Formal Falls® - Large 40" Waterfall Kit
$1,629.99
Complete 40" Formal Falls® Equipment Kit
• Stainless steel, self-draining spillway
• 6,000 GPH pump and 65-gallon basin
• Proudly Made in the USA
NOT FOR USE IN SALTWATER
Recommended Max. Waterfall Height: 24" from basin top to spillway
View Component Warranty Details
• Stainless steel, self-draining spillway
• 6,000 GPH pump and 65-gallon basin
• Proudly Made in the USA
NOT FOR USE IN SALTWATER
Recommended Max. Waterfall Height: 24" from basin top to spillway
View Component Warranty Details
Complete Retaining Wall Waterfall System
Formal Falls® Large Kit – A 40-Inch Sheet Waterfall for Your Landscape
Create a striking wall waterfall with our Large Formal Falls® Kit. Designed to integrate into a retaining wall or custom masonry feature, this recirculating system sends water through a 40-inch stainless steel spillway and into a concealed reservoir below. You get the visual impact and sound of falling water without building an exposed pond.
Our complete equipment kit pairs the stainless steel weir with a 65-gallon basin, matched 6,000 GPH IllumiFlow® pump, and installation plumbing. It is ideal for patios, gardens, outdoor living areas, and properly planned commercial or indoor installations.
40 in. Stainless steel spillway
6,000 GPH Included pump rating
65 gal. Reservoir capacity
56 × 24 in. Basin footprint
Complete Equipment Package
What's Included in the Large Formal Falls® Kit?
The PB2651 kit brings together the main equipment needed to build a 40-inch, pond-less retaining wall waterfall. The structural wall, finishing stone, and site preparation are supplied separately.
40-Inch Stainless Steel Spillway Weir
Our Large Formal Falls® Weir – PB1816 creates the broad sheet of falling water.
- 40-inch-wide spillway
- Stainless steel construction
- Three 1-inch female-threaded inlets
- Sealed top designed to support stacked wall block
- Self-draining spillway design
65-Gallon Formal Falls® Basin
The Large Formal Falls® Basin – PB2644 collects and stores water for recirculation.
- 56"L × 24"W × 16"H
- 65-gallon reservoir capacity
- Anti-splash mat
- Dual removable pump-access covers
- Built-in plumbing connections
- Auto-fill connection ports
IllumiFlow® 6000 GPH Pump
Includes the 6,000 GPH model from our IllumiFlow® Pump family, model PB1748.
- 6,000 GPH maximum rated flow
- Pump prefilter sock
- Pump discharge assembly
- Designed for recirculating freshwater features
Installation Plumbing & Hardware
The kit includes the plumbing components used to connect the reservoir, pump, and stainless steel weir.
- Flexible hose for the standard 24-inch waterfall layout
- Plumbing fittings and connection hardware
- Three-inlet weir manifold connections
- Flow-control valve
- PVC primer and cement
- Installation hardware
Important: What Is Sold Separately?
Wall block, stone veneer, decorative gravel or river rock, landscaping materials, site preparation, electrical service, and optional accessories are not part of the standard kit. LED lighting is also not included in PB2651.
Want lighting? Explore our Large Formal Falls® Kit with Lights – PB2651L, which includes two color-changing basin lights with remote control.
Planning & Selection
Is the Large Formal Falls® Right for Your Project?
The Large Formal Falls® is designed for projects where a wide, uninterrupted waterfall is the focal point. Its 40-inch spillway produces a broader water display than our smaller models, while the matching 65-gallon basin captures water beneath the falls.
Recommended Maximum Waterfall Height: 24 Inches
For a clean, controlled sheet of water, we recommend positioning the weir no more than 24 inches above the top of the basin. A greater drop can increase splash-out and wind-related water loss.
Plan for the full 56 × 24-inch reservoir footprint, wall construction, plumbing access, and the area where water lands on the anti-splash mat. The basin may be installed in-ground or above ground as the project design requires.
How the Recirculating Waterfall Works
The concealed pump draws water from the basin and sends it through the flexible plumbing into the three-inlet stainless steel weir. The weir distributes the water across its wide opening, creating a falling sheet that returns to the anti-splash area of the reservoir. The cycle repeats while the pump operates.
The basin's access covers allow the pump and plumbing to be reached for inspection without removing the entire reservoir. Its preinstalled connection ports also accommodate an optional water-level control system when the correct valve kit is selected.
Technical Details
Large Formal Falls® Kit Specifications
Kit SKU: PB2651
Spillway model: PB1816
Spillway width: 40 inches
Weir dimensions: 40" × 8" × 3.5"
Weir material: Stainless steel
Weir inlets: Three 1" female-threaded
Basin model: PB2644
Basin dimensions: 56"L × 24"W × 16"H
Basin capacity: 65 gallons
Pump model: IllumiFlow® 6000 – PB1748
Pump maximum flow: 6,000 GPH
Pump maximum head: 28.5 feet
Pump rated power: 521 watts / 4.55 amps
Pump cord: 25 feet
Recommended fall: Up to 24 inches above basin
Water type: Freshwater only; not saltwater
Auto-fill: Compatible connection ports; valve sold separately
Lighting: Not included in PB2651
Pump maximum flow is a pump rating, not a guarantee of delivered flow at the waterfall. Actual flow depends on height, fittings, and plumbing resistance. The included IllumiFlow 6000 is rated at 5,250 GPH at 5 feet of head and 4,700 GPH at 10 feet of head.
Compare Reservoir Options
Formal Falls® Basin Size Comparison
Our Small and Medium Formal Falls® kits use the same 42-gallon basin size. The Large kit includes a larger 65-gallon reservoir, matched to the 40-inch weir and 6,000 GPH pump.
| Specification | Small / Medium Basin | Large Basin – This Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 44.125" × 22" × 16"H | 56" × 24" × 16"H |
| Reservoir Capacity | 42 gallons | 65 gallons |
| Recommended Weir | 16" PB1779 or 28" PB1793 | 40" PB1816 |
| Accepts Auto-Fill | Yes | Yes |
| Suggested Pump Size | 1,800–4,200 GPH | 6,000 GPH |
Small / Medium Formal Falls® Basin
Dimensions: 44.125" × 22" × 16"H
Capacity: 42 gallons
Recommended weir: 16" PB1779 or 28" PB1793
Auto-fill: Yes
Suggested pump: 1,800–4,200 GPH
Large Basin – This Kit
Dimensions: 56" × 24" × 16"H
Capacity: 65 gallons
Recommended weir: 40" PB1816
Auto-fill: Yes
Suggested pump: 6,000 GPH
For other sizes and configurations, compare our complete Formal Falls® kits.
Installation Planning
Installing Your Large Formal Falls® Waterfall
Formal Falls® combines masonry construction with a recirculating water system. Use the following overview for planning, and follow the exact Large Kit installation manual for fittings, connections, construction sequence, and startup.
1
Prepare the Site & Base
Establish a suitable, level foundation for the block wall and reservoir. Plan the finished water landing area and full basin footprint.
2
Position the Basin
Place the basin against the wall, select the plumbing side, and close unused connections with the supplied fittings as instructed.
3
Install Pump & Discharge Assembly
Fit the prefilter sock over the pump and connect the discharge assembly. Route the power cord through the designated basin notch.
4
Build the Wall & Set the Weir
Continue the wall to the planned height. Position the stainless weir with a recommended water drop of no more than 24 inches to the basin top.
5
Connect the Three-Inlet Plumbing
Attach the weir's manifold fittings and flow-control valve, then connect the flexible hose from the basin discharge to the weir assembly.
6
Finish, Fill & Test
Complete the surrounding wall, add decorative stone outside the water landing zone, fill the reservoir, and test the water flow and connections.
Installation Tip: Keep the Anti-Splash Area Clear
Decorative stones can help conceal the reservoir, but do not cover the portion of the anti-splash mat directly beneath the falling water. Keeping that landing area clear helps direct water back into the basin and limits splash loss.
Ownership & Maintenance
Keeping Your Formal Falls® Operating Properly
Routine Care
- Keep the pump submerged and never allow it to run dry.
- Replace water lost through evaporation or splash.
- Clear leaves and debris from the anti-splash mat.
- Inspect and clean the pump and prefilter sock as needed.
- Check the weir opening if the water sheet separates or becomes uneven.
- Drain, clean, and refill the basin during seasonal maintenance.
Cold-Weather Care
- The stainless steel weir is designed to drain when the system is shut down.
- For prolonged freezing conditions, remove and clean the pump.
- Store the pump in water in a nonfreezing location, following the Formal Falls maintenance guide.
- Do not empty the installed basin for winter. We recommend leaving it approximately half full.
- Clean and refill the reservoir before restarting in spring.
Important: A self-draining spillway does not eliminate pump winterization. Follow the official maintenance instructions; winter-related damage is not covered by the warranty.
Optional Enhancements
Customize Your Formal Falls® Installation
Automatic Water-Level Control
The Large Formal Falls® Basin has preinstalled auto-fill connection ports on both sides. An optional valve system can help replenish water as the level drops.
See our Fountain Basin Auto Fill Kit and confirm the correct Formal Falls® valve configuration with our Sales/Tech Team before ordering. The valve, water supply, and any required regulator are sold separately.
Color-Changing LED Lighting
For an illuminated waterfall, choose the Large Formal Falls® Kit with Lights. The PB2651L version includes two LED color-changing basin lights with a remote.
The standard PB2651 kit on this page does not include lighting.
Component-Specific Coverage
Blue Thumb Warranty Information
Different components in this kit carry different manufacturer warranty terms:
Formal Falls® Basin: Lifetime limited warranty against qualifying manufacturing defects
IllumiFlow® Pump: 24-month limited warranty
Stainless Steel Weir: Minimum 1-year limited Formal Falls® warranty
Coverage is subject to the official terms, proper installation, use, and maintenance. The lifetime basin warranty does not extend to the pump or entire kit. Review our Blue Thumb Warranty Information (PDF) for complete conditions.
Official Blue Thumb Resources
Installation Manuals, CAD Drawings & Maintenance Guides
Use these references when planning the wall, confirming component clearances, connecting the pump, or performing maintenance.
See How Formal Falls® Works
Formal Falls® System Overview Video
See the appearance and operation of the Formal Falls® waterfall family. This family-level video is also referenced on our Formal Falls® basin and stainless steel weir product pages. Kit sizing, components, and optional lighting may differ from the PB2651 package.
Formal Falls® overview video featured on Blue Thumb's official product pages. For exact PB2651 plumbing and assembly, use the Large Kit installation manual above.
Need Help Planning Your Formal Falls®?
Not sure about wall height, plumbing layout, pump access, lighting, or the correct auto-fill connection? Our Sales/Tech Team can help you plan the equipment for your installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a complete waterfall kit or just the stainless steel spillway?
PB2651 is a complete equipment kit. It includes the 40-inch stainless steel weir, 65-gallon basin, IllumiFlow 6000 GPH pump, prefilter sock, discharge assembly, plumbing components, and installation materials. The retaining wall, decorative stone, site work, and electrical service are separate.
Does the Large Formal Falls® Kit include LED lights?
No. The PB2651 kit does not include lighting. For a complete kit with two color-changing LED basin lights and remote control, choose the Large Kit with Lights, PB2651L.
Can I install the reservoir above ground instead of burying it?
Yes. The Formal Falls® basin is designed for in-ground or above-ground installations. The wall and surrounding construction must accommodate the basin dimensions, support the equipment, and provide appropriate access for maintenance.
Can I install the spillway higher than 24 inches?
We recommend limiting the distance from the basin top to the spillway to 24 inches. A greater drop increases the likelihood of oversplash and wind-related water loss, which can cause frequent refilling and expose the pump to low-water conditions.
Does the self-draining design mean I can leave the pump outside all winter?
No. The stainless steel weir can remain installed and will drain when the system is shut down, but we recommend removing the pump for prolonged freezing weather. Clean it and store it in water where it cannot freeze, following the Formal Falls® maintenance guide. Do not completely drain the installed basin for winter.
Can the Large Formal Falls® be used near a swimming pool or with saltwater?
The kit is designed for recirculating freshwater features and is not approved for saltwater use. A nearby pool setting does not mean the equipment can use chemically treated or saltwater pool water. Confirm site-specific splash, water isolation, and installation requirements before incorporating it into a poolscape.
Can an automatic fill valve be added?
Yes. The Large Formal Falls® basin includes connection points for optional auto-fill equipment. Because different water-feature reservoirs use different valve arrangements, contact our Sales/Tech Team to confirm the appropriate kit and water-pressure requirements before ordering. Auto-fill components are sold separately.
What should I do if the waterfall sheet becomes uneven or splits?
First check the reservoir water level, the pump prefilter, and the flow-control setting. Debris lodged in the spillway opening can also disrupt the falling sheet. Turn off the pump before inspecting or cleaning the weir, and follow the official maintenance instructions.
Does the entire kit have a lifetime warranty?
No. The engineered-plastic Formal Falls® basin has a lifetime limited warranty against qualifying manufacturing defects. The included IllumiFlow® pump has a 24-month limited warranty, while the stainless steel Formal Falls® weir is covered under the minimum 1-year limited Formal Falls® warranty. Coverage is subject to the official warranty terms.
Related Products
-
-
Formal Falls® - Large Kit with Lights
$2,079.99 -
Formal Falls® - Large Basin
$549.99 -
Formal Falls® - Small Kit
$1,089.99
