Savio Skimmerfilter

All-in-one filtration option in one easy-to-install unit. Each unit is precision-engineered for easy assembly and maintenance. Super-strong, injection-molded structural polymer housing resists warping and handles large pumps. Sturdy non-skid cover houses security locknuts. Includes: filter mat frame with filter mat, rugged injection-molded leaf basket, and two chambers to slide in optional 26W or 50W UV Sterilizer for unparalleled water clarity. Can accommodate tubing between 1-5/16" to 3-1/8" dia. Pumps sold separately. Skimmerfilter measures 27-3/4" x 25-1/2" x 24" high without lid.

Use the Savio Mechanical Water Leveler Kit to maintain proper water levels in the Savio Skimmerfilter.

2006 and older Savio Skimmerfilters require retrofit Baffle Shield Assembly (sold at right) for proper installation of UV Clarifier.

Please click on "More Information" for installation and maintenance instructions.

1. Place the Skimmerfilter opposite the waterfall or filter return in an easily accessible location.
2. Avoid placing rocks or plants in front of Skimmerfilter. Anything placed in front interferes with skimming action.
3. Waterfalls generally face the viewing area. Place the Skimmerfilter so it faces the waterfall. This hides the Skimmerfilter from view and allows easy access.
4. Positioning the Skimmerfilter on the down-wind side of the pond will aid in the effective collection of floating debris. This is less important than placing the Skimmerfilter opposite the waterfall but it is a significant design consideration.

Design and Construction Guide
Drill Hole for Pump
Use the side closest to your water return line or waterfall. Cut a hole using a hole-saw or jig saw using the guides shown on the side of the Skimmerfilter.

The flow of the pump and the length of the pipe run will determine proper pipe size. The following chart indicates the recommended inner diameter (I.D.) of pipe or tubing for the maximum gallons per hour (GPH) of the pump.

Excavate

1. Excavate 6" back from the coping shelf. Dig a round hole measuring 30" across, with a depth of 19" below the intended water line. Dig the front of the hole 1/4" deeper than the back to compensate for future settling. When the Skimmerfilter is placed, it will tilt slightly towards the pond. Do not dig too deeply or it will become off level as the soil settles. Compact and level the bottom of the excavation.
2. Dig a channel 7" below the water line, measuring 24" wide from the hole to the pond. The Skimmerfilter neck rests on this channel.
3. Dig a trench for the output pipe from the Skimmerfilter excavation. Extend this trench so that it connects to the waterfall filter.

Installation & Backfill

1. Place the Skimmerfilter in the hole. Verify:
   • There is at least 3" of clearance all the way around the unit.
   • The unit is level front to back and side to side. Front edge is 1/4" lower than the back edge to compensate settling.
   • The skimmer face is flush with the back wall of the coping shelf.
   • Skimmerfilter is positioned so the bottom is 19" below the intended water level. The bottom of the neck is 7" below water level.
2. Place the lid on top of the Skimmerfilter and backfill around the unit. Use moist sand or pea gravel for backfilling or, if unavailable, use gravel and loose soil that is free of clumps. Every two to three inches hand-pack the backfill. Do not overcompact. Lightly moisten the backfill to aid in settling.

Connect Pump
Submersible Pump
The Skimmerfilter tank protects and hides the submersible pump. The leaf basket protects the pump(s) from large debris and reduces clogs. Use a solids-handling pump for water gardening applications. Remove filter media if pump flow rate exceeds 3,000 gph.

• Slide the PVC pipe from the pump through the outlet pipe hole.
• Use a quick disconnect coupling for easy pump removal.

Leaf Basket
The Skimmerfilter basket is constructed of durable injection molded material. The weave of the basket is designed to catch large debris. Fine debris will pass through the weave and be captured by the filter mat or processed through a solids-handling pump and collected in the filter.

Attach Weir

1. Insert weir dividers in the appropriate slots for the models purchased.
   • Model 60: Use Innermost Track
   • Model 85: Use Middle Tracks
   • Model 160: Use Outermost Tracks
2. Push weir door hinge tabs into notches on weir dividers. Lay the door horizontal in the Skimmerfilter neck.

Attach Liner

1. Position the pond liner over the mouth of the Skimmerfilter and hold it in place. Clean and flatten the liner free of wrinkles and fold along the front of the Skimmerfilter face.
2. Insert locator pins through the liner into the pinholes.
3. Make a 3" incision through the liner center, centered and 3/4" below the top of the skimmer opening.
4. Slide the faceplate over the locator pin to align the screw holes.
5. Use a #3 Phillips head screwdriver to install corner screws halfway into all four corners. Place the rest of the screws halfway. Alternate tightening the screws from top to bottom and side to side until the screw heads are flush with the faceplate. This creates a watertight seal.
6. After the faceplate is properly tightened down, use a knife to trim the liner inside the skimmer mouth.

UV Assembly
For Skimmerfilters with one or more UV bulbs:

1. Follow the instructions provided in the UV kit.
2. Remove the lid.
3. UVs are fragile. Avoid placing fingerprints on bulbs, this will shorten their life span.
4. Place the UV assembly in UV mounts. Insert the locking ring tabs in slots and rotate 1/4 turn to secure.
5. Use a baffle block to close off water flow to the unused UV compartment (for ponds less than 3,000 gallons incorporating one UV). For ponds over 3,000 gallons, do not use baffle block on either compartment.

Water Level
The water level mark on the Skimmerfilter faceplate represents optimum water level for proper Skimmerfilter operation when the unit is running. Operating tolerances allow water levels to run 3/4" above or below this mark.

Maintenance
Under normal operating conditions, the Skimmerfilter will provide years of trouble-free use. The following are a few items that will require periodic maintenance:

Short Term Maintenance

1. Check and remove debris captured in the leaf basket every week or as needed. The frequency required will vary seasonally, with cleaning required more often in the fall than at other times.
2. Check and clean the filter mat as needed, using water from the pond. Clean the filter when it looks dirty or before there is a noticeable decrease in the flow of water to the pump chamber.

Long Term Maintenance (Every 18 months)

1. Replace UV bulbs every 18 months for optimal water clarity.
2. Quartz sleeves protecting the UV clarifiers can be soaked in an acid solution annually or as needed if mineral buildup occurs. Use caution when removing or replacing bulbs.

One-Click Locking Weirs
Using the Skimmerfilter's patented One-Click Locking Weir makes cleaning a snap.

1. Turn off electrical components.
2. Remove lid.
3. Reach into tank and, while pressing the weir lock lever, upward-push the weir door forward until you feel it lock into place.
4. To release, reach into tank and press the release lever upward.

Equipment Winterization
Prepare for winterization in mid to late November, or when ice persistently develops on the pond. Keep equipment winterized until late February or early March when the water temperature is consistently 40°F or higher.

If the pond is to be shut down in winter:

1. Disconnect UV clarifiers and store indoors.
2. Close and lock One-Click Locking Weir.
3. While monitoring operation, allow the pump to drain a majority of the water from inside the Skimmerfilter. When the Skimmerfilter has been emptied, turn off the pump.
4. Disconnect the submersible pump - clean and store in a dry place.
5. Drain any plumbing lines not buried below frost line (18"-24" in agricultural zones 4-6.)
6. Use plumber's heat tape on pipes and shutoff valves. Insulate the pump house and exterior pumps and valves.
7. Remove and thoroughly clean filter mats.

UVinex UV Clarifier Retrofit Baffle Shield
For use with the Savio Skimmerfilter mfg#SS0000.

Note: The UVinex UV Clarifier Retrofit Baffle Shield (Mounting Assembly) is specifically designed to operate with the Savio Skimmerfilter. The following are detailed instructions for the removal of the old UV mounting assembly and the installation of the new mounting assembly.

Assembly and Installation
If the Savio Skimmerfilter is in operation, turn off the pump and unplug UV clarifier before installing this mounting assembly.

1. If old style UV is in use, twist and remove from Skimmer.
2. Remove existing Baffle Shield screws using a Phillips screwdriver. Set screws aside.
3. Remove UV Mount/Baffle Shield.
4. Install new UVinex Baffle Shield by placing it into position.
5. Place screws into large holes and then hand tighten with Phillips screwdriver.
6. The Skimmer is now ready for installation of a new Savio UVinex UV Clarifier.