Alpine WIN454 - User Manual

WIN454
Rainforest Fountain
This product is protected by U.S. Patent # D672,845
Limited Warranty Information
Thank you for choosing an Alpine product! We aim to please with our wide range of products
including Fountains, Birdbaths, Statuary, Pond Supplies & More. All of our products are constructed
from the highest quality materials. In the event that we have not achieved our usual standard of
excellence, we will repair or replace, at our discretion, within the warranty period. A valid proof of
purchase, with the purchase date clearly indicated, must be provided. Photos of defective
merchandise will also be required to help distinguish the actual cause of the defect. Please read
below for a detailed description of warranty coverage.
 Water Damage
Alpine products are not manufactured to withstand extreme temperatures. Improper
storage that allows water to freeze within a product may cause damage and is considered
negligence and will, therefore not be covered under this warranty. The use of “hard water”
and/or caustic cleaners can affect the paint or other finishes. Failure to keep the unit clean,
and use of such additives/cleaners, will also void the warranty. Please note: for fountains,
it is normal for some splashing to occur and protecting the immediate surfaces is not the
responsibility of Alpine Corporation
 Paint & Color (Retention and/or Loss)
The use of water will cause natural erosion to the color. This area can be touched up
using standard paint. The paint is designed protect the entire finish against breakdown of
color. As with any product, all finishes with time will gradually fade and discolor. The
warranty will only cover against severe or complete fading within the first year from date of
purchase with the above exclusion.
 Procedure/Service
Should a warranty/claim be needed, you should contact the retailer from whom you
purchased the product. If that is not an option, you can contact Alpine Corporation at
www.alpine4u.com. When contacting Alpine Corporation, you must be prepared to show
proof of purchase, provide photographs and any other information needed to validate your
claim. This may be necessary to distinguish between a partial or complete replacement of
a defective product. The warranty does not cover any items with multiple parts; the
warranty will ONLY cover the individual component of the unit/item that may be
defective. Replacement parts can be made available to a consumer through the original
selling party, or an approved parts retailer. If this is not an option, contact our customer
service department. Item is covered under one year limited warranty from the date of
purchase. When requesting replacement parts due to a warranty claim after 30 days of
purchase, credit card information will be requested for shipping charges.
 Not Covered Under Warranty
The limited warranty will NOT cover cases of damages due to
1. Damages caused in Transit
2. Inadequate care and/or neglect
3. Environmental and/or natural elements
4. Immersion in water, unless specified
5. Improper Installation/Storage and/or Maintenance
This warranty is void if the product has been damaged by accident, misuse, negligence, improper
installation and/or modifications have occurred. This includes any and/or all defects arising out of
freezing water damage, hard water damage, failure to keep the unit clean and free of harmful
additives such as bleach, chlorine, etc…. which affects the paint and/or parts. This warranty also
does not cover any additional charges or installation, removal, disposal and/or shipping costs or
consequential damage associated with any warranty claim

Summary

Limited Warranty Information

Water Damage Coverage

Details how improper storage, freezing, or caustic cleaners void the warranty.

Paint and Color Warranty

Explains natural color fading and coverage for severe fading within the first year.

Warranty Claim Procedure

Outlines steps to contact the retailer or manufacturer for warranty claims.

Exclusions from Warranty

Lists damages not covered, including transit, neglect, and environmental factors.

Product Assembly and Usage

Components and Assembly Steps

Lists fountain components and details the step-by-step assembly process.

Troubleshooting and Cautions

Covers common pump issues and essential usage safety precautions.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The device described in this manual is a decorative water fountain, specifically identified as the WIN454 Rainforest Fountain. Its primary function is to provide an aesthetic and calming element to an environment through the circulation of water, often accompanied by LED lighting for enhanced visual appeal, especially in low-light conditions.

Function Description

The Rainforest Fountain operates by circulating water from a reservoir through a pump, up to the top of the fountain structure, and then allowing it to cascade down, creating a soothing sound and visual effect. The design, as suggested by its name, aims to evoke the natural beauty of a rainforest, likely featuring organic, rock-like, or wood-like textures and multiple levels for water flow. LED lights are integrated into the design to illuminate the water as it flows, adding a dynamic visual dimension, particularly effective during evening hours. The fountain is designed for ease of assembly and use, intended to be a standalone decorative piece that requires minimal setup once unpacked. Its operation relies on a submersible pump and a transformer to convert household electrical power to the appropriate voltage for the pump and LED lights. A splash cover is also included, likely to minimize water splashing outside the fountain basin during operation.

Usage Features

The fountain is designed for straightforward use, with several features contributing to its user-friendliness:

• Assembly: The assembly process is described as requiring two people for optimal handling, suggesting components might be somewhat bulky or delicate. Users are instructed to unpack all components carefully and ensure all parts are present before assembly. The main steps involve placing the fountain base on a level surface, connecting LED light cords to the transformer, attaching vinyl tubing to the water pump, and placing the pump into the reservoir.
• Water Filling and Operation: After assembly, users are instructed to gently pour water into the fountain, ensuring the pump is fully submerged and the water runs clear. It's crucial to avoid overfilling to prevent splashing. The flow control on the pump can be adjusted to its lowest setting initially to minimize splashing during the first operation. The manual specifically recommends using distilled water to prevent scale build-up, which is a common issue with tap water in fountains. It also notes that during the first operation, it might take up to five minutes for air to be expelled from the pump, allowing water to flow properly.
• Electrical Connection: The pump cord and transformer are plugged into a local power supply. Users are cautioned to ensure no water is around the plug and to always keep the power source in a dry place, emphasizing electrical safety.
• Troubleshooting: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common issues.
  • Pump Failure: If the pump doesn't run, users should check the circuit breaker or try a different outlet to ensure electrical power. They should also inspect the pump discharge and tubing for kinks or obstructions, suggesting a garden hose can be used to flush out buildup. Accessing the impeller area by removing the front cover and plate is recommended to check if the rotor is jammed or broken.
  • "Spewing" Water: If the fountain "spews" water, the primary cause is usually insufficient water level. Users should ensure the pump is completely submerged and there is enough water in the basin for proper operation.
  • Abnormal Loud Noises: If the pump makes unusual noises, users are advised to disconnect the pump from power, remove the front cover and plate, and carefully pull out the impeller/rotor assembly. Cleaning the impeller/rotor assembly and the cavity with clean water is recommended. If damage is found, contacting the retailer for parts is suggested.
• Safety Precautions (Caution): The manual outlines several critical safety measures:
  • Always unplug the pump from the electrical outlet before cleaning or handling.
  • Use only clean water; avoid placing the fountain or its parts in other liquids.
  • Periodically change water and clean the pump to prevent microbial growth.
  • Disconnect and store the unit in a dry place when not in use for extended periods.
  • Do not operate with water temperatures above 90°F (30°C).
  • Never lift, carry, or pull the pump by its power cord.
  • Do not exceed the maximum voltage and wattage specified for the transformer.
  • Crucially, NEVER LET THE PUMP RUN DRY, as this can damage the pump.

Maintenance Features

Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and optimal performance of the Rainforest Fountain, and the manual provides clear guidelines:

• Cleaning: Regular cleaning is emphasized. Users are instructed to periodically change the water and clean the pump to keep it free from micro-organisms. For the pump specifically, cleaning the impeller/rotor assembly and its cavity with clean water is recommended if abnormal noises occur. The manual also warns that the use of "hard water" and/or caustic cleaners can affect the paint and finishes, and failure to keep the unit clean will void the warranty. This implies that regular cleaning with appropriate, non-caustic solutions is necessary.
• Water Quality: The recommendation to use distilled water is a key maintenance tip to prevent scale build-up, which can affect both the fountain's appearance and the pump's efficiency.
• Storage: When the fountain is not in use for an extended period, especially during colder months, it should be disconnected and stored in a dry place. This is particularly important because Alpine products are not manufactured to withstand extreme temperatures, and improper storage that allows water to freeze within the product can cause damage, which is considered negligence and not covered under warranty.
• Paint and Color Retention: The manual acknowledges that the use of water will cause natural erosion of color over time, and all finishes will gradually fade and discolor. While this is a natural process, the warranty covers severe or complete fading within the first year, excluding this natural erosion. Users can touch up the paint using standard paint, indicating that minor cosmetic maintenance is expected.
• Warranty and Service: The product comes with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. For warranty claims, users should first contact the retailer where they purchased the product. If that's not possible, Alpine Corporation can be contacted directly. To validate a claim, proof of purchase with a clear date and photographs of the defective merchandise are required. The warranty covers individual defective components, not entire multi-part items. Replacement parts may be available through the original seller or an approved retailer. After 30 days of purchase, shipping charges for replacement parts due to a warranty claim will require credit card information.
• Exclusions from Warranty: The warranty explicitly does NOT cover damages due to transit, inadequate care/neglect, environmental/natural elements, immersion in water (unless specified), or improper installation/storage/maintenance. It is also void if the product has been damaged by accident, misuse, negligence, improper installation, or modifications. This includes damage from freezing water, hard water, failure to keep the unit clean, or the use of harmful additives like bleach or chlorine, which affect paint and parts. The warranty also does not cover additional charges for installation, removal, disposal, shipping, or consequential damage.

In summary, the WIN454 Rainforest Fountain is a decorative water feature designed for aesthetic appeal and ease of use, with a strong emphasis on proper assembly, regular cleaning, and adherence to specific operational and storage guidelines to ensure its longevity and maintain warranty coverage.

Alpine WIN454 Specifications