Blue Thumb Achelous AquaBox

Premium Achelous AquaBox® Fountain Basin System

Experience professional-grade fountain basin engineering with Blue Thumb's patented Achelous AquaBox®. Proudly produced in-house in the USA, these round basins represent the perfect balance of generous water capacity, exceptional structural strength, and surprisingly manageable weight. Designed to support expensive and heavy fountain installations while providing plentiful water reservoirs, the Achelous AquaBox® is the professional's choice for medium to large fountain configurations.

The innovative 2-piece removable grate system features integrated pump access with a protective cover, making maintenance simple without compromising the clean aesthetic of your installation. With the option to add support columns for even heavier fountains, these basins deliver the strength and reliability demanded by premium water feature installations.

Available Sizes & Specifications

36" Achelous AquaBox® (60 Gallon)

• Overall Dimensions: 39.5" diameter × 16" high
• Full Grate Dimensions: 36" diameter × 2.8" H
• Basin Inner Seat: 36" diameter
• Water Capacity: 60 gallons
• Maximum Static Load: 750 lbs
• Weight: Approximately 45 lbs
• SKU: AB36AB
• Ideal For: Medium fountains, single sphere fountains, column fountains

48" Achelous AquaBox® (95 Gallon)

• Overall Dimensions: 51.5" diameter × 16" high
• Full Grate Dimensions: 48" diameter × 2.8" H
• Basin Inner Seat: 48" diameter
• Water Capacity: 95 gallons
• Maximum Static Load: 1,200 lbs
• Weight: Approximately 65 lbs
• SKU: AB48AB
• Ideal For: Large fountains, multiple fountains, heavy stone features

Complete Basin Kit Includes

Both sizes include:

• Reservoir Basin: Heavy-duty basin with 4 molded support columns
• 2-Piece Grate Cover: Removable grate system for complete basin coverage
• PVC Center Support Column: Additional structural support for fountain installations
• Pump Access Cover: Protective cover for pump access opening keeps debris out when not in use

Key Features & Benefits

• Round Design: Classic circular shape ideal for sphere fountains, columns, and centered water features
• Generous Capacity: 60 or 95-gallon reservoirs support medium to large fountains
• Exceptional Strength: 750-1,200 lb maximum static loads handle heavy stone fountains
• Lightweight Construction: At 45-65 lbs, surprisingly manageable for their size and capacity
• Easy Pump Access: 2-piece grate with integrated access opening and protective cover
• Expandable Support: Additional support columns can be added for heavier installations
• Professional Grade: Patented design trusted by landscape professionals nationwide
• Made in USA: Quality American manufacturing ensures superior construction

Patented AquaBox® Design

Blue Thumb's patented AquaBox® technology represents years of engineering refinement. The Achelous basins incorporate several innovative features:

• Molded Support Columns: Four integrated support columns distribute weight evenly
• Optimized Wall Thickness: Engineered for maximum strength while minimizing weight
• Reinforced Grate Seat: The circular inner seat provides stable, level support for the grate system
• Strategic Capacity: 60 or 95 gallons balances ample water volume with manageable installation size
• Modular Support System: PVC center column plus optional additional columns accommodate various fountain weights

2-Piece Grate System

The innovative 2-piece grate design offers significant advantages:

• Easier Handling: Two smaller pieces are more manageable than one large grate
• Integrated Pump Access: Built-in access opening eliminates need to remove entire grate
• Protective Cover: Included pump access cover keeps debris out while maintaining clean appearance
• Complete Coverage: Combined coverage provides full basin protection
• Removable Design: Easy to remove for deep cleaning or seasonal maintenance

Choosing Between 36" and 48"

36" Achelous (60 gallons, 750 lb capacity): Perfect for medium fountains including 18-24" sphere fountains, single basalt columns, medium GFRC fountains, and standard bubbling boulders. The 60-gallon capacity provides ample water volume while the 45 lb weight makes it manageable for most installations. Ideal for residential applications and moderate-sized water features.

48" Achelous (95 gallons, 1,200 lb capacity): Designed for large fountains including 24-30" sphere fountains, tall basalt columns, large GFRC installations, and multiple fountain configurations. The 95-gallon capacity supports higher flow rates and reduces refill frequency, while the 1,200 lb load capacity handles substantial stone features. Perfect for high-end residential and commercial installations.

Ideal Applications

The round Achelous AquaBox® design excels in fountain installations featuring:

• Sphere Fountains: Perfect circular base for stone spheres of various sizes
• Basalt Columns: Stable foundation for vertical water features
• GFRC Fountains: Support handcrafted glass fiber reinforced concrete installations
• Bubbling Boulders: Ideal for natural stone bubbling rock features
• Urn Fountains: Classic round base complements urn and vase fountains
• Custom Features: Versatile platform for unique or artistic fountain designs

Recommended Add-On Products

Enhance your Achelous AquaBox® installation with these professional accessories:

• Auto Fill Valve with 30 PSI Regulator: Automatic water level maintenance eliminates manual refilling
• Mesh Sediment Screen: Reduces debris falling through grate into basin, protecting pump and reducing maintenance
• Splash Apron: Prevents water loss from splash and evaporation around basin perimeter
• Polished Pebbles (4-5 bags): Black or mixed color pebbles create professional finished appearance covering grate

Installation Considerations

Site Preparation: Excavate area to accommodate basin diameter and 16" height. Ensure level, stable base with proper drainage around basin perimeter.

Basin Placement: Position basin level using the 4 molded support columns as reference points. The basin must be perfectly level for proper grate fit and fountain stability.

Support Configuration: Install included PVC center support column. For fountains exceeding half the maximum load capacity or with concentrated point loads, consider adding optional support columns.

Grate Installation: Place 2-piece grate system on the circular inner seat. Orient pump access opening for convenient maintenance access.

Maintenance Access

The integrated pump access system makes routine maintenance simple:

• Remove pump access cover to check water levels
• Access pump for cleaning or adjustment without moving fountain
• Add water treatments or perform water quality tests
• Inspect plumbing connections and make adjustments
• Replace pump access cover to keep debris out when finished

Load Capacity & Support

The Achelous AquaBox® basins handle substantial fountain installations:

• 36" Basin: 750 lb maximum static load suitable for most medium fountains
• 48" Basin: 1,200 lb maximum static load handles large, heavy installations
• Load capacity assumes proper leveling, weight distribution, and use of center support column
• Additional support columns recommended for loads exceeding 50% of maximum capacity

Made in USA Quality

Blue Thumb produces the Achelous AquaBox® in-house, ensuring:

• Consistent quality control throughout manufacturing
• Premium materials and construction techniques
• Rigorous testing and quality assurance
• American craftsmanship and engineering excellence
• Reliable customer support and replacement parts availability

Important Shipping Information: Due to the weight (151 lbs) and size of this product, it does not qualify for standard free shipping promotions. Shipping costs will be calculated based on your location at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between the 36" and 48" Achelous basins?
A: The 36" (60 gallons, 750 lb capacity, 45 lbs, SKU: AB36AB) is ideal for medium fountains. The 48" (95 gallons, 1,200 lb capacity, 65 lbs, SKU: AB48AB) is designed for large fountains and heavier installations.

Q: Which size should I choose for my fountain?
A: Choose the 36" for sphere fountains up to 24", single columns, or medium features. Choose the 48" for spheres 24-30", tall columns, large GFRC fountains, or multiple fountain configurations.

Q: What's included in the basin kit?
A: Both sizes include the reservoir basin with 4 molded supports, 2-piece grate cover, PVC center support column, and pump access cover. Everything you need for basic installation is included.

Q: How do I access the pump for maintenance?
A: The 2-piece grate system includes an integrated pump access opening with a removable cover. Simply remove the cover to access pumps, check water levels, or perform maintenance without disturbing your fountain.

Q: Can I install this basin myself?
A: While experienced DIYers can install the basin, professional installation is recommended due to the weight (45-65 lbs for basin alone) and the precision required for proper leveling. Proper leveling is critical for grate fit and fountain stability.

Q: How many bags of pebbles do I need?
A: We recommend 4-5 bags of polished pebbles (40 lbs each) in black or mixed colors to properly cover the grate area for either size basin.

Q: What's the difference between Achelous and Altum basins?
A: Achelous basins are round (36" or 48" diameter) ideal for sphere and column fountains. Altum basins are square (52" square) designed for larger or multiple fountain installations. Choose based on your fountain type and size.

Q: Is the Auto Fill Valve necessary?
A: While not required, the Auto Fill Valve paired with a 30 PSI regulator is highly recommended for automatic water level maintenance, especially for larger fountains with higher evaporation rates.

Q: Can I add additional support for heavier fountains?
A: Yes, additional support columns can be added to both basin sizes for heavier installations. This is recommended for fountains exceeding 50% of the maximum load capacity or with concentrated point loads.

Q: Why does this ship via freight?
A: Due to the weight (151 lbs) and size (39.5-51.5" diameter), the basin requires freight shipping to ensure safe delivery. Freight carriers have proper equipment to handle large, heavy items.