Spring cleaning your Aquascape Skimmer and BioFalls filter removes accumulated debris and helps restore proper water flow and filtration before restarting your pond.
Cleaning the Skimmer
- Turn off and unplug the pond pump.
- Remove leaves and debris from the skimmer basket or debris net.
- Remove the filter mat or brush cartridge, if equipped, and thoroughly rinse away accumulated debris.
- Remove sludge and debris from the bottom of the skimmer.
- Inspect the pump intake and remove any obstructions. Clean the pump if necessary.
- Reinstall the skimmer components.
Cleaning the BioFalls filter
- With the pond pump turned off, remove accumulated leaves and debris from the BioFalls filter.
- Remove the filter mats and thoroughly rinse away accumulated debris.
- Remove the BioBalls or other biological filter media and thoroughly rinse away clogged debris using pond water or dechlorinated water.
- Remove accumulated sludge and debris from the bottom of the BioFalls filter.
- Reinstall the filter mats and biological media in their original positions.
Important: Do not use soap, bleach, detergents, or household cleaning chemicals. Avoid unnecessary scrubbing or sterilizing of biological media.
Restarting the pond
- Make sure the Skimmer and BioFalls components are properly reinstalled.
- Confirm the pond and skimmer have adequate water levels.
- Restart the pond pump.
- Check that water flows properly through the BioFalls and waterfall, with no leaks or unintended overflowing.