Water, Water Pumps, Electrical Requirements

water

Water is perhaps the most critical component in the waterfall. Dirty or contaminated water will quickly cause operational problems with your waterfall. House water must be softened and filtered if the unit is to be connected to the water supply. RO (Reverse Osmosis) water will give the best results, and require the least amount of maintenance. If the unit is not being connected to the house supply, distilled bottled water is recommended. The provided filter and optional UV-light cannot prevent hard water deposits from forming on the surfaces of your waterfall. Hard water will also cause plugged passages and manifold ports, reducing the flow effect on the waterfall surface. The life-span of the pump will also be adversely affected due to the use of hard water. Use of RO or distilled water is by far the best way of ensuring years of carefree enjoyment from your waterfall.

The provided sediment filter will help prevent clogging of the manifold ports that disperse the water down the face of the waterfall. The water that flows down the face will attract dust, debris particles and mould spores that are floating in the air in your home. This will help to naturally filter the air you breathe and keep your home cleaner. However the filter will become contaminated and the water flow will be reduced over time. We recommend that the filter be replaced whenever the waterfall is cleaned, every 3-4 months or sooner as deemed necessary by poor water flow. The filters can be purchased through your authorized NAPOLEON dealer.

The optional ultraviolet-light will help destroy any green algae, bacteria, mould or mildew found in the water. Flowing water is fairly resistant to this kind of growth, but in time the water will become contaminated and the system will have to be flushed and thor- oughly cleaned. Not only unsightly but mould and bacteria growth will plug the manifold ports, reducing the flow of water and can damage the water pump over time. The optional UV-light will help to keep your waterfall relatively maintenance free by keeping the water cleaner for a longer period of time. The UV-bulb must be replaced every year to ensure proper operation. The UV-bulbs are available from your authorized NAPOLEON dealer.

The waterfall is designed to be connected directly to a water source. Waterfalls are natural humidifiers for the environment. The amount of water the waterfall consumes daily is dependant upon how dry the air is, and how large the waterfall surface is. There is a float valve that will open as the water level drops, allowing water to enter the system. This will ensure that the water level is kept at the height required for proper operation of the water pump. The pump should never be allowed to run dry and damage resulting from that will not be covered by warranty. If there is not a suitable water source to be had nearby, the waterfall can be installed as a stand-alone system, but the water level will have to be monitored frequently and supplemented as needed.

WATER PUMPS

The water pump supplied with your waterfall has been selected for its high flow volume, efficiency, quiet operation and reliability. The pump is suitable for pushing water to a height of 12 feet, however the flow is reduced greatly at that height. This must be kept in mind when finding a location for the pump and water basin, so the pump module must be located on the same floor as the fountain. The minimum space required for the pump module for the waterfall is 18” x 18” x 15” high. The system has a flow control valve after the filter that can be adjusted to provide the desired flow rate on the waterfall surface.

The pump must be kept submersed in water at all times while in operation. The water acts as a cooling agent for the pump, preventing the pump from overheating. Low water levels, frequently turning the pump on and off and impurities in the water from poor waterfall maintenance will shorten the life of the pump. If maintained properly, the pump will provide years of reliable service.

If you hear excessive noise coming from your pump, check first to see that you have enough water in the basin to keep the pump fully submerged below 1-2” of water. The pump should not be vibrating against the tub, but if it is, it can be isolated by placing a small piece of sponge between the pump and the basin. Be sure to not block or restrict in any way the pump’s water inlet.

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

The waterfall will require 2 separate 110 volt electrical receptacles, one for the lights and one for the water pump. GFI recepta- cles must be used, because of the use of water and possibility of contact.

It is not required that the receptacles be wired on their own circuit, as the pump, lights and optional UV-light draw very little current. If there is already a heavy load elsewhere on that circuit or you have trouble with breakers tripping, a separate circuit will need to be installed. Any circuit wiring or GFI installation must be done by a qualified electrician. If you would like to be able to turn the fountain on and off, the receptacles should be wired to a wall switch. Two wall switched receptacles are recommended, one for

4 the pump and UV-light (optional) and one for the lights. This will allow you to turn the lights on and off independently of the fountain.