How to Winterize a Disappearing Pondless Waterfall or Stream

Russell Watergardens^® Hydro Vortex system™

Winterizing your disappearing waterfall system has never been easier.
The Russell Watergardens Hydro Vortex™ system comes
standard with an additional drain line.  This important feature allows for
fast and easy winterization of your water feature.  The entire process
takes only 15-30 minutes!

1. Turn off the pump
2. Open the drain valve on the Russell Watergardens^™ Hydro
   Vortex Filter™ (Leave valve in the “open” position).  Leave the filter
   media, and grate inside the filter. (If fir or pine trees are near
   your filter you may want to cover the Hydro Vortex Filter with netting or
   plastic to prevent the needles from falling inside).

   

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3. Locate the lid of the disappearing pondless waterfall
   pump chamber by removing the thin layer of rocks.  Now Remove lid bolts and detach lid.  Try to prevent rocks from
   falling inside of pump chamber once the lid has been removed to access the
   pump.

   

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4. Detach the pump by unlatching the Gator Lock™ fitting
   from the plumbing line. This will allow the water in the plumbing lines to
   drain and will prevent them from freezing and cracking.

   

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5. Take the pump out of the disappearing pondless waterfall pump chamber and store in a bucket of water in a location that does not freeze.
   The water will prevent the rubber seals from drying and cracking.

   

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6. Place lid back on the pump chamber.  Hide the lid by covering it back up with a thin layer of rocks.
   This will make sure your new “dry creek bed” still looks nice until spring

   

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7. You are now finished!
   Your next step is to kick back, relax, and start dreaming about next spring!