Strong Support
Four molded internal supports, a two-piece grate and an included PVC center support create a properly distributed platform rated for a maximum static load of 1,000 pounds.
36-Inch Achelous AquaBox Fountain Basin | Blue Thumb
$599.99
NO Tariffs. Just Savings. PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA!
• Suitable for medium fountains
• Overall basin dimensions: Round 39.5" dia. X 16"H with lip
• Grate dimensions: Round 36" dia. x 2.8"H (in 2 halves)
• 60 gallon capacity
• Maximum static load 1,000 lbs
• Weighs approximately 45 lbs
• Includes center support column, Pump access covers, and Mesh Sediment Screen
• Lifetime Warranty
Fountain foundation and concealed water reservoir
36" Achelous AquaBox® Fountain Basin
Build a medium-size recirculating fountain around a strong, serviceable foundation. The 36" Achelous AquaBox® combines a 60-gallon concealed reservoir, a two-piece load-bearing grate and dedicated pump access in a round polyethylene basin manufactured in the USA.
39.5" × 16" Overall diameter and height
60 gallons Reservoir capacity
1,000 lb. Maximum static load
Approx. 45 lb. Product dry weight
36" diameter Two-piece grate
A Practical Foundation for a Custom Fountain
Serviceable Design
Two removable pump-access covers let you reach separately purchased pumping and plumbing equipment without dismantling the complete fountain display.
Flexible Finishing
Molded grate openings simplify routing fountain tubing, while the included mesh sediment screen helps reduce debris entering the reservoir beneath decorative stone.
Is the 36" Achelous the Right Basin?
Blue Thumb classifies this model for medium fountains. Do not select it by fountain weight alone: the fountain footprint, water pattern, splash reach, desired flow and grate contact area all affect basin selection.
Need a Smaller Footprint?
The 30" model is intended for small fountains and has a 31.5-inch overall diameter.
Compare the 30" Achelous AquaBox®This 36" Model
Plan for the basin’s full 39.5-inch outside diameter—not just the 36-inch grate—and additional room for excavation and backfilling.
Need More Support or Water?
The larger 48" Achelous is intended for large fountains and provides a larger reservoir and higher static-load rating.
Compare the 48" Achelous AquaBox®What Comes with the AB36AB Basin
Included
- Round 36" Achelous AquaBox® reservoir basin with four molded supports
- Two-piece 36" diameter grate top
- Two removable pump-access covers
- One 4" diameter rigid PVC center support column
- Altum-Achelous AquaBox® Mesh Sediment Screen
- Molded spinweld connection for an optional auto-fill valve
Not Included
- Fountain, vase, urn, sphere or stone feature
- Recirculating pump
- Tubing, fittings and fountain plumbing
- Decorative pebbles or landscape stone
- Automatic fill valve and pressure regulator
- Splash apron, lighting and electrical service
- Excavation, base and backfill materials
Core Specifications
- Item number
- AB36AB
- Overall basin size
- 39.5" diameter × 16" high
- Grate / inner-seat size
- 36" diameter × 2.8" high
- Inner reservoir
- Approx. 34" diameter × 13" high
- Reservoir capacity
- 60 gallons
- Maximum static load
- Up to 1,000 lb.
- Dry weight
- Approx. 45 lb.
- Primary material
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Recommended application
- Medium fountains
- Grate construction
- Two removable halves
- Installation position
- In-ground or planned above-ground installation
- Manufacturing
- Made in the USA
Optional Accessories and Finishing Materials
Automatic Water-Level Control
The optional 1/2" auto-fill kit helps replace water lost through evaporation and splash. Blue Thumb recommends using it with a 30 PSI regulator.
View the Fountain Basin Auto Fill KitSplash Control
The 76-inch-square splash apron is supplied uncut so it can be tailored around the fountain and used to return captured splash toward the reservoir.
View the Reservoir Splash ApronDecorative Grate Coverage
Blue Thumb recommends approximately four to five 40-pound bags of polished pebbles to cover the grate. Select the finish separately.
Black polished pebblesMixed polished pebbles
Plan the Installation Before You Dig
This basin becomes part of the landscape and must be level, continuously supported and positioned around the separately selected fountain, pump, plumbing and electrical service. Review the installation guide before excavation.
Choose the Site
Select a viewing location with practical access to clean fill water and a nearby GFCI-protected electrical outlet. Locate underground utilities before excavation.
Excavate and Prepare the Base
Mark approximately 1–2 inches beyond the basin perimeter and excavate approximately 17 inches straight down. Remove sharp rocks and roots, then level and compact a sand or small-gravel base.
Set and Level the Basin
Set the basin with its top approximately 1 inch below grade and orient the pump-access opening toward the electrical service. Level it side to side before carefully backfilling and compacting around it.
Prepare the Grate
Confirm fountain placement before drilling plumbing openings. The guide calls for a 1½-inch hole saw when openings are needed. Cut the sediment screen before drilling and avoid the marked internal-support areas.
Install Equipment and Supports
Place the separately purchased pump and plumbing beneath the access area. Align the grate halves over the designated molded supports and install the included PVC center support for added grate stability.
Fill, Test and Finish
Fill with clean water, start the pump and adjust the fountain flow before completing the landscape finish. Use decorative stone large enough that it will not fall through the grate openings.
Routine Care and Seasonal Planning
- Check the operating water level regularly. Blue Thumb notes that normal evaporation may be approximately 1–2 inches per week, but weather, humidity, wind, rainfall and splash can change refill frequency.
- Lift the pump-access cover to inspect the separately purchased pump, intake and plumbing without removing the complete grate.
- Remove accumulated leaves, mulch, dirt and sediment from the screen and reservoir as needed.
- Keep the grate halves correctly aligned over the molded supports and use the included center support as directed.
- Do not exceed the 1,000-pound static-load rating. Confirm that the fountain’s footprint distributes its weight appropriately.
- Before freezing weather, follow the winterization instructions supplied with the pump, fountain and plumbing components. The basin installation guide does not provide one universal winter procedure for every possible fountain configuration.
Product Resources
Use the exact-product specification sheet for planning and review the installation guide before excavation, grate drilling or equipment placement.
Optional Auto-Fill Installation Video
This official Blue Thumb video demonstrates the separately purchased ABDAUTO Auto Fill Kit. The auto-fill kit and water-supply connection are not included with the AB36AB basin.
Fountain Basin Auto Fill Kit Installation
Official accessory-installation video courtesy of Blue Thumb.
Questions About Fountain Size or Site Fit?
Blue Thumb’s Sales and Technical Team can help you review the fountain footprint, weight distribution, reservoir size, pump selection, splash pattern and installation plan before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AB36AB a complete fountain kit?
No. This product is the basin assembly. It includes the reservoir, grate system, pump-access covers, PVC center support and sediment screen. The fountain, pump, plumbing, pebbles, lighting and electrical service are sold separately.
Why is it called a 36" basin if the overall diameter is 39.5 inches?
The removable grate and inner basin seat measure 36 inches in diameter. The surrounding basin lip brings the complete outside diameter to 39.5 inches. Use the larger measurement when planning the site.
What size fountain is this basin intended to support?
Blue Thumb identifies the 36" Achelous for medium fountains. Its maximum static-load rating is 1,000 pounds, but fountain footprint, weight distribution, flow rate and splash pattern must also be considered.
Are the pump and plumbing included?
No. This AB36AB listing is for the basin assembly only. Customers who need a pump and plumbing should compare the separately listed 36" Achelous Fountain Conversion Kit.
Is a sediment screen included?
Yes. Blue Thumb’s current product information states that new Achelous AquaBox® basins include a mesh sediment screen. A replacement screen is also available separately for existing basins.
How large should the excavation be?
The installation guide calls for tracing approximately 1–2 inches beyond the basin perimeter and excavating approximately 17 inches straight down. The basin should rest on a level, compacted sand or small-gravel base with the top approximately 1 inch below grade.
Is the auto-fill kit required?
No. The reservoir may be refilled manually. The optional ABDAUTO kit can maintain the water level automatically, and Blue Thumb recommends pairing it with a 30 PSI regulator.
How many polished-pebble bags are recommended?
Blue Thumb recommends approximately four to five 40-pound bags to cover the grate. Black and mixed polished pebbles are sold separately.
What warranty applies to the basin?
Blue Thumb lists a lifetime warranty for its branded engineered plastic components, including AquaBox® fountain reservoirs, for the original purchaser. Proper installation is required, modifications void coverage, and compensation is limited to merchandise rather than labor or freight. Review the warranty document for complete terms.
Related Products
Reviews
-
36" Achelous AquaBox
The product is excellent, heavy duty and just what we needed. The delivery person was kind enough to take the pallet away which is huge to us since we would have had to cut it up in order to recycle it. Thanks! Jim