Aquascape Stacked Slate Sphere Fountain Kit 32" – Complete Outdoor Patio Water Feature with Pump & Basin
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Description
The Aquascape 78290 Stacked Slate Sphere Fountain Kit — 32" dia. × 30"H is a complete landscape fountain system that brings the soothing movement and sound of water to any outdoor space. Designed to replicate the look of hand-stacked natural slate, water is pumped up through the center of the lightweight fiber-resin composite sphere and cascades evenly over the textured surface in a 360° curtain — creating a dramatic focal point for front yards, patios, garden beds, courtyards, and entryways. The complete kit includes the AquaBasin® 45 (98 gallons, 1,500 lb capacity), the Ultra 1500 Water Pump (#91009) with 3-year warranty, ¾" vinyl tubing, and all plumbing. Add the optional Fire Fountain Add-On Kit (#78221) to convert this sphere into a fire-and-water feature. Made by Aquascape — the leading North American water feature brand.
What's Included
Fountain Components
- 32" Stacked Slate Sphere — 32" dia. × 30"H; fiber-resin composite; slate gray finish; UV-protected; lightweight; water passage through center bore
- AquaBasin® 45 (#78224) — 44.5"L × 44.5"W × 16"H; 98 gal.; 1,500 lb. load capacity; subsurface basin with pump access panel
Pump & Plumbing
- Ultra 1500 Water Pump (#91009) — 1,480 GPH max | mag-drive | 153W | oil-free | fish-safe | 16.5 ft max head | 25 ft power cord | 3-way diverter valve + multi-hose adapter (¾", 1", 1¼" compatible) | 3-year limited warranty
- ¾" Clear Vinyl Tubing — pump-to-sphere supply
- Plumbing fittings — for complete installation
- Installation instructions
Not Included (Available Separately)
- Fire Fountain Add-On Kit #78221 — converts sphere to fire-and-water feature (sold separately)
- Decorative rock, gravel, or plants (for basin landscaping)
- Electrical outlet / GFCI outdoor receptacle
- Additional LED lighting (optional)
How It Works
- The AquaBasin 45 is set into the ground (subsurface) or placed on grade
- The Ultra 1500 pump sits inside the basin, connected to ¾" vinyl tubing running up through the sphere's center bore
- Water is pumped to the top of the sphere and cascades over the stacked slate surface in 360° back into the basin
- Rocks, plants, or mulch cover the basin grate — hiding all plumbing and pump for a completely natural look
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | 78290 | Aquascape Stacked Slate Sphere Fountain Kit |
| Sphere Diameter | 32" (81 cm) |
| Sphere Height | 30" (76 cm) |
| Sphere Material | Fiber-resin composite — lightweight, UV-protected, weather-resistant |
| Sphere Color | Slate gray — natural stacked stone finish |
| Basin | AquaBasin® 45 (#78224) — 44.5"L × 44.5"W × 16"H | 98 gal. | 1,500 lb capacity |
| Pump | Ultra 1500 Water Pump (#91009) — 1,480 GPH | 153W | mag-drive | oil-free | 3-year limited warranty |
| Pump Max Head | 16.5 ft (feature requires ~2.5 ft — pump operates in optimal range) |
| Power Cord | 25 ft |
| Pump Fittings | 3-way diverter valve + multi-hose adapter (¾", 1", 1¼" compatible) |
| Tubing | ¾" clear vinyl tubing |
| Water Flow Pattern | 360° cascade over stacked slate texture, pumped from center bore |
| Fire Add-On Compatible | Yes — Fire Fountain Add-On Kit #78221 (sold separately) |
| Install Type | Subsurface basin (bury basin) or above-grade (place on level surface) |
| Shipping | Oversized — additional freight charges may apply |
The AquaBasin® 45 — A Foundation Built to Last
The AquaBasin® 45 (#78224) is Aquascape's largest standard fountain basin — 44.5" × 44.5" × 16"H with a 98-gallon water capacity and a structural load rating of 1,500 lbs. The high load capacity means you can pile boulders, decorative gravel, flagstone, or plants directly on top of the grate — completely hiding the basin and all plumbing while creating a natural-looking landscape element.
The basin includes a removable access panel / grate for pump service and seasonal removal without disturbing the surrounding rock work. The large 98-gallon reservoir also significantly reduces refill frequency during hot summer months — a practical low-maintenance advantage over smaller basins. For the 32" sphere, the basin's 44.5"×44.5" footprint provides generous clearance around the sphere base and a stable subsurface platform for the feature's full weight.
Ultra 1500 Pump — Precision-Matched to the 32" Sphere
The Ultra 1500 Water Pump (#91009) produces up to 1,480 GPH with mag-drive technology at just 153 watts — delivering the strong, even cascading flow needed to cover the entire 32" surface of the stacked slate sphere while operating well within the pump's 16.5 ft maximum head capacity. Because the sphere only requires water to be lifted approximately 2.5 feet, the Ultra 1500 operates near the top of its flow curve, producing smooth, consistent flow rather than the trickle that results when an undersized pump works against its maximum head.
The pump's oil-free mag-drive motor is safe for birds, pets, and wildlife visiting the fountain. The included 3-way diverter valve and multi-hose adapter (¾", 1", 1¼" compatible) provide installation flexibility and future upgrade capability — including connection to the optional Fire Fountain Add-On Kit #78221 without replumbing the supply line. The 25-foot power cord reaches most outdoor receptacles without an extension cord.
Add Fire — Fire Fountain Add-On Kit #78221
The Aquascape Fire Fountain Add-On Kit (#78221, sold separately) converts the 78290 stacked slate sphere into a combined fire-and-water feature — the same dramatic pairing found in the Aquascape 58092 Fire & Water Spillway Bowl. The fire kit mounts to the top of the sphere and incorporates a propane burner and ignition system; water continues to cascade over the slate surface while a flame burns in the center, visible through the flowing water. This upgrade is one of the most visually striking outdoor focal points available and is designed specifically for compatibility with Aquascape sphere fountain kits. Ask about the #78221 kit when ordering the 78290.
Stacked Slate Sphere Fountain Kit — Size Comparison
| Feature | Small (78287) | 32" Medium (78290, this kit) |
|---|---|---|
| Sphere Diameter | 18" | 32" (81 cm) |
| Sphere Height | ~18"–20" | 30" (76 cm) |
| Basin | AquaBasin® 30 (27 gal.) | AquaBasin® 45 (98 gal.) |
| Pump | Ultra pump (smaller GPH) | Ultra 1500 — 1,480 GPH |
| Best for | Patios, small gardens, grouped features | Focal-point landscapes, front yards, entryways, commercial |
| Fire Add-On Compatible | Verify w/ Aquascape | Yes — #78221 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Aquascape 32" Stacked Slate Sphere Fountain Kit (78290)?
The complete 78290 kit includes:
- 32" Stacked Slate Sphere — 32" dia. × 30"H fiber-resin composite; slate gray finish; UV-protected
- AquaBasin® 45 (#78224) — 44.5"L × 44.5"W × 16"H; 98 gal.; 1,500 lb. load capacity
- Ultra 1500 Water Pump (#91009) — 1,480 GPH max; mag-drive; 153W; oil-free; 25 ft cord; 3-way diverter valve; multi-hose adapter; 3-year limited warranty
- ¾" Clear Vinyl Tubing
- Plumbing fittings and installation hardware
Not included: Fire Fountain Add-On Kit #78221 (sold separately), decorative rock or gravel (to cover basin), electrical outlet.
Is the fiber-resin material as durable as real stone?
The fiber-resin composite is engineered specifically for outdoor water feature applications. It replicates the visual texture of hand-stacked natural slate while being significantly lighter — allowing a one- or two-person installation without heavy equipment. The material is UV-stabilized to prevent color fade and is engineered to resist chipping and cracking under normal outdoor conditions.
Freeze season note: While the fiber-resin sphere body itself is freeze-resistant, the internal water passage bore should be drained before the first hard freeze to prevent ice expansion inside the center channel. A sphere left with standing water in the bore during a hard freeze may develop internal damage. Winterize properly for multi-decade performance.
How much maintenance does the AquaBasin 45 reservoir require?
The AquaBasin® 45 (98 gallons) is one of the lower-maintenance fountain basins available at this size. The large 98-gallon capacity means evaporation replenishment is only needed every few days in summer heat rather than daily. Because it is a subsurface or covered basin, direct sunlight is blocked — significantly slowing algae growth compared to exposed open basins.
The Ultra 1500 pump sits in the basin protected by its own pre-filter cage, which should be rinsed clean every 2–4 weeks during peak operation. The basin has a removable access grate / panel — pull the panel to access and service the pump without disturbing surrounding rock work. Quarterly, flush the basin and check the vinyl tubing for kinking or mineral buildup at the sphere's outlet bore.
Can I leave the 32" sphere outside during winter?
The fiber-resin sphere body is weather-resistant and freeze-resistant as a material. However, for multi-season longevity, take these steps before first hard freeze:
- Drain the sphere's internal water channel: Tilt the sphere or use a wet-vac to remove any standing water from the center bore. Water left in the bore can freeze, expand, and crack the internal channel.
- Remove the Ultra 1500 pump: Pull the pump from the basin, rinse clean, and store dry indoors. Mag-drive pumps should not be stored in a bucket of water — store dry to prevent seal degradation and mineral buildup in the motor gap.
- Drain the AquaBasin 45: Pump or bail out all water from the basin. A fully frozen basin can stress the plastic body.
- Cover or protect: A fountain cover protects the sphere's finish and prevents debris accumulation in the center bore through winter.
In mild climates (Zone 8+) with no hard freezes, the fountain can often run year-round — just monitor water level for cold-weather evaporation reduction.
How energy-efficient is the Ultra 1500 pump for continuous operation?
The Ultra 1500 Water Pump (#91009) uses Aquascape's mag-drive technology, drawing only 153 watts at maximum flow. Running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the pump consumes approximately 3.67 kWh per day — about $0.50–$0.80/day at average U.S. electricity rates, or roughly $15–$25/month for continuous operation. In practice, most fountain owners run the pump 10–16 hours per day using a timer, cutting operating costs by 30–50%.
The pump is oil-free and safe for birds, pets, and visiting wildlife. The 3-year limited warranty provides confidence in long-term reliability. The pre-filter cage design protects the impeller from debris clogging and is removable for quick cleaning — keeping the pump running at peak efficiency for the warranty period and beyond.
Can I group multiple spheres together for a larger installation?
Yes — grouping multiple Aquascape stacked slate sphere fountains is one of the most effective professional landscaping techniques for creating a premium outdoor water feature area. A common pairing is one 32" sphere flanked by one or two smaller spheres (18"), each with its own independent basin and pump. Each sphere operates independently, so any one unit can be serviced or winterized without affecting the others.
For commercial courtyards, hotel entrances, or large residential installations, three or more spheres grouped at varying heights create a naturalistic stone spring effect. Each sphere in the group can be fitted with the optional Fire Fountain Add-On Kit #78221 for a dramatic evening fire-and-water display. Call us at (765) 508-4352 to discuss custom multi-sphere configurations.
Why Choose Aquascape Fountains
Aquascape is North America's leading water feature manufacturer, and the Stacked Slate Sphere is one of their signature decorative fountain designs — specified by professional landscapers and outdoor living contractors nationwide. The AquaBasin and Ultra Pump components are purpose-built to work together: the basin's dimensions match the sphere's footprint, and the pump's flow rate is precisely matched to achieve optimal 360° surface coverage on the 32" sphere. Every component carries its own warranty, and Aquascape's dealer network provides long-term parts support for maintenance and upgrades.
Aquascape 78290 Stacked Slate Sphere Fountain Kit — 32"×30"H fiber-resin composite sphere, AquaBasin® 45 (98 gal., 1,500 lb, #78224), Ultra 1500 Water Pump (#91009, 1,480 GPH, 153W, 3-yr warranty), ¾" vinyl tubing, plumbing fittings. Fire Fountain Add-On Kit #78221 available separately.
Questions about sizing, grouped installations, or the fire add-on kit? Call or text (765) 508-4352 — Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST.
Price Match
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