Aquascape Stacked Slate Sphere Fountain Kit 18" – Complete Outdoor Patio Water Feature with Pump & Basin
✓ 30-Day Return Period
✓ Price Match - We will Beat Lower Prices!
✓ Secure Encrypted Checkout
✓ Questions? - Call (765) 508-4352
Description
The Aquascape Extra Small Stacked Slate Sphere Fountain Kit — 18” (SKU 78249) is a complete, ready-to-install recirculating water feature that brings the relaxing sight and sound of flowing water to patios, garden paths, courtyards, and entryways. The lightweight fiber-resin composite sphere (18” diameter / 16” tall, 46×41 cm) delivers the look of real hand-stacked slate at a fraction of the weight — water is pumped up through the center and gracefully cascades over the textured surface in all directions. The complete kit includes the AquaBasin® 30 (27-gallon sub-surface reservoir), the Ultra 550 Mag-Drive Pump (528 GPH, 33W, 12 ft cord), silicone tubing, and all fittings for tool-free installation in under an hour. Add the element of fire with the Fire Fountain Add-On Kit (#78221, sold separately). New for 2024.
What’s Included
Complete Kit Contents (SKU 78249)
- Stacked Slate Sphere — 18” dia / 16” tall (SKU 78358, fiber-resin composite)
- AquaBasin® 30 (SKU 78223) — 27-gallon sub-surface reservoir
- Ultra 550 Water Pump (SKU 91006) — 528 GPH Mag-Drive
- Silicone tubing — ¾” × 42” (106 cm)
- 3-way diverter valve & multi-hose adapter (from pump kit)
- Installation instructions
Optional Add-Ons
- #78221 Fire Fountain Add-On Kit (fire + water feature)
- LED fountain lighting
- Aquascape water treatments
- Decorative stone / river rock (for surrounding feature)
- Outdoor extension cord (if outlet >12 ft away)
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | 78249 |
| Official Name | Extra Small Stacked Slate Sphere 18” Fountain Kit |
| Sphere Diameter | 18” (46 cm) |
| Sphere Height | 16” (41 cm) |
| Material | Fiber-resin composite (UV-protected, weather-resistant) |
| Basin | AquaBasin® 30 (SKU 78223) — 27-gallon capacity |
| Pump | Aquascape Ultra 550 Water Pump (SKU 91006) |
| Pump Max Flow | 528 GPH (max at 0 ft head) |
| Pump Max Head | 7.87 ft |
| Pump Motor | Mag-Drive (oil-free, fish and wildlife safe) |
| Pump Wattage | 33 watts |
| Pump Amps | 0.55A |
| Cord Length | 12 ft |
| Pump Discharge | ½”, ¾”, 1”, 1.25” multi-hose adapter |
| Tubing | ¾” × 42” (106 cm) silicone |
| Power | 120V standard household outlet |
| Pump Warranty | 3-Year Limited (Aquascape Ultra pumps) |
| Sphere Warranty | |
| Fire Add-On | Fire Fountain Add-On Kit #78221 (sold separately) |
Key Features
- Fiber-resin composite construction: Aquascape’s fiber-resin composite delivers the visual texture and color of natural hand-stacked slate at a fraction of real stone’s weight. UV-protected coating resists fading; weather-resistant material stands up to outdoor conditions year-round.
- 360° cascading water: Water is pumped up through the center of the sphere and flows outward over the stacked slate surface in all directions, creating a gentle, uniform cascade with a soothing sound.
- AquaBasin® 30 — 27-gallon sub-surface reservoir: The included 27-gallon basin sits below grade (or can be surface-placed with decorative stone covering it). The sub-surface position shields water from direct sunlight, naturally limiting algae growth and significantly reducing maintenance.
- Ultra 550 Mag-Drive pump — oil-free and wildlife safe: Magnetic drive technology eliminates the need for oil lubrication, making the pump safe for birds, small pets, and wildlife that drink from the feature. At 33 watts, operating cost is approximately $35/year at average electricity rates.
- Complete kit — everything included: Basin, pump, sphere, silicone tubing, and fittings are all in the box. No additional purchases required for basic installation (decorative stone is optional but recommended).
- Tool-free installation: Most installations can be completed without tools in under an hour following the included instructions.
Aquascape Stacked Slate Sphere Kit Sizes
All sphere kits include the fiber-resin composite sphere, AquaBasin reservoir, pump, tubing, and fittings. Choose by sphere size and desired water movement:
| Kit | SKU | Sphere Size | Basin | Pump | Flow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Small (this) | 78249 | 18” dia / 16” tall | AquaBasin® 30 | Ultra 550 | 528 GPH |
| Medium | 78290 | 24” | AquaBasin® 45 | Ultra 1500 | ~1,400 GPH |
| Large | (32" kit) | 32” | AquaBasin® 45 | Ultra 8000 | ~7,500 GPH |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Aquascape 18" Stacked Slate Sphere Fountain Kit?
The 78249 kit includes everything needed for installation:
- 18” Stacked Slate Sphere (SKU 78358) — fiber-resin composite, 18” diameter / 16” tall
- AquaBasin® 30 (SKU 78223) — 27-gallon sub-surface reservoir
- Ultra 550 Water Pump (SKU 91006) — 528 GPH, 33W, 12 ft cord, Mag-Drive
- Silicone tubing — ¾” × 42” (106 cm)
- 3-way diverter valve and multi-hose adapter
- Installation instructions
Decorative stone (for covering the basin and surrounding the sphere) is not included but is recommended for a finished landscape look. The Aquascape Fire Fountain Add-On Kit (#78221) is sold separately and transforms this into a combined fire-and-water feature.
Is the fiber-resin material as durable as real stone?
Aquascape’s fiber-resin composite is specifically engineered to replicate the look of natural hand-stacked slate while offering practical advantages over real stone:
- Weight: Dramatically lighter than natural stone — easier to move, position, and ship
- UV protection: Built-in UV inhibitors prevent fading and color degradation from sun exposure
- Weather resistance: The fiber-resin shell is designed for year-round outdoor installation
- Texture: The stacked slate texture is molded from actual stone patterns for authentic appearance
For system longevity in freezing climates: drain the AquaBasin 30 of water and store the Ultra 550 pump indoors before sustained freezing temperatures. Water left in the plumbing and basin can freeze and crack fittings. The fiber-resin sphere shell itself is weather-resistant, but the complete water-filled system should be winterized.
How much maintenance does the AquaBasin reservoir require?
The AquaBasin® 30 holds 27 gallons, providing a meaningful reservoir that reduces refill frequency. The sub-surface installation shields water from direct sunlight, which naturally limits algae growth and keeps the water cleaner between maintenance sessions.
Typical routine maintenance:
- Top off water level periodically — evaporation is the primary reason the basin needs refilling. Never let the pump run without water.
- Clean the pump screen at the start of each season to remove accumulated debris
- Use Aquascape water treatments to keep the basin clean and extend the time between thorough cleanings
Can I leave the sphere outside during the winter?
The fiber-resin composite sphere shell is weather-resistant and UV-stable for year-round outdoor installation. However, the complete system requires winterizing before sustained freezing temperatures:
- Drain the AquaBasin 30 completely — water left in the basin will freeze and can damage the basin walls and fittings
- Remove and store the Ultra 550 pump indoors — store submerged in a bucket of water or in a frost-free area to keep the seals from drying out
- Drain and store the tubing — water in the tubing will freeze and can crack the silicone at low temperatures
- The sphere itself can remain outside if properly secured
In mild climates without hard freezes, the feature can run year-round.
Is the Ultra 550 pump energy-efficient for 24/7 use?
Yes. The Ultra 550 Water Pump uses Mag-Drive technology — a magnetic drive motor with no physical impeller shaft seal, which eliminates oil lubrication and makes the pump safe for birds, pets, and wildlife. At 33 watts, the Ultra 550 is among the most efficient pumps at this flow rate:
- Annual electricity cost at 33W: approximately $35/year at $0.12/kWh (running 24/7)
- Max flow: 528 GPH at open flow | Max head: 7.87 ft
- 12 ft power cord | 3-Year Limited Warranty (Aquascape)
The pump is designed for continuous operation. Running it dry (without water in the basin) will shorten its life — keep the AquaBasin topped off.
Why Buy from Pond Pro Direct?
- Authentic Aquascape products with full 3-Year Limited Warranty on the Ultra 550 pump
- Expert product guidance from certified water feature professionals — call to discuss sizing, placement, and add-ons
- Price Match on identical products from authorized Aquascape retailers
Aquascape 78249 Extra Small Stacked Slate Sphere Fountain Kit 18” — fiber-resin composite | 18” dia / 16” tall | AquaBasin® 30 (27 gal) | Ultra 550 Mag-Drive pump (528 GPH, 33W, 12 ft cord) | ¾”×42” silicone tubing | UV-protected | 3-yr pump warranty | Fire Add-On #78221 available separately. Oversized shipping fees may apply.
Questions about placement, sizing, or the Fire Fountain Add-On? 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
