Matched basin, pump and plumbing package
Create a concealed, recirculating fountain around your own compatible pot, urn or vase. This conversion package combines Blue Thumb’s 36-inch Achelous AquaBox® reservoir with an 800 GPH Mag-Drive pump and vessel-style plumbing that includes quick disconnects, a bulkhead fitting and an internal standpipe with flow control.
The two kits use the same-size Achelous basin and 800 GPH pump, but their plumbing is configured for different fountain types. Choose according to the feature you plan to place on the grate.
Choose this kit for: A compatible vessel-style fountain that uses an internal standpipe and bulkhead connection.
Included plumbing: Kink-free tubing with quick disconnects, a bulkhead fitting and a standpipe with flow control.
Choose this kit for: A drilled boulder, basalt column, drilled rock or other compatible real-stone fountain up to 24 inches high.
Included plumbing: Tubing with an O-ring, a bulkhead fitting and a flow-control valve configured for a drilled stone feature.
The PB2583 pump, kink-free tubing, bulkhead fitting, quick disconnects and standpipe with flow control arrive together, reducing the guesswork of matching the principal recirculating components.
Four molded basin 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.
Two removable pump-access covers make it possible to reach the pump and plumbing without lifting the complete grate or dismantling the finished fountain display.
Blue Thumb classifies the 36-inch Achelous as a foundation for medium fountains. Basin selection depends on more than fountain weight: the feature’s base must distribute its load appropriately, and the basin must capture the returning water pattern.
Best fit: Medium fountains with a compatible vessel and plumbing path.
Plan around: 39.5-inch overall basin diameter, 60-gallon capacity, 1,000-pound maximum static load and an 800 GPH pump.
Best fit: Larger fountains that need more collection area, water reserve, load capacity and pump output.
Plan around: 51.5-inch overall basin diameter, 95-gallon capacity, 1,500-pound maximum static load and a 1,110 GPH pump.
This is a vessel-style conversion system for pairing with a customer-supplied pot, urn or vase. Review both columns so the remaining site and finishing materials are clear.
Choose the optional 1/2-inch auto-fill kit to replace water lost through normal evaporation and splash. Pair it with the 30 PSI regulator when the incoming supply pressure exceeds 30 PSI.
The 76-inch-square splash apron is supplied uncut so it can be shaped around the fountain and used to return captured overspray toward the reservoir.
Blue Thumb recommends approximately four to five 40-pound bags of polished pebbles to cover the 36-inch grate. Pebbles are sold separately.
This is a built-in fountain foundation. Read the basin and pump manuals before excavation or grate drilling, and finalize the fountain position and plumbing route before covering the system with decorative stone.
Select a location with access to clean fill water and a nearby GFCI-protected outlet. Locate underground utilities before excavation.
Mark approximately 1–2 inches beyond the basin perimeter and excavate approximately 17 inches straight down. Remove sharp rocks and roots.
Compact a level sand or small-gravel base. Set the basin with its top approximately 1 inch below grade, then level and backfill it carefully.
Confirm the fountain and tubing positions before drilling. Cut the sediment screen before drilling and avoid the marked internal-support locations.
Place the pump below an access cover, route the included tubing and fittings, align the grate halves and install the PVC center support as directed.
Fill with clean water, start the pump and adjust the standpipe flow valve. Verify water return and service access before adding decorative stone.
Use the exact basin specification sheet for final planning, and read both installation manuals before excavation, assembly, operation or seasonal care.
This official Blue Thumb video demonstrates installation of the separately sold ABDAUTO Fountain Basin Auto Fill Kit. The auto-fill kit, regulator and water-supply connection are not included with AB36KIT.
Optional-accessory installation video courtesy of Blue Thumb.
Blue Thumb’s Sales and Technical Team can help review the fountain footprint, weight distribution, water pattern, lift, plumbing connection and installation plan before you order.
AB36KIT is designed for a compatible pot, urn or vase that uses the included bulkhead fitting and internal standpipe with flow control. The visible vessel is not included. For a drilled boulder, basalt column or other real-stone fountain, choose the AB36BB 36" Bubbling Boulder Conversion Kit, which has a different plumbing configuration.
The grate and inner basin seat measure 36 inches in diameter. The complete basin lip brings the outside diameter to 39.5 inches. Use the larger measurement when planning excavation and site clearance.
Blue Thumb recommends this basin for medium fountains, but fit depends on the feature’s base footprint, weight distribution, water pattern, splash reach, lift and plumbing connection. The maximum static load is 1,000 pounds when the system is assembled and supported as directed. Ask Blue Thumb to review an uncertain application before ordering.
800 GPH is the pump’s rated flow. Actual delivery decreases as vertical lift and plumbing resistance increase. The PB2583 has a maximum head rating of 9.30 feet, but maximum head is not the same as usable flow. Confirm tall or restrictive fountain designs with Blue Thumb.
No. The 60-gallon reservoir can be filled manually with clean water. The optional ABDAUTO kit can replenish normal evaporation and splash loss automatically; a 30 PSI regulator is required when the incoming supply pressure exceeds 30 PSI.
No. Blue Thumb recommends approximately four to five 40-pound bags of polished pebbles to cover the grate. Black and mixed finishes are available separately. Other stone may be used when it is appropriately sized so it cannot fall through the grate openings.
The basin guide calls for tracing approximately 1–2 inches beyond the basin perimeter and excavating approximately 17 inches straight down. Set the basin on a level, compacted sand or small-gravel base with its top approximately 1 inch below grade. Follow the separate 1.5-inch-below-grade guidance when installing the optional splash apron.
Before freezing conditions, disconnect the power, remove the pump, empty it and store it where it cannot freeze. Winterize the fountain feature, tubing and accessories according to their own instructions and your local climate.
The Achelous basin is covered by Blue Thumb’s lifetime warranty for branded engineered plastic components for the original purchaser, subject to the published terms. The PB2583 Mag-Drive pump carries a 60-month limited warranty; the impeller is excluded. Proper installation and proof of purchase are required. Review the warranty documents for complete conditions.
