Instructions

Installing an Aqua Art Retro Drain -
Using Mid Size Open Air/Submersible Type Pump

See Illustrations and Legend below Instructions

• Pump should be placed outside of the pond, below surface water level of the pond. This type of pump has little or no suction lift abilities. They are not self priming. A “flooded suction” position is the best environment for their longer life and less work load. Please read these helpful articles selections on our web site: Pump Principles - Pond vs. Pool and Guidelines for Pump & Pipe Useage

• We recommend placing the pump - along with union(s) and leaf trap - in an irrigation valve box. This keeps the pump, unions and leaf trap free of surrounding landscape soil and provides for clean and clear minimum maintenance access to these components which are the heartbeat of your pond system. Time well spent now will save many hours during the long life of the system.

• Place a swing (not spring) check valve between the RetroDrain and the leaf trap as well as an isolation valve, typically a knife valve.

• Use a minimum pipe size of 1 1/2” to plumb both suction and discharge sides of the pump, especially if the pump port size is 1/2”, 3/4”, 1”, 1 1/4” as pump port size does not dictate plumbing pipe size. This is a very important point. Pump Principles - Pond vs. Pool and Guidelines for Pump & Pipe Useage.

• Avoid the use of “ expedient” plumbing “methods” such as hardware store “hose”, the use of hose clamps, brass fittings, vinyl/clear “tubing”. These materials / techniques are bound to cause extra work in the long run. Instead, take the little bit of extra time to work with PVC/ABS pipe and you will be rewarded with a more minimum maintenance installation. We offer a booklet.pdf from IPS weld on glue manufacture on the best procedures for gluing plastic pipe. We highly recommend this brand of glue over all others. Not available at “ home improvement stores” rather from landscape or plumbing supply houses and better pond supply outlets.