Blue Thumb Smooth Red Onyx Fountain
Triple Smooth Red Onyx Column Fountain Kit
The Blue Thumb Smooth Red Onyx Fountain brings warm, sophisticated elegance to your water garden with three stunning smooth red onyx columns. This complete fountain kit features hand-selected red onyx columns with smooth, polished surfaces that showcase the stone's distinctive warm coloring and translucent beauty. Each kit includes three onyx columns in graduated heights, professional basin system, high-performance pump, and all components needed for a turnkey fountain installation that celebrates the timeless elegance of smooth red onyx.
Smooth Red Onyx Construction
Each of the three columns is crafted from genuine red onyx with a smooth, polished finish that creates a sophisticated, elegant appearance. The smooth surface brings out the distinctive warm coloring - rich tones ranging from deep amber and rust to warm terracotta and burgundy. Red onyx is a semi-translucent stone, meaning light can pass through it, creating a beautiful luminous glow that changes throughout the day. Unlike rough-hewn stone, these smooth columns feature polished surfaces that add contemporary elegance to any landscape. The substantial weight and density of onyx ensure exceptional stability, while the stone's natural beauty guarantees your fountain will remain stunning for generations.
Elegant Smooth Finish with Translucent Beauty
What sets this fountain apart is the combination of smooth, polished surfaces with the distinctive translucent quality of red onyx. The sleek finish creates visual sophistication while the warm coloring adds inviting ambiance to your landscape. Water flows over the smooth surfaces, creating elegant cascades that highlight the stone's natural banding and color variations as light reflects off the polished onyx. The polished finish is easier to maintain than rough-textured stone, resisting algae and mineral buildup. The smooth texture also creates refined water sounds - gentle, soothing cascades that blend into a peaceful auditory experience.
Three Complete Kit Options - Choose Your Perfect Height Configuration
Short Fountain Kit - Model ABART1500
Perfect for medium gardens and elegant water features
Three Graduated Columns Included:
- Small Column: 6" W × 8" D × 18" H
- Medium Column: 6" W × 8" D × 24" H
- Large Column: 6" W × 8" D × 30" H
Complete Short Kit Includes:
- Three smooth red onyx drilled columns (18", 24", 30" heights)
- 48" Achelous molded fountain basin
- 1495 GPH Mag-Drive pump
- Flow control valve
- Complete plumbing and tubing
- 200 lbs Black Polished Pebbles
- Installation hardware and instructions
Tall Fountain Kit - Model ABART1525
Ideal for larger water features and landscape focal points
Three Graduated Columns Included:
- Small Column: 6" W × 8" D × 24" H
- Medium Column: 6" W × 8" D × 30" H
- Large Column: 6" W × 8" D × 36" H
Complete Tall Kit Includes:
- Three smooth red onyx drilled columns (24", 30", 36" heights)
- 48" Achelous molded fountain basin
- 1980 GPH Mag-Drive pump
- Flow control valve
- Complete plumbing and tubing
- 200 lbs Black Polished Pebbles
- Installation hardware and instructions
Extra Tall Fountain Kit - Model ABART1575
Makes a dramatic statement in expansive landscapes
Three Graduated Columns Included:
- Small Column: 6" W × 8" D × 24" H
- Medium Column: 6" W × 118D × 36" H
- Large Column: 6" W × 8" D × 48" H
Complete Extra Tall Kit Includes:
- Three smooth red onyx drilled columns (24", 36", 48" heights)
- 48" Achelous molded fountain basin
- 1980 GPH Mag-Drive pump
- Flow control valve
- Complete plumbing and tubing
- 200 lbs Black Polished Pebbles
- Installation hardware and instructions
Key Features:
- Complete turnkey triple fountain kits - everything included
- Three graduated smooth red onyx columns create stunning multi-level display
- Smooth, polished finish with sophisticated refined sheen
- Warm colors ranging from amber and rust to terracotta and burgundy
- Semi-translucent stone creates luminous glow as light passes through
- Three height configurations to suit any landscape scale
- 48" Achelous basin provides professional water reservoir
- High-performance Mag-Drive pumps (1495 or 1980 GPH)
- Adjustable flow control valves for customized water speed
- 200 lbs of black polished pebbles create elegant contrast
- Natural banding and color variations add visual interest
- Each column is unique due to natural stone variations
- Pre-drilled columns for fountain installation
- Premium quality smooth onyx for generations of use
Smooth Red Onyx Characteristics:
- Warm colors from deep amber and rust to terracotta and burgundy
- Semi-translucent quality allows light to pass through creating luminous glow
- Natural banding and color variations add depth and character
- Smooth polished surfaces reflect light beautifully
- Polished finish easier to maintain than rough stone
- Durable natural stone with excellent weather resistance
- Substantial weight provides stability and permanence
- Timeless material that adds warmth and elegance
- Creates inviting, sophisticated presence in landscapes
- Complements both contemporary and traditional designs
The Triple Column Fountain Experience:
This fountain creates a mesmerizing multi-level water display with three graduated smooth red onyx columns. Water is pumped up through the pre-drilled onyx columns and bubbles out from the top of each. The water then cascades down the smooth, polished surfaces, creating sleek, elegant sheets of water that highlight the stone's warm coloring and natural banding as light reflects off the polished onyx. The semi-translucent quality of red onyx creates a beautiful luminous effect, especially when backlit by sunlight or landscape lighting. The three different heights (18"/24"/30", 24"/30"/36", or 24"/36"/48") create visual interest and dimension, with water flowing at multiple levels. The smooth polished surfaces create refined water sounds - gentle, soothing cascades that blend into a peaceful auditory experience. The water collects in the 48" Achelous basin below, where it's recirculated by the Mag-Drive pump. The 200 lbs of black polished pebbles create beautiful contrast with the warm red onyx and conceal the basin edge for a polished, professional appearance.
Perfect For:
- Contemporary and modern landscapes
- Transitional garden designs
- Mediterranean and Tuscan-style landscapes
- Warm color palette gardens
- Koi ponds and water gardens
- Courtyard and patio focal points
- Entryways and landscape features
- Resort and commercial installations
- Outdoor living and entertainment spaces
- Architectural landscape designs
- Sophisticated, elegant focal points
- Multi-level water features
- Spaces needing warm, inviting ambiance
Installation Overview:
Each complete kit is designed for professional installation. The 48" Achelous basin is buried at ground level and filled with water. The three pre-drilled smooth red onyx columns are positioned (typically in a grouped arrangement or staggered configuration) with plumbing running through each column. The Mag-Drive pump sits inside the basin and pumps water up through tubing to all three columns. Water bubbles out the top of each column and cascades down the smooth polished surfaces back into the basin. The flow control valve allows you to adjust water speed to achieve your desired visual and auditory effect. The 200 lbs of black polished pebbles conceal the basin edge and create a finished, professional appearance while providing beautiful color contrast with the warm red onyx.
Installation Flexibility:
The three columns can be arranged in various configurations to suit your space and design vision. Common installations include grouped vertical arrangement with all three columns close together creating a clustered focal point, staggered placement with columns at different positions for wider visual spread, linear arrangement with columns in a row for modern aesthetic, triangular pattern for balanced visual weight, or integrated into stone or hardscape features for a custom built-in look. The graduated heights (varying by kit) create natural visual flow and dimension regardless of arrangement. Consider positioning to take advantage of natural or landscape lighting to showcase the translucent beauty of the red onyx.
Important Installation Notes:
Due to the substantial weight of natural smooth red onyx (total weight varies by kit but can exceed 500 lbs), commercial freight shipping is required. Professional installation is essential for safe handling of the heavy stone columns, proper basin excavation and setup, correct column positioning and leveling, optimal plumbing configuration for three columns, and ensuring long-term stability and performance. A forklift or specialized equipment may be needed to safely unload and position the onyx columns. The smooth polished surfaces require careful handling to avoid scratching during installation. The investment in professional installation protects both you and your fountain investment.
Care and Maintenance:
Smooth red onyx requires minimal maintenance and is easier to clean than rough-textured stone. The smooth polished surfaces resist algae and mineral buildup better than rough stone. Periodically clean the columns with water and a soft cloth to maintain the refined finish. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that could scratch the polished surface. The warm coloring naturally hides minor water spots or mineral deposits well. Onyx is a durable natural stone and resists staining and weathering well. Regular pump maintenance includes cleaning the intake screen and checking water levels in the basin. Use fountain water treatment products to prevent algae growth. In freezing climates, drain all water from the system and remove the pump for indoor storage during winter months. The onyx columns can remain in place year-round and are resistant to freeze-thaw damage when properly drained.
Natural Stone Variations:
As a natural material, each smooth red onyx column will have unique characteristics. Color variations from deep amber and rust to warm terracotta and burgundy are normal and desirable. Natural banding, veining, and translucency variations add to the organic beauty. The smooth polished finish brings out the natural beauty and luster of the red onyx. These variations are not defects - they're proof of authenticity and ensure your fountain is truly one-of-a-kind. The photos shown are representative, but actual stone coloring, banding, and character will vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes red onyx special and how is it different from other fountain stones?
A: Red onyx is a truly unique fountain stone with several distinctive characteristics. The most striking feature is its semi-translucent quality - light can actually pass through the stone, creating a beautiful luminous glow that changes throughout the day and is especially stunning when backlit by sunlight or landscape lighting. The warm colors ranging from deep amber and rust to terracotta and burgundy add inviting warmth to your landscape that cooler-toned stones cannot match. Natural banding and color variations create visual depth and interest. The smooth polished finish showcases the stone's beauty while being easier to maintain than rough stone. Red onyx is also denser than many sedimentary stones, providing good durability. The combination of translucent beauty, warm inviting colors, and elegant polished finish makes red onyx a premium choice for creating a sophisticated, welcoming water feature.
Q: Which kit size should I choose for my space?
A: The Short kit with 18", 24", and 30" columns is perfect for medium-sized gardens, patios, and pond features. The tallest column at 30" provides substantial presence without overwhelming spaces up to 300 square feet. It includes a 1495 GPH pump. The Tall kit with 24", 30", and 36" columns offers increased impact for larger gardens and estate landscapes. The 36" tall column creates commanding presence in spaces 300-500 square feet. It includes a more powerful 1980 GPH pump. The Extra Tall kit with 24", 36", and 48" columns is our most dramatic option, with the 48" column creating maximum vertical impact ideal for expansive landscapes, resort settings, or commercial installations in spaces 500+ square feet. It also includes a 1980 GPH pump. The warm red onyx coloring creates strong visual impact and inviting ambiance, so even the smaller sizes make an elegant statement.
Q: What's included in each complete kit?
A: Each kit is truly complete and includes everything you need: three pre-drilled smooth red onyx columns in graduated heights (specific to each kit), a 48" Achelous molded fountain basin (professional-grade water reservoir), a Mag-Drive pump (1495 GPH for Short kit, 1980 GPH for Tall and Extra Tall kits), a flow control valve to adjust water speed, complete plumbing system and tubing for all three columns, 200 lbs of black polished pebbles for basin concealment and finishing (creating beautiful contrast with warm red onyx), installation hardware and fittings, and detailed installation instructions. The only things not included are the electrical connection (you'll need a GFCI outlet nearby) and professional installation labor. Everything needed for the fountain itself is in the box - it's a complete, turnkey triple fountain solution.
Q: How does the translucent quality of red onyx affect the fountain's appearance?
A: The semi-translucent quality of red onyx is one of its most beautiful and distinctive features. When light passes through the stone, it creates a luminous glow that makes the columns appear to radiate warmth from within. This effect is most pronounced during the day when sunlight hits the columns, and it's absolutely stunning when backlit by landscape lighting at night. The translucency also highlights the natural banding and color variations within the stone, creating depth and visual interest that opaque stones cannot achieve. As water flows over the polished surface, it enhances the translucent effect, making the wet stone even more luminous. The changing light throughout the day means your fountain looks different at various times - glowing warmly in morning sun, richly colored in afternoon light, and dramatically backlit at dusk. This living, changing quality makes red onyx fountains endlessly fascinating.
Q: How are the three columns arranged and how does water flow work?
A: The three columns can be arranged in various configurations based on your design preferences - grouped closely together for dramatic impact, staggered in a triangular pattern, arranged in a linear row for modern aesthetic, or integrated into hardscape. Each column is pre-drilled, and plumbing runs through all three columns from the pump in the basin below. Water is pumped up through each column simultaneously, bubbling out from the top of all three columns at once. The water then cascades down the smooth, polished surface of each column, creating three elegant water sheets that work together. The graduated heights create visual dimension - your eye naturally moves from the shortest to the tallest column. The smooth red onyx surfaces create beautiful reflections and highlight the warm coloring and natural banding as water flows. The 48" Achelous basin catches all the water from the three columns, and the pump recirculates it continuously. The flow control valve allows you to adjust the water speed for all three columns together.
Q: Is the smooth finish difficult to maintain?
A: Actually, the smooth finish is much easier to maintain than rough-textured stone! The polished surfaces resist algae and mineral buildup better than rough surfaces because there are no crevices for organic material to collect. Simply wipe the columns periodically with water and a soft cloth to maintain the refined finish - it's much easier than brushing rough stone crevices. The warm red coloring naturally hides minor water spots or mineral deposits better than light-colored stone. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that could scratch the polished surface - use only soft cloths or sponges. Use fountain water treatment products to prevent algae growth. Many people find smooth red onyx fountains require less frequent cleaning to maintain their elegant appearance compared to rough stone fountains. The smooth finish is both beautiful and practical, making it an excellent choice for busy homeowners who want a stunning fountain without high maintenance demands.
Q: Will the red onyx columns survive freezing winters?
A: Yes, red onyx is durable and can remain in place outdoors year-round when properly winterized. All three columns can stay outside even in cold climates. However, you must properly winterize the fountain system before freezing temperatures arrive. Completely drain all water from the basin, plumbing, and any water inside all three columns - water left in the system can freeze and potentially damage the pump, plumbing, and potentially the stone. Remove the Mag-Drive pump and store it indoors in a dry location for the winter. Ensure the basin is completely empty. The red onyx columns themselves are resistant to freeze-thaw damage when properly drained. In spring, simply reinstall the pump, refill the system, and enjoy your elegant triple fountain again. The stone may develop even more beautiful character after weathering through seasons.
Q: How does red onyx compare to other colored stones like yellow onyx or blue limestone?
A: Red onyx offers a distinctly different aesthetic compared to other colored fountain stones. Compared to yellow onyx, red onyx provides warmer, richer tones (amber, rust, terracotta, burgundy) versus yellow's honey and butterscotch hues - red onyx creates a more dramatic, inviting warmth. Both are semi-translucent with similar luminous qualities. Compared to blue limestone, red onyx is warmer in tone (blue limestone has cool blue-gray tones), more translucent (limestone is opaque), and creates a completely different mood - red onyx is warm and inviting, blue limestone is cool and sophisticated. Red onyx with smooth finish is also easier to maintain than rough blue limestone. The choice depends on your color palette and desired ambiance - red onyx is perfect for warm, Mediterranean, or Tuscan-style landscapes, while cooler stones suit contemporary or minimalist designs. All are premium natural stones with excellent durability.
Note: Natural smooth red onyx color, banding, and translucency vary. Each column is unique. Actual appearance will differ from photos shown. All kits include three graduated columns. Commercial freight shipping required. Professional installation recommended.