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Blue Thumb Medium Formal Falls 28-inch waterfall installed in a stone retaining wall with water cascading into a concealed basin

Formal Falls® - Medium 28" Retaining Wall Waterfall Kit

SKU:
PB1656
$1,359.99
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• NOT FOR USE IN SALTWATER
• Complete kit with everything needed for operation
• Stainless steel 28" spillway weir
• 4,200 gph pump
• 42 gallon basin capacity
• Self-draining - No winterization
• Made in the USA


NOTE: For a nice, clean sheet of water we recommended a maximum waterfall height is 24" from basin top to spillway weir
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Description
Blue Thumb Formal Falls® Collection

A Stunning 28-Inch Waterfall Built Into Your Wall

Create a beautiful sheet of flowing water directly from a retaining wall, patio wall, or outdoor living space with our Medium Formal Falls® Kit. This complete recirculating waterfall system pairs a 28-inch stainless steel spillway with a concealed 42-gallon basin and powerful 4,200 GPH pump, bringing the movement and relaxing sound of water to your landscape without requiring a traditional pond.

Designed for residential and commercial hardscapes, this kit combines a clean architectural appearance with accessible equipment and a self-draining stainless steel spillway.

28" Stainless Spillway
4,200 GPH Pump Rating
42 Gal. Basin Capacity
24" Recommended Max. Drop

What's Included in Your Medium Formal Falls® Kit?

We've paired the primary components needed to build the operating waterfall system. Your wall materials, surrounding hardscape, decorative stone, and electrical service are planned separately.

28" Stainless Steel Spillway

Our 28-inch Medium Formal Falls® Weir (PB1793) produces a broad sheet of water. The stainless steel construction features a sealed top designed to support stacked wall materials.

42-Gallon Formal Falls® Basin

Our Small–Medium Formal Falls® Basin (PB1632) stores recirculating water below the waterfall. It includes an anti-splash mat and removable pump-access covers for maintenance.

4,200 GPH Clear Water Pump

The included Blue Thumb Clear Water Pump supplies the circulation needed for the medium spillway. The 4,200 GPH option is PB1052 on the linked pump listing.

Plumbing and Pump Protection

What Will You Need Separately?

Wall block, stone or masonry materials, decorative rock or pebbles, site preparation, and suitable electrical service are not included. Optional lighting and an automatic water-fill system are also sold separately.

Want the waterfall illuminated? Explore our Medium Formal Falls® Kit with Light instead.

Planning Your Retaining Wall Waterfall

The Medium Formal Falls® is designed for a noticeable sheet waterfall in a block-wall installation. The spillway can be integrated into the wall while the basin is installed in-ground or above ground as your design allows.

Keep the Waterfall Drop at 24 Inches or Less

For a clean sheet of falling water and better splash control, we recommend keeping the distance from the top of the basin to the spillway weir at no more than 24 inches.

Taller installations can increase wind-related water loss and splash outside the collection area. Plan your wall height, landing zone, and plumbing routing before construction begins.

The basin measures 44.125 inches across, 22 inches deep, and 16 inches high. Allow adequate room for the actual basin shape, wall construction, plumbing connections, pump service, and decorative finishing materials.

The basin is equipped to accept an optional automatic fill valve. If you want automatic water-level maintenance, ask our Sales/Tech Team to confirm the appropriate fountain basin auto-fill kit for your installation. A separately purchased 30 PSI regulator is required when incoming water pressure exceeds the valve's 30 PSI maximum.

Medium Formal Falls® Technical Specifications

Complete kit SKU: PB1656
Spillway width: 28 inches
Spillway model: PB1793
Spillway dimensions: 28" W × 8" D × 3.5" H
Spillway construction: Stainless steel
Spillway inlets: Two 1" female threaded inlets
Recommended flow: 2,800–4,200 GPH
Included pump: 4,200 GPH Clear Water Pump
Basin model: PB1632
Basin capacity: 42 gallons
Basin dimensions: 44.125" × 22" × 16" H
Recommended max. drop: 24" from basin top to weir
Auto-fill connection: Compatible; valve sold separately
Lighting: Not included in PB1656
Water compatibility: Freshwater only; no saltwater
Country of origin: Made in the USA

Pump flow ratings are maximum ratings. Actual delivered flow depends on plumbing, elevation, and installation conditions.

Compare Formal Falls® Basin Sizes

Our Small and Medium Formal Falls® kits share the same 42-gallon basin. The Large Formal Falls® uses a larger reservoir to support its wider stainless steel spillway.

Specification Medium Basin - This Kit Large Basin
Basin SKU PB1632 PB2644
Dimensions 44.125" × 22" × 16" H 56" × 24" × 16" H
Reservoir Capacity 42 gallons 65 gallons
Recommended Spillways Medium 28" (PB1793) Large 40" (PB1816)
Suggested Pump Size 4,200 GPH 6,000 GPH
Accepts Auto-Fill Yes Yes
Used in This Kit

Small–Medium Formal Falls® Basin

SKU: PB1632

Dimensions: 44.125" × 22" × 16" H

Capacity: 42 gallons

Spillways: 16" or 28"

Suggested pump: 1,800–4,200 GPH

Accepts auto-fill: Yes

Large Formal Falls® Basin

SKU: PB2644

Dimensions: 56" × 24" × 16" H

Capacity: 65 gallons

Spillway: 40"

Suggested pump: 6,000 GPH

Accepts auto-fill: Yes

Looking for another waterfall width? View our Small 16" Formal Falls® Kit or Large 40" Formal Falls® Kit.

Installation Overview

Formal Falls® installations involve actual wall construction, basin placement, and plumbing. Use the complete installation manual for assembly instructions and site preparation.

1

Prepare and Position the Basin

Establish a suitable level base. Position the basin against the planned wall and determine the plumbing entry location. Make sure pump-access areas remain serviceable.

2

Assemble the Pump and Plumbing

Install the pump discharge assembly and prefilter sock. Route the supplied flex hose toward the spillway and secure the plumbing connections according to the installation manual.

3

Install the Stainless Spillway

Incorporate the weir into the wall at the planned height. Connect both medium-spillway inlets using the appropriate supplied fittings and plumbing arrangement.

4

Finish, Fill, and Test

Finish the wall and conceal the basin with decorative stone. Leave the area directly beneath the falling sheet clear of gravel so water can reach the anti-splash mat. Fill the basin, check the connections, and test the waterfall.

Waterfall Care and Seasonal Maintenance

Check the basin water level regularly and replace water lost through evaporation or splash. Keep the pump prefilter clean, remove debris from the spillway opening when necessary, and monitor water flow for changes.

Important Winter Care

The stainless steel Formal Falls® spillway is self-draining, but that does not mean every component can remain in operation through extended freezing conditions.

In climates with prolonged freezing, our installation manual recommends removing the pump and placing it in a bucket of water in a location that will not freeze. The manual also recommends leaving the basin water in place through winter.

Follow the full installation manual for winter shutdown and spring startup.

Warranty Coverage

Major components carry different warranty coverage. Our Formal Falls® basin has a lifetime limited warranty against manufacturing defects for the original purchaser. The included Clear Water pump carries an 18-month limited warranty, while the stainless steel Formal Falls® weir carries a 1-year limited warranty.

Warranty eligibility and coverage are subject to the conditions in our official Blue Thumb warranty document.

Installation Manuals and CAD Resources

Download the installation guide and component drawings before starting construction. These resources help with wall layout, equipment placement, and installation planning.

Formal Falls® Small & Medium Installation Manual (PDF) Small–Medium Basin Technical CAD Sheet (PDF) PB1632 Formal Falls® Basin Product Drawing (PDF) 28" Formal Falls® Stainless Weir CAD Drawing (PDF)

Questions Before You Build?

Not sure about wall height, plumbing placement, optional auto-fill equipment, or the correct Formal Falls® size? Our Sales/Tech Team can help you plan your installation and select the right components.

Call 888-619-3474 Email the Sales/Tech Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Medium Formal Falls® Kit a complete waterfall system?

Yes. PB1656 includes the 28-inch stainless spillway, 42-gallon basin, 4,200 GPH pump, prefilter sock, discharge assembly, flex hose, and connection materials listed above. Wall construction materials, decorative stone, electrical service, optional lighting, and auto-fill equipment are separate.

Does this waterfall need a traditional pond?

No. Water collects in the concealed Formal Falls® basin and is pumped back to the stainless spillway. The basin provides the reservoir needed for continuous circulation.

Why is a 24-inch waterfall height recommended?

We recommend keeping the drop from the basin top to the spillway at 24 inches or less to help maintain a clean sheet of water and reduce splash and wind-related water loss. Actual conditions can vary with the installation and weather.

Can I use the Medium Formal Falls® Kit with saltwater?

No. This kit is not designed or approved for saltwater applications. Use it only in suitable freshwater installations.

Can I add automatic water-level control?

Yes. The included Formal Falls® basin has connections for an optional auto-fill valve. The valve and water-supply accessories are sold separately. Contact our Sales/Tech Team to confirm the correct kit. A pressure regulator is required if the valve's incoming supply exceeds 30 PSI.

Is LED lighting included with PB1656?

No. PB1656 is the standard Medium Formal Falls® Kit without lighting. For a coordinated lighting package, consider our Medium Formal Falls® Kit with Light, model PB1656L.

Does the self-draining design eliminate winter maintenance?

The stainless spillway drains when the system is shut down, but the pump still needs protection in freezing climates. For prolonged freezing, our manual recommends removing the pump and storing it submerged in water somewhere that will not freeze. Follow the manual for the full shutdown procedure.

Can I install the basin above ground instead of burying it?

Yes. The Formal Falls® basin can be incorporated into above-ground or in-ground designs. Plan for a suitable supporting base, plumbing connections, decorative finishing, and access for maintenance.