet of pond volume. Multiply cubic feet x 7.48 = gallons

SQUARE FOOTAGE

When using any pond skimmer it is important to keep the surface area (in square feet) of the pond in mind. Upon start-up, the pump sends water from the bottom reservoir to the top of the waterfall and/or streambed. The water must then fill, from top to bottom, the waterfalls and streambed until it eventually re-enters the pond and the water levels equalize. During this filling process, the water level of the bottom reservoir is continually dropping. If the streambed is built improperly, or is built too big, the water level of the bottom reservoir could drop below the opening in the skimmer before the water levels equalize. This would result in the pump running dry and starving for water.

This situation can be easily avoided by using the formula provided to calculate the surface area of your pond. With that number, you can then determine the maximum surface area of waterfalls and streambed that your pond can accommodate.

SURFACE FOOTAGE

Multiply (in feet) the average length x the average width = total square feet of the pond surface area. Multiply the surface area of the pond x .5 = maximum surface area for falls

PLACEMENT OF THE FILTERFALLS AND SKIMMER

Now that you have determined the size of the pond, waterfalls and filter system, it is time to determine the placement of the components.

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 the Skimmer and FilterFalls are placed too close together, or the pond has an unusual shape, dead areas can occur. These dead areas can be eliminated with the use of multiple falls, multiple skimmers, or the addition of a Satellite Skimmer.

Below are a few examples of Skimmer and FilterFall combinations that can be used to combat situations like these.