Aquascape AquaBasin 45 Fountain Basin – 45” Subsurface Water Feature Reservoir for Patio, Urn & Decorative Fountain Installations
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Description
The Aquascape AquaBasin® 45 (SKU 78224) is a professional-grade underground fountain reservoir engineered for medium to large decorative water feature installations including stacked slate urns, basalt columns, bubbling boulder fountains, spillway bowls, and fire-and-water features. The basin stores 98 gallons, supports static loads up to 1,500 lbs, and handles pump flow rates up to 4,000 GPH. The 44.5” × 44.5” × 16”H square footprint minimizes water loss from off-angle splash, while structural deck cylinders molded across the top surface reinforce basin strength and provide drillable plumbing and lighting ports that keep cables and connections hidden below deck. The center cylinder is pre-drilled for single-fountain installations. The large corner pump access panel is elevated above the deck to prevent decorative gravel from falling into the basin during maintenance, and fits larger submersible pumps. Constructed from professional-grade HDPE. Lifetime Warranty. Can also be used to create a small Pondless® Waterfall system (#83013). Ships truck freight on a pallet — oversized surcharge applies.
Why Choose the AquaBasin® 45?
- 98-gallon reservoir with 1,500 lb load capacity: Engineered to support heavy natural stone, GFRC basalt columns, large brass and ceramic fountains, and multi-element fountain displays on a single basin without bowing, cracking, or loss of structural integrity.
- Structural deck cylinders — the engineering difference: Hollow cylinders molded directly into the deck surface simultaneously reinforce the basin under load and provide drillable plumbing and lighting ports that route cables and plumbing below deck for a clean installation. Only the center cylinder is pre-drilled; additional cylinders can be field-drilled to accommodate multi-fountain configurations.
- Handles up to 4,000 GPH pump flow: Compatible with high-flow submersible pumps for tall waterfall returns, large basalt column sets, or multiple simultaneous fountain features. Drainage slots throughout the deck maximize water circulation back into the reservoir.
- Elevated corner pump access — no gravel cleanup: The large corner pump access panel sits elevated above the main deck surface, preventing decorative gravel from falling into the basin when the lid is removed for pump maintenance, adjustment, or replacement.
- Square footprint minimizes water loss: The square shape captures off-angle splash in corner areas that a round basin would lose to the surrounding ground, maximizing the water returned to the reservoir.
- Versatile installation — fountain or Pondless® Waterfall: The AquaBasin 45 functions as a fountain basin for urns, basalt, and decorative features, and can also serve as the reservoir for a small Pondless® Waterfall system when paired with the Aquascape Pondless Waterfall Vault (#83013).
- Lifetime Warranty: Backed by Aquascape’s Lifetime Warranty — professional-grade HDPE construction built to last underground for the life of the installation.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | 78224 |
| Dimensions | 44.5”L × 44.5”W × 16”H |
| Water Capacity | 98 gallons |
| Max Flow Rate | 4,000 GPH |
| Weight Capacity | 1,500 lbs |
| Shape | Square — minimizes splash water loss |
| Material | Professional-grade HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) — UV-stabilized |
| Structural System | Structural deck cylinders — reinforce basin and provide drillable plumbing/lighting ports |
| Center Port | Pre-drilled for single-fountain plumbing — ready to install, no drilling required for standard setups |
| Additional Ports | Drillable deck cylinders — field-drill for multi-fountain configurations |
| Pump Access | Large corner panel, elevated above deck to prevent gravel entry — fits larger pumps |
| Installation | In-ground or recessed; also compatible with Pondless® Waterfall Vault (#83013) |
| Shipping | Truck freight on pallet |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
Freight shipping required. The AquaBasin 45 is oversized and must ship via truck freight on a pallet — standard parcel delivery is not available for this item. Back-of-truck/liftgate delivery.
AquaBasin® Family — Choose by Fountain Size
Both AquaBasin models share: professional-grade HDPE, structural deck cylinders, elevated corner pump access, drillable plumbing/lighting ports, in-ground installation, Lifetime Warranty.
| Model | SKU | Dimensions | Capacity | Max Load | Max GPH | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AquaBasin 30 | 78223 | 30"×30"×12"H | 27 gal | 500 lbs | 2,000 GPH | Small-medium features |
| AquaBasin 45 (this) | 78224 | 44.5"×44.5"×16"H | 98 gal | 1,500 lbs | 4,000 GPH | Medium-large features |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum weight load capacity of the AquaBasin® 45?
The AquaBasin® 45 is engineered to support static loads up to 1,500 lbs. The structural deck cylinder system distributes weight from the fountain feature across the entire deck surface rather than concentrating load at a single point, enabling safe support of heavy natural granite boulders, GFRC basalt columns, large cast-iron or brass fountains, and multi-element installations.
For context, the smaller AquaBasin 30 (78223) supports up to 500 lbs and handles pumps up to 2,000 GPH — ideal for smaller urn and pottery features.
How many gallons of water does the Aquascape 78224 hold?
The AquaBasin® 45 stores up to 98 gallons of water. This generous reservoir reduces evaporation-related refill frequency and ensures even high-flow pumps (up to 4,000 GPH) have a stable water supply to maintain consistent fountain performance without risk of pump dry-run.
For pump sizing: select a pump that matches your desired fountain height and flow rate, but does not exceed the basin’s 4,000 GPH maximum flow rate. An auto-fill valve is recommended to maintain optimal water level automatically.
What are the physical dimensions and footprint of this fountain basin?
The AquaBasin® 45 measures 44.5” long × 44.5” wide × 16” deep. For a flush-grade (disappearing fountain) installation, excavate a hole slightly larger than the basin footprint — approximately 46”×46” to allow for leveling and backfill around the perimeter, with a minimum depth of 16” plus 2–3” for a compacted gravel base.
The square footprint was chosen deliberately — the four corners act as splash-capture zones that collect water a round basin would lose to the surrounding ground, maximizing the water returned to the reservoir.
Does the AquaBasin® 45 allow for easy pump maintenance?
Yes. The large corner pump access panel is designed with a raised perimeter that sits elevated above the main deck surface. This elevation serves two purposes: the pump access area is large enough to accommodate bigger submersible pumps, and the raised edge prevents decorative gravel from falling into the basin when the panel is removed — eliminating a common frustration with standard flat-access basins.
Pump valve controls, flow adjusters, and electrical connections are all accessible through the corner panel without moving fountain elements positioned elsewhere on the basin deck.
Can I install internal lighting with the AquaBasin® 45?
Yes. The structural deck cylinders across the top of the basin are hollow and can be field-drilled to route submersible LED lighting cables, fountain plumbing, and low-voltage wiring below the deck surface — completely out of sight when the basin is covered with decorative gravel or cobble. The center cylinder comes pre-drilled for standard single-fountain plumbing, so most installations require no additional drilling at all.
For multi-fountain or multi-lighting configurations, additional cylinders across the deck surface can be drilled in the field to accommodate your specific layout without any guesswork.
Is the AquaBasin® 45 durable enough for freezing winter climates?
Yes. The AquaBasin® 45 is constructed from professional-grade HDPE that is UV-stabilized and engineered for outdoor burial. The material resists freeze-thaw cycling without cracking or loss of structural integrity.
The basin’s rigidity comes from its structural deck cylinder design — hollow cylinders molded into the deck surface that simultaneously reinforce the basin under load and serve as plumbing/lighting conduits. Aquascape backs the AquaBasin 45 with a Lifetime Warranty reflecting confidence in its long-term performance in all climates.
Note: Aquascape recommends disconnecting the pump for winter storage, though the basin itself can remain installed year-round.
Why Buy Aquascape Products from Pond Pro Direct?
- Authentic Aquascape products with Lifetime Warranty and full authorized dealer support
- System design expertise — call for pump sizing, Pondless Waterfall vault pairing (#83013), and AquaBasin 30 vs 45 selection guidance
- Price Match on identical products from authorized Aquascape retailers
California residents: WARNING — This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov
Aquascape AquaBasin® 45 (SKU 78224) — 98-gallon reservoir | 1,500 lb capacity | 4,000 GPH max | 44.5"×44.5"×16"H | HDPE | structural deck cylinders | center pre-drilled | elevated corner pump access | Lifetime Warranty. Pondless® Waterfall compatible (#83013). Ships truck freight on pallet. Prop 65: see warning above.
Questions about basin sizing, pump selection, or Pondless® Waterfall configurations? Call or text (765) 508-4352 — Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST.
Price Match
At Pond Pro Direct, we want you to shop with confidence, knowing you’re always getting a good deal.
We will match or beat the lowest online price on its products.
If you find a lower price for any products on our store, we will beat it by $50 for products listed over $2000. In order to be eligible, you must provide proof, whether a screenshot, invoice, email, etc. of the lower offer.
Please note that this does not apply to every product in the store, so reach out via email or chat for confirmation before purchasing.
For the policy to apply, simply send us a screenshot, link, or any other proof of the lower price.
For more information, please check out Price Match Policy Page
Shipping & Delivery
Order Processing
Orders are processed within 1–5 business days, depending on product type, brand, and fulfillment method. Products sold on Pond Pro Direct ship directly from manufacturers or authorized distribution partners and do not ship from a single centralized warehouse.
Processing times may vary by brand, item type, fulfillment method, and whether an item is made to order or ships via freight.
Order Confirmation
After placing your order, you will receive an order confirmation email confirming that we have received your order and pre-authorized your payment method.
Once your order is received, we contact the manufacturer or distribution partner to confirm availability and fulfillment timelines.
- If an item is unavailable or on backorder, we will notify you by email and void the pre-authorization.
- If the item is available, the payment will be processed and the order submitted for shipment.
Order Shipment
If your order is in stock and payment is processed, it will typically ship within 6–13 business days. Once your order ships, tracking information (when available) will be sent to the email address provided at checkout.
If you do not receive shipping confirmation within 6 business days, please contact us at support@pondprodirect.com.
Shipping Destinations
At this time, we primarily ship within the United States. Some products may be available for shipment to Canada. If the website allows checkout and accepts your shipping address, the product is eligible for delivery to that location.
Changing Your Shipping Address
Address changes after an order has been processed or shipped may result in delays or additional carrier fees. Any carrier charges associated with address changes are the responsibility of the customer.
Shipping Times
All shipping times are estimates only and not guarantees.
- Typical handling time: 1–5 business days
- Typical transit time after shipment: 5–8 business days
- Estimated delivery window: 6–13 business days
Delivery timelines may vary based on brand, item type, production status, freight requirements, and carrier availability.
If an order is cancelled after it has been processed or shipped, the customer may be responsible for applicable shipping charges, freight fees, carrier return fees, and warehouse handling costs, where applicable.
Shipping Options
Available shipping options vary by product and location.
Our standard Curbside Delivery option is provided at no additional cost where applicable and delivers the item to the curbside or driveway of the delivery address.
Additional options, such as Threshold Delivery or White Glove Delivery, may be available for select products and locations.
For full details regarding freight delivery, inspection requirements, liftgate service, returns, and customer responsibilities, please review our full Shipping Policy page.
Returns & Refunds
Cancellations & Refunds
Orders may be canceled free of charge before shipment, unless the item is classified as Custom or Made-to-Order (see below).
If you have questions about your order, please contact us at support@pondprodirect.com or call (765) 508-4352 during business hours.
Cancellations (Before Order Ships)
If you need to cancel an order before it ships, please contact us as soon as possible. Orders canceled prior to shipment are eligible for a full refund.
You can reach our team by phone at (765) 508-4352, via live chat on our website, or by email at support@pondprodirect.com.
Cancellations (After Order Ships)
Once an order has shipped or entered fulfillment, it may no longer be eligible for cancellation. If you no longer wish to keep the item, you must wait until delivery and then request a return.
A Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) is required before returning any item.
Custom or Made-to-Order Items
Custom or made-to-order products are produced specifically for your order and cannot be canceled or refunded once production has begun, except in cases of defect or error.
Product pages will clearly indicate when an item is custom or made-to-order. If you are unsure whether an item falls into this category, please contact us before placing your order.
Returns & Refunds
Returns are subject to the following conditions:
- Customers have 30 days from delivery to request a return, unless otherwise stated on the product page or by manufacturer policy
- Items must be unused, uninstalled, and in original packaging
- An RMA is required prior to returning any item
Because we ship products directly from manufacturers, return eligibility may vary by brand. If a manufacturer does not permit returns on a specific product, we may be unable to accept the return. Please contact us if you would like confirmation of return eligibility for a specific item.
Fees & Shipping Costs
- Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the item is defective or shipped in error
- Freight / LTL shipments may incur higher return shipping costs due to carrier fees
- Approved returns of non-defective items may be subject to a restocking fee of up to 25%
- Original outbound shipping charges are non-refundable
If you are exchanging an item rather than returning it outright, we may be able to assist with some costs depending on the product and manufacturer.
For full details, including freight deliveries, damage reporting requirements, and manufacturer-specific terms, please review our complete Return and Refund Policy
