Formal Falls® - Small 16" Retaining Wall Waterfall Kit

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

We've assembled the main operating components for a coordinated pond-less retaining wall waterfall. Your wall construction, finishing materials, and electrical service are planned separately.

Planning Your Retaining Wall Waterfall

The compact 16-inch spillway works well where you want the appearance and sound of a defined wall waterfall without the width of a larger installation. The basin can be placed in-ground or incorporated into an above-ground hardscape, provided it is supported, accessible, and installed according to our guide.

Keep the Waterfall Drop at 24 Inches or Less

For a cleaner sheet of water and more controlled splash, we recommend a maximum 24-inch drop measured from the basin top to the stainless spillway. Taller drops can increase splash and wind-related water loss.

Plan around the full basin dimensions of 44.125 inches by 22 inches by 16 inches high. Allow additional space for the actual wall structure, basin access, plumbing, and decorative finishing.

Small Formal Falls® Technical Specifications

Pump flow and head specifications describe the pump's published ratings, not guaranteed delivered waterfall flow. Actual performance depends on elevation, fittings, tubing, and installation conditions.

Compare Formal Falls® Basin Sizes

The Small and Medium Formal Falls® systems use the same 42-gallon basin. The Large Formal Falls® uses a bigger reservoir for its wider spillway.

Need a wider waterfall? Compare our Medium 28" Formal Falls® Kit or Large 40" Formal Falls® Kit. Each complete kit includes components sized for its respective spillway.

Installation Overview

A Formal Falls® installation involves preparing a suitable base, constructing a wall, positioning a concealed reservoir, and completing the plumbing and electrical setup. Use the official installation manual for the complete assembly instructions.

Waterfall Care & Seasonal Maintenance

Keep the reservoir sufficiently filled to prevent the pump from running dry. Periodically rinse the pump prefilter, remove accumulated debris, and check the spillway for any buildup that interrupts the sheet of water. If the flow splits, inspect the weir opening for lodged debris and clean it carefully according to the maintenance guide.

The pump can operate continuously or be used with an appropriate timer, subject to its operating instructions. Normal evaporation and splash will require water replenishment unless an approved automatic-fill system is installed.

Important Winter Care

The stainless Formal Falls® spillway is self-draining, but the complete system still requires appropriate cold-weather care. In regions with prolonged freezing, our manual recommends removing the pump and storing it submerged in water in a location that will not freeze. Once the pump and plumbing assembly are removed, the spillway can drain.

The installation manual advises leaving the basin water in place through winter. At spring startup, remove the old basin water, replace it with fresh water, reconnect the pump, and inspect the system before operating.

Warranty Coverage

Major components in this kit have separate limited warranties:

• Formal Falls® engineered-plastic basin: Lifetime limited warranty against manufacturing defects for the original purchaser.
• Blue Thumb Clear Water Pump: 18-month limited warranty.
• Formal Falls® water feature/spillway: Minimum 1-year limited warranty under the applicable Formal Falls® terms.

Coverage is subject to the conditions, proper installation, use, and exclusions in our official Blue Thumb Warranty Information (PDF). These are component-specific terms, not a lifetime warranty for the entire kit.

Installation Manuals & CAD Resources

Review these official resources while planning wall dimensions, equipment placement, and plumbing. CAD drawings provide component reference information and should not replace the complete installation manual.