As with all our pond products, the Laguna Skimmer is designed to make your water gardening experience as simple and enjoyable as
possible. Proper installation of this unit will provide several benefits, including clear and healthy pond water, low maintenance, and, a
pleasant water garden environment for you and your family to enjoy and be proud of.
This manual will cover all aspects of installing, maintaining and storing your Skimmer (PT495); as well, it serves as a guide to
recommended complementary products.
Read and understand these instructions thoroughly before beginning installation.
Skimmer inStallation
eXCaVatinG anD SettinG tHe Skimmer
The excavation should be a few inches (centimetres) wider and longer than the Skimmer body. The approximate depth of the hole
below water level for the Skimmer (PT495) is 16 - 17" (40 – 43 cm). Do not dig too deep. The Skimmer should be set on undisturbed
earth if possible. In case you over-dig, be sure to compact the soil thoroughly to prevent settling. The bottom of the hole should be
level side-to-side and front-to-back.
1. Place the Skimmer unit into the excavated hole.
2. Check the top of the unit to make sure that it is level front-to-back and
side-to-side.
3. Check where your pre-determined water level falls on the face of the Skimmer
unit. Water level needs to be between 1 ¼" and 1 ½" (3 – 4 cm) below the
top of the opening for the weir door.
4. Ensure that any unexcavated soil that is left in front of the Skimmer is at least
10" (25 cm) below the water level. This will ensure that there is enough room for
the weir door to be installed and function properly.
TIP: Before you go any further into the Skimmer installation, it is a good idea to place a few stones inside the unit
to weigh it down and keep it from moving.
5. Install the 1 ½" (4 cm) solid support bar (a) and begin backfilling. The support bar must be in place for the unit to retain its
shape during the backfilling process.
6. Loosely backfill the unit on all sides, lightly compacting as you go.
may distort the unit and cause components to fit
improperly.
attaCHinG tHe liner
1. Hold the liner up against the face of the Skimmer, allowing a
minimum of 2" (5 cm) to extend above the top of the unit.
2. Leave some excess slack in the liner below the weir opening.
This will help alleviate any future strain on the liner connection.
3. Ensure that the front surface of the Skimmer, and the back
side of the liner, are clean and free of debris.
4. Once satisfied with the position of the liner, clip it in place
(with the provided spring clips).
5. With a razor sharp or utility knife, cut a hole in the liner for the weir door using the hole in the face of the Skimmer as a guide.
Once finished, remove the spring clips and pull the liner away from the face of the Skimmer.
6. Apply the fish-safe silicone around the weir door opening on all four sides. Apply the silicone in a consistent bead
approximately ¾" (2 cm) away from the opening itself.
7. Return the liner to its original position and replace the spring clips.
attaCHinG tHe Weir Door
1. Unlatch the weir door and lower the door to its fully open position.
2. Insert the weir door assembly into the Skimmer opening. The weir door will not simply slip right into place.
3. With one hand push the bottom of the weir door frame tight against the Skimmer face. With the other hand
gently push down on the weir door latch until it clears the top of the opening.
4. Push the weir door assembly into the Skimmer opening until the frame rests against the face of the unit.
5. Line up the holes of the weir door frame with the holes in the Skimmer face.
6. Use a nail or an awl to help line up the holes and pierce the liner in the top corners.
7. Loosely fasten the top corners using two of the supplied machine screws and serrated flange nuts.
8. Install two screws in the bottom corners of the weir door frame.
9. Once weir door is tacked at the corners, install the rest of the screws. Do not fully tighten any screws
until all of the screws have been installed.
TIP: Use your fingers to hold the flange nut and a hand held screwdriver to tighten the screws. The serrations on
the flange nut will grab the plastic enclosure once they make contact, eliminating the need to use a wrench. Use
caution when tightening the screws. The screws only need to be snug for the silicone to make a seal.
Do not over compact the soil! Over compacting
A