Support Above, Water Storage Below
The round grate creates a support surface for a smaller fountain while the basin conceals the water reserve, pump and plumbing below the finished landscape.
Fountain Reservoir Basin – 30" Achelous AquaBox®
$499.99
• Suitable for small fountains
• Overall Dimensions: Round 31.5" diameter with lip X 16" high
• Weight: Approx. 30 lbs
• One-piece Grate Dimensions: Round 30" dia. x 2"H )
• Reservoir Capacity: Approx. 30 gallons
• Maximum Static Load: 750 lbs
• Includes center support column, pump access cover, and mesh sediment screen
• Lifetime Warranty
Blue Thumb-manufactured fountain reservoir
30" Achelous AquaBox® Fountain Basin
Create the concealed foundation for a compact recirculating fountain. The 30" Achelous Basin stores approximately 30 gallons of water below the finished surface while its removable grate supports a smaller fountain and keeps the pump accessible for service.
30" Round one-piece grate
30 gal. Approximate reservoir capacity
750 lb. Maximum static load
16" Basin height
Made in USA Produced by Blue Thumb
A Compact Foundation for a Recirculating Fountain
Serviceable Pump Access
A dedicated access opening and cover let you reach the pump without removing the entire grate or dismantling the fountain installation.
Cleaner Reservoir Area
The included mesh sediment screen helps reduce the amount of decorative stone, leaves and landscape debris that can fall through the grate.
What Comes with the 30" Achelous Basin
30" Achelous Basin
The round, 16"-high reservoir stores approximately 30 gallons for a compact recirculating fountain installation.
One-Piece Grate Basin Cover
The 30" round grate supports the fountain and finishing stone while allowing recirculating water to return to the reservoir.
Pump Access Cover
The removable cover provides a service opening for the separately purchased pump and plumbing.
PVC Center Support Column
The included column reinforces the grate from below and should be positioned as directed for the planned fountain placement.
Mesh Sediment Screen
The screen installs beneath the decorative stone to help reduce debris entering the reservoir. A replacement Achelous sediment screen is available separately if needed later.
Not included: Fountain feature, pump, tubing, flow-control plumbing, auto-fill equipment, decorative pebbles, site preparation and electrical service.
Plan the Rest of Your Fountain System
Automatic Water-Level Control
Add the Fountain Basin Auto Fill Kit – 1/2" to replace water lost through normal evaporation and splash. Blue Thumb recommends pairing it with the 30 PSI Regulator. Both are sold separately.
Splash Management
The customizable Splash Apron for Reservoir/Basin extends beyond the basin to help capture and return overspray. The current product guidance recommends it for fountains wider than 24".
Decorative Grate Coverage
Blue Thumb recommends approximately two to three 40 lb. bags to cover this grate. Choose Black Polished Pebbles or Mixed Polished Pebbles. Pebbles are sold separately.
Pump and Plumbing
Select the pump, tubing and flow-control components according to the fountain's required flow and lift—not the basin size alone. Browse fountain pumps or ask Blue Thumb to help match the system.
30" Achelous AquaBox® Specifications
Item numberAB30AB
Recommended applicationSmaller recirculating fountains
Overall sizeApproximately 31.5" round with lip × 16" high
Grate30" diameter × 2" high; one-piece design
Reservoir capacityApproximately 30 gallons
Maximum static load750 lb.
Approximate product weight30 lb.
Country of manufactureMade in the USA
WarrantyBlue Thumb lifetime plastics warranty, subject to published terms
Compare Blue Thumb Fountain Basins
Choose a basin for the fountain's footprint, total static weight and expected water return. Moving to a larger basin provides more collection area and water capacity.
30" Achelous
AB30AB
- Approx. 31.5" round × 16" high overall
- 30" one-piece grate
- 30-gallon capacity
- 750 lb. maximum static load
- For smaller fountains
36" Achelous
AB36AB
- 39.5" round × 16" high overall
- 36" two-piece grate
- 60-gallon capacity
- 1,000 lb. maximum static load
- For medium fountains
48" Achelous
AB48AB
- 51.5" round × 16" high overall
- 48" two-piece grate
- 95-gallon capacity
- 1,500 lb. maximum static load
- For large fountains
52" Altum
AB52AB
- 52.5" square × 20" high overall
- 48" × 48" two-piece grate
- 220-gallon capacity
- 2,500 lb. maximum static load
- For large or multiple fountains
Installation Planning Overview
This basin is one part of a complete fountain system. Final pump selection, tubing layout, fountain anchoring and site preparation depend on the fountain being installed.
Choose the Site
Allow room for the basin, fountain, splash pattern and future service. Plan access to water and GFCI-protected electrical service and locate underground utilities before digging.
Prepare the Base
Excavate for the intended finished elevation. Remove roots and sharp objects, then prepare a firm, level and well-compacted base that supports the entire reservoir.
Set and Level
Position the basin so the pump access remains convenient. Confirm that the basin and grate are level before compacting backfill around the reservoir.
Install the System
Position the center support, separately purchased pump and plumbing for the planned fountain location. Keep serviceable parts reachable through the access opening.
Fill, Test and Finish
Fill the basin before operating the submerged pump. Test the flow and water return, correct excessive splash, then add the sediment screen and decorative stone.
Installation note: Follow the instructions supplied with the fountain, pump and accessories. Do not energize a submersible pump while it is dry, and disconnect power before servicing the pump or plumbing.
Routine Care and Seasonal Planning
- Maintain enough water to keep the selected submersible pump fully covered while operating.
- Check the water level more often during hot, dry or windy weather and when the fountain produces a wide splash pattern.
- Remove leaves and landscape debris before they accumulate beneath the decorative stone or restrict the pump intake.
- Use the access cover to inspect and service the pump, tubing and optional auto-fill equipment.
- Clean or replace the sediment screen if buildup begins to interfere with water returning to the reservoir.
- Before freezing conditions, follow the winter-care instructions for the installed fountain, pump, plumbing and water-supply components. Seasonal requirements vary with the complete system and local climate.
Product and Accessory Resources
Keep the current warranty terms with your product records. If you add automatic water-level control, review its installation guide before connecting the water supply.
Not Sure Whether the 30" Basin Fits Your Fountain?
Blue Thumb's Sales and Technical Team can help review the fountain footprint, total weight, pump requirements, splash pattern and installation site before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a complete fountain kit?
No. This product is the 30" Achelous reservoir basin assembly. The fountain, pump, tubing, plumbing, decorative pebbles and optional auto-fill equipment are sold separately.
What size fountain can this basin support?
Blue Thumb identifies the AB30AB for smaller fountains. The fountain must fit securely on the 30" round grate and remain within the 750 lb. maximum static load. Water also needs to return to the basin instead of splashing beyond it.
Does the basin include a pump?
No. Pump size must be matched to the fountain's required flow, tubing size and vertical lift. Contact Blue Thumb if you need help selecting compatible water-moving equipment.
What is included with the basin?
The assembly includes the 30" Achelous Basin, one-piece grate basin cover, pump access cover, PVC center support column and mesh sediment screen.
How many polished pebbles are recommended?
The current product guidance recommends approximately two to three 40 lb. bags to cover the grate. Actual coverage depends on pebble size, placement and desired depth. Black and mixed polished pebbles are sold separately.
Can I add automatic water-level control?
Yes. The separately purchased 1/2" Fountain Basin Auto Fill Kit is intended for Blue Thumb fountain basins. Blue Thumb recommends pairing it with the 30 PSI Regulator and testing all connections for leaks.
Should I add a splash apron?
A splash apron can help capture water that lands beyond the basin edge and return it to the reservoir. The current page recommends one for fountains wider than 24", but wind and the fountain's flow pattern should also be considered.
What does the lifetime warranty cover?
Blue Thumb's published plastics warranty covers Blue Thumb-branded engineered plastic components, including AquaBox® fountain basin reservoirs, against manufacturing defects for the original purchaser. Proper installation is required, modifications can void coverage, and labor and freight are excluded. Review the full warranty document for claim terms.
How do I prepare the fountain for winter?
Winter care depends on the fountain, pump, plumbing, optional auto-fill line and local climate. Disconnect power before service and follow the instructions for every installed component before freezing weather. Contact Blue Thumb if model-specific guidance was not supplied with the fountain system.
