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Formal Falls® - Medium 28" Waterfall Kit with Color-Changing LED Light

SKU:
PB1656L
$1,659.99
(1 review) Write a Review
NOT FOR USE IN SALTWATER
• Complete operating kit (wall materials not included)
• Color-changing basin LED light with remote
• 28" stainless steel spillway
• 4,200 GPH pump
• 42-gallon basin
• Self-draining spillway; protect pump from freezing
• Made in the USA

Recommended maximum waterfall height: 24" from basin top to spillway weir.
Current Stock:
Blue Thumb Formal Falls® | Complete Illuminated Waterfall Kit

28-Inch Medium Formal Falls® Kit with Color-Changing LED Light

Build a beautiful sheet waterfall directly into a retaining wall with our Medium Formal Falls® Kit with Light. This complete recirculating water-feature system combines a 28-inch stainless steel spillway, a concealed 42-gallon basin, a 4,200 GPH pump, and a color-changing LED light with remote control. Enjoy the movement and sound of a pond-less waterfall during the day and an illuminated display after dark.

28 inchesStainless steel spillway
4,200 GPHIncluded pump rating
42 gallonsConcealed basin capacity
1 LED lightColor-changing with remote

Built for a Clean, Illuminated Waterfall

The stainless steel spillway fits within the wall structure, producing a broad sheet of water that returns to the concealed basin below. The full-top spillway design supports stacked wall materials, while removable basin access covers make pump servicing possible without dismantling the feature.

The included LED fixture is positioned in the basin to illuminate the falling water. Use the infrared remote to control the lighting and create a distinctive evening display. The light is not built into the stainless spillway itself.

Important waterfall height recommendation: For a clean sheet of water and better splash control, we recommend a maximum drop of 24 inches from the basin top to the spillway weir. Greater heights can increase oversplash and wind-related water loss.

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

We've assembled the essential operating components for the waterfall system. Wall construction, decorative finishing materials, site preparation, and electrical service are supplied separately.

28" Stainless Steel Spillway

Our Medium Formal Falls® stainless steel weir (PB1793) features two 1-inch female-threaded inlets and a sealed top designed to support stacked wall materials.

42-Gallon Formal Falls® Basin

Our Small–Medium Formal Falls® Basin (PB1632) includes an anti-splash mat, dual pump-access covers, and connection locations for an optional automatic water-fill valve.

4,200 GPH Pump & Plumbing

The included Clear Water Pump (PB1052) is paired with a BodyGuard prefilter sock, pump discharge assembly, flexible hose, PVC primer and cement, connection fittings, and installation hardware.

The linked pump page offers multiple sizes. This kit uses the 4,200 GPH model.

Color-Changing Basin LED Light

One basin-mounted color-changing LED light and infrared remote are included with PB1656L. Point the remote toward the light when operating it. This lighting package distinguishes the kit from the non-lighted Medium Formal Falls® configuration.

What Will You Supply Separately?

  • Retaining-wall blocks, stone, tile, or other suitable wall materials
  • Decorative gravel or polished pebbles
  • Foundation and site-preparation materials
  • Water supply and suitable electrical service
  • Optional automatic water-fill valve and any required water-pressure regulator

Prefer the same waterfall without LED lighting? See our Medium Formal Falls® Kit without Light (PB1656).

Technical Specifications

Complete kit SKU: PB1656L
Spillway model: PB1793
Spillway width: 28 inches
Spillway dimensions: 28" W × 8" D × 3.5" H
Spillway material: Stainless steel
Spillway inlets: Two 1" female-threaded connections
Recommended flow: 2,800–4,200 GPH
Included pump: Clear Water 4200, PB1052
Pump max. flow: 4,200 GPH
Pump max. head: 30 feet
Basin model: PB1632
Basin dimensions: 44.125" W × 22" D × 16" H
Basin capacity: 42 gallons
Recommended max. drop: 24" from basin top to spillway
Lighting: 1 color-changing LED light with infrared remote
Auto-fill ready: Yes; equipment sold separately
Water compatibility: Freshwater only; no saltwater
Country of origin: Made in the USA

4,200 GPH is the pump's maximum rated flow. Actual delivered flow depends on plumbing, elevation, fittings, and installation conditions.

Compare Formal Falls® Basin Sizes

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

Specification Small–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
Compatible weirs 16" Small (PB1779)
28" Medium (PB1793)
40" Large (PB1816)
Suggested pump rating 1,800–4,200 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

Compatible weirs: 16" Small / 28" Medium

Suggested pump: 1,800–4,200 GPH

Auto-fill: Compatible

Large Formal Falls® Basin

SKU: PB2644

Dimensions: 56" × 24" × 16" H

Capacity: 65 gallons

Compatible weir: 40" Large

Suggested pump: 6,000 GPH

Auto-fill: Compatible

Planning Your Retaining Wall Waterfall

This system is intended for a built-in wall installation. The basin may be positioned in-ground or above ground, depending on the design. Plan the wall structure, basin footprint, plumbing route, water landing area, pump access, and suitable power connections before beginning construction.

1

Prepare the Base

Establish a suitable level foundation for the basin and wall. Confirm the layout and leave enough clearance for servicing the equipment.

2

Position the Basin

Place the basin against the wall and select the plumbing connection side. Cap the unused connection as directed in the installation manual.

3

Install Pump & Spillway

Place the pump inside the prefilter sock, assemble the discharge plumbing, and connect the two spillway inlets using the supplied fittings.

4

Finish, Fill & Test

Complete the wall and decorative finish. Leave the direct water-impact area above the anti-splash mat clear of gravel. Fill the basin before operating the pump, then test the water flow and lighting.

Electrical safety: Provide properly located, code-compliant electrical service with GFCI protection. Keep electrical connections protected from water exposure, follow the pump and lighting instructions, and never operate the pump without sufficient water.

Water Level, Maintenance & Winter Care

Check the basin water level regularly and replace water lost through evaporation or splash. Periodically inspect the pump prefilter, remove debris from the basin, and clean the spillway opening if the water sheet begins to separate.

Winter Care in Freezing Climates

The stainless steel spillway is designed to drain when the system is shut down. However, where prolonged freezing occurs, our installation manual recommends removing the pump and storing it in a bucket of water in a location that will not freeze. The basin does not need to be drained for winter storage.

After spring thaw, our manual recommends removing the old basin water, refilling with clean water, reinstalling the pump, and restarting the waterfall.

Optional Automatic Water Fill

The basin includes connection locations for an optional automatic water-fill valve to help maintain the reservoir water level. Because application guidance varies between Blue Thumb water-fill systems, confirm the correct valve with our Sales/Tech Team before ordering.

Review our Fountain Basin Auto Fill Kit. If the selected valve requires a 30 PSI maximum supply pressure, a separate 30 PSI Regulator is required when incoming pressure exceeds that limit.

Component-Specific Warranty Coverage

Different components in this kit carry different warranty periods under our published Blue Thumb warranty:

  • Formal Falls® engineered-plastic basin: Lifetime limited warranty against manufacturing defects for the original purchaser.
  • Clear Water 4200 pump: 18-month limited warranty.
  • Formal Falls® stainless steel water feature: One-year limited workmanship warranty.
  • RGB LED light fixture: One-year limited warranty.

All warranty coverage is subject to the applicable terms, installation requirements, and exclusions. The entire kit does not carry a single lifetime warranty.

Installation Manuals & Technical Resources

Use these official resources for complete assembly instructions, dimensions, and professional installation planning.

The 28-inch stainless weir CAD drawing refers to the non-lighted spillway because the LED fixture in this kit is installed in the basin rather than inside the stainless weir.

See Formal Falls® in Action

Explore our Formal Falls® retaining-wall waterfall system through these videos. See how a stainless steel spillway creates a clean, architectural sheet of water and how the system can be incorporated into a finished water feature.

Formal Falls® — Retaining Wall Waterfall

See the architectural waterfall concept and how moving water becomes part of a wall design. Video courtesy of Blue Thumb.

More on Formal Falls®

Explore this additional video featuring the Formal Falls® water-feature system.

Need Help Planning Your Formal Falls®?

Our Sales/Tech Team can help you review wall dimensions, waterfall height, basin placement, lighting, plumbing, and optional automatic water-fill equipment before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Medium Formal Falls® Kit include everything needed for the waterfall?

It includes the primary operating components: stainless steel spillway, basin, pump, prefilter sock, plumbing materials, and one color-changing LED light with remote. Wall materials, decorative stone, suitable electrical service, and site preparation are separate.

Does this kit need a pond?

No. This is a recirculating pond-less waterfall system. Water collects in the concealed basin and is pumped back to the stainless steel spillway.

Can the LED lighting stay on a single color?

The supplied color-changing lighting system is operated with an infrared remote. Point the remote toward the light to select the available lighting settings. Refer to the supplied controller instructions for its exact functions.

How high should I install the waterfall?

We recommend a maximum 24-inch drop measured from the basin top to the spillway. Taller installations may increase splash and wind-related water loss. Contact our Sales/Tech Team before planning a nonstandard height.

Can I install the basin above ground?

Yes. The Formal Falls® basin can be installed in-ground or above ground as the project design allows. Provide adequate support, concealment, and access for future servicing.

Can I use this waterfall with saltwater?

No. This Formal Falls® kit is intended for freshwater applications and must not be used in saltwater systems. Ask our Sales/Tech Team before planning an installation near a pool or chemically treated water source.

Do I need to winterize the waterfall?

The stainless steel spillway self-drains, and the basin does not require winter draining. In areas with prolonged freezing, our installation manual recommends removing the pump and storing it in water in a location that will not freeze.

Does the entire kit have a lifetime warranty?

No. The lifetime limited warranty applies to the qualifying engineered-plastic basin. The Clear Water pump has an 18-month limited warranty, while the stainless steel water feature and RGB LED light have their own one-year limited warranties. Consult our official warranty PDF for complete terms.

Reviews

  • 5
    Customer service

    Posted by Josh on Dec 16th 2024

    I just had to take a minute to give credit to Blue Thumb's customer service, it’s Superb!!! Definitely will make their customers happy! Trustworthy company with high-quality products, definitely recommend!