4x4 Fountain Basin - 70 Gallon Reservoir
$479.99
PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA!
• Our 4' x 4' fountain basin is great for small fountains that don't have a lot of water in motion.
• Holds 70 gallons
• Dimensions 49.5" square x 12" high
• Max. Static Load 750 lbs.
• Comes complete with basin, grate, & screen
• Lifetime Warranty
Blue Thumb Fountain Reservoir • LA4000
4x4 Fountain Basin – A Wide, Low-Profile Reservoir for Lightweight Fountains
Create a clean, concealed recirculating fountain installation with Blue Thumb's 4x4 Fountain Basin. Its broad 49.5-inch-square footprint provides a 70-gallon underground reservoir and a supported top surface for compatible lightweight fountains with evenly distributed loads. The shallow 12-inch profile helps keep excavation manageable while leaving the water-storage system hidden beneath the finished landscape.
Water capacity: 70 gallons
Overall dimensions: 49.5" × 49.5" × 12"H
Maximum static load: 750 lbs.
Included: Basin, two-piece grate & screen
Built for a Cleaner Fountain Installation
Wide Water-Catching Area
The nearly 4-foot-square footprint provides a broad return area beneath the fountain while storing up to 70 gallons of recirculating water below grade.
Low-Profile Design
At only 12 inches high, the LA4000 provides substantial surface area without requiring the depth of a taller reservoir system.
Serviceable After Installation
The two-piece grate includes corner pump access, allowing the recirculating equipment to remain accessible without dismantling the entire finished fountain area.
Is the 4x4 Basin Right for Your Fountain?
This basin is designed for low-flow, lightweight fountains with loads that can be distributed across the supported grate. It is commonly used with Blue Thumb handcrafted GFRC fountain systems and low-flow, closed-top, triple vase sets. Do not select a reservoir based on fountain weight alone: water movement, splash area, and how the fountain transfers its load to the basin all matter.
Heavy or concentrated point loads require special attention. Large vase fountains, real stone fountains, and other heavy features may require a stronger AquaBox® fountain reservoir. When replacing a basin in an existing Blue Thumb fountain kit, follow the basin specified for that exact kit.
What You Receive
4x4 Basin Reservoir The below-grade reservoir holds the recirculating water for your compatible fountain system.
Two-Piece Support Grate Provides the upper support surface and includes a corner section for pump access.
Polymesh Screen Covers the grate before decorative finishing stone is added and helps keep larger debris out of the reservoir.
Please note: This is the basin assembly, not a complete fountain kit. Fountain, pump, plumbing, decorative stone and other accessories are not included unless specifically stated elsewhere with your purchase.
4x4 Fountain Basin Specifications
SKU: LA4000
Capacity: 70 gallons
Dimensions: 49.5" × 49.5" × 12"H
Maximum static load: 750 lbs.
Grate: Two-piece with corner pump access
Screen: Polymesh screen included
Recommended application: Low-flow, lightweight fountain installations
Made in: Saginaw, Michigan, USA
Plan the Installation Before You Dig
Choose the Site Allow room for the full basin footprint plus possible overspray. Avoid placing the fountain next to vegetation or structures that should not remain wet.
Excavate Dig so the top edge of the basin will sit approximately 1 inch above grade. For unstable soil, the installation manual calls for an additional 3 inches of excavation and a compacted crushed-rock or gravel base.
Level the Basin Set the reservoir level from front-to-back and side-to-side. Correct leveling is important before backfilling and installing the fountain.
Plan Pump Access Orient the pump-access corner toward the electrical source before backfilling so future service remains practical.
Install Grate & Screen Join the two grate sections over the basin, keeping the access section above the pump, then position the polymesh screen over the grate.
Fill, Test & Finish For a complete fountain system, fill to approximately the bottom of the grate, test operation and plumbing, then finish the screen with suitable decorative stone.
Installation Tip: Don't Bury the Basin Too Deep
The installation manual specifies positioning the top edge of the reservoir approximately 1 inch above finished grade. This helps keep surrounding runoff, soil and landscape debris from washing directly into the basin. Before excavating, always contact your local utility-locating service.
Useful Add-Ons
Fountain Basin Auto Fill Kit – 1/2" Helps maintain the operating water level as water is lost through evaporation and splash. Sold separately.
Splash Apron for Reservoir/Basin Extends beyond the basin perimeter to help capture splash and return water to the reservoir. Sold separately.
Black Polished Pebbles A decorative finishing option for concealing the grate and screen. Sold separately.
Mixed Polished Pebbles An alternate decorative stone finish for the visible basin surface. Sold separately.
Water Level, Maintenance & Winter Care
Once installed as part of a fountain system, keep the reservoir water level at or near the bottom of the grate and never allow the operating water level to fall below the pump. Water lost through evaporation and splash must be replaced manually or with a compatible automatic fill system.
Keep soil and mulch off the screen because fine material can fall through and contribute to debris buildup around the pump. Decorative river rock or polished pebbles are better suited to concealing the basin surface.
For freezing climates: follow the Blue Thumb installation manual for complete winterization. For prolonged freezing conditions, the pump should be removed and stored properly above freezing. Blue Thumb advises against completely draining the buried basin for winter; the current manual specifies leaving the basin approximately 50% full to help resist movement from frost heave.
Product Resources
Not Sure Which Basin Your Fountain Needs?
Reservoir selection depends on more than fountain weight. If you're matching a basin to a fountain, replacing an existing reservoir or planning a custom installation, the Blue Thumb Sales & Technical Team can help you choose the correct system before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of fountain is the 4x4 basin designed for?
The LA4000 is intended primarily for low-flow, lightweight fountains with loads that can be properly distributed across the supported grate, including compatible Blue Thumb GFRC fountain installations. Follow the specified basin recommendation for your exact fountain whenever one is provided.
Can I use this basin with a heavy stone or vase fountain?
Do not assume so based only on the basin's 750 lb. static-load rating. Heavy fountains and concentrated point loads can require an AquaBox® reservoir designed for that application. Check the fountain's recommended basin or contact Blue Thumb before ordering.
Does the basin hold 70 gallons?
Yes. The LA4000 has a listed reservoir capacity of 70 gallons.
Are the pump and plumbing included?
No. When purchased as this basin-only product, the LA4000 includes the basin, two-piece grate and screen. A pump, fountain, plumbing, decorative stone and optional accessories are separate unless specifically included as part of another fountain kit.
Can I access the pump after the fountain is installed?
Yes. One section of the two-piece grate provides corner pump access. Plan the basin orientation before backfilling so this service area remains convenient to your electrical source and accessible after landscaping.
Can an automatic water fill be added?
Yes. The Blue Thumb Fountain Basin Auto Fill Kit is an optional accessory that can help maintain the operating water level. The installation manual identifies the basin's spinweld fitting for this purpose.
Should the basin be completely buried?
No. Blue Thumb's installation instructions call for setting the basin so its top edge extends approximately 1 inch above grade. The basin should also be level from front-to-back and side-to-side before backfilling.
Should I drain the basin for winter?
Not completely. In climates with prolonged freezing conditions, Blue Thumb's current instructions call for removing and properly storing the pump while leaving the buried basin approximately 50% full. Follow the installation manual for the complete winterization procedure.
