What is a water feature with a burial basin?
A water feature with a burial basin is a water ornament in which the water is collected in an underground basin. This basin acts as a reservoir and, with the help of a pump, continuously feeds the ornament. This way, you enjoy running water without a visible pond edge or loose collection tub disturbing the view.
This type of water feature is often chosen for gardens, terraces and patios where a neat, finished appearance is important. The top of the reservoir lies below ground level, allowing you to finish it with a grate, mesh and decorative pebbles. As a result, you mainly see the ornament itself and not the technology around it.
Why choose a water ornament with a burial basin?
A water ornament with a burial basin is popular because it combines ambience, ease of use and a well-groomed look. Especially if you want to design a garden with a luxurious or calm appearance, this is a practical choice.
- Sleek finish because the water basin disappears underground
- Suitable for many types of water ornaments, from sphere columns to water walls
- Reservoirs in various sizes, matched to small and large ornaments
- Option to finish with grate and decorative stones
- Many models are frost-resistant
- Automatic top-up is possible in some setups with a float valve and water hose
What should you consider when choosing the right water feature with a burial basin?
Not every water feature with a burial basin is the same. The right choice mainly depends on the available space, the look you want and the size of the ornament. A compact fountain set requires a different reservoir than a larger granite column or water wall. Read also What should you pay attention to when buying a water ornament?.
Size of the ornament and reservoir capacity
The larger the water ornament, the more important a suitable reservoir becomes. Within this category there are burial basins and complete sets with different capacities, from compact solutions to larger reservoirs. This allows you to choose a setup that suits both small city gardens and more spacious gardens.
Material and appearance
The appearance of your water feature is strongly determined by the material. Granite often provides a modern and timeless look, marble looks exclusive and decorative, while a bronze fountain or bronze figure adds more character and warmth. This makes it easy to match the water feature to the rest of your garden or terrace.
Finishing the top side
A burial basin also calls for proper finishing. Think of a galvanized grate, mesh and decorative pebbles. This neatly conceals the technology and keeps the whole looking safe and tidy. For proper construction it is important that the top of the reservoir lies deep enough to allow for this finishing. Handy accessories such as pump, hose, lighting and lids can be found under Parts for water ornaments.
What types of water features with a burial basin are there?
If you search for a water feature with a burial basin, you will come across different styles. That makes it easy to choose a model that suits your taste and the atmosphere of your outdoor space.
Complete fountain sets
A complete fountain set is ideal if you want to have everything arranged in one go. In various sets, components such as a water basin, pump, lid or finishing materials are included. That makes choosing clear and practical.
Granite and marble water ornaments
These models are popular for their luxurious look and durable character. Think of sleek columns, modern shapes or ornaments with a more classic appearance. Polished granite and marble create a chic effect, both during the day and in the evening. Popular choices include the Black basalt water columns, which pair neatly with a buried reservoir.
Bronze water ornaments
A bronze water feature with a burial basin adds extra character to the garden. Bronze animal figures or abstract shapes combine decorative value with the calming effect of running water. This type of ornament is often chosen as a true eye-catcher.
Water walls and illuminated models
For those seeking a more striking effect, there are water walls and models with LED lighting. Especially in the evening, light and water together create extra atmosphere. That makes these water ornaments suitable for places where you also want to enjoy your garden after sunset.
Practical installation tips
Good installation largely determines the end result of your water feature. It is important that the subsoil is stable and that the burial basin is placed at the right depth. In practice this means allowing space for the grate and the finishing above it.
- Provide a solid, level base
- Place the reservoir sufficiently below ground level
- Leave space for the grate and decorative pebbles
- Choose a reservoir that matches the size of the ornament
- Ensure accessibility for the pump and maintenance
Not sure which setup works best? Then it’s smart to compare the different water-ornament basins and complete sets carefully. In the showroom you can better see how a water feature is built in real life and which size works best in relation to the space. Anyone who wants to understand the system behind such a setup can delve into the operation and construction of the set.
Which gardens suit a water feature with a burial basin?
A water feature with a burial basin fits surprisingly many outdoor spaces. In a smaller garden, a compact ornament adds atmosphere without taking up much space. Calm, bubbling effects in a compact size can be found under the Granite water balls. In a larger garden you can opt for a stronger accent, such as a granite column, a marble fountain or a water wall.
A water ornament with a burial basin also works beautifully on a terrace or patio, especially if you like a tidy finish and a calm overall look. By playing with material, height and finishing, you can create a modern, rural or classic atmosphere.
A selection of the options at Eliassen
Within Eliassen’s range you will find various types of water features with a burial basin. Think of complete sets such as a stone fountain set with bronze lizard or a fountain set with bronze dragon, but also models like marble Break Out with stainless steel tube, marble Cheops, granite Adria, granite Trea, Curve and the 3-ball-column water set. Well-known models such as Ubbink Modena and Shanghai also fall within this category.
Looking for A-brand sets and reservoirs that are often supplied complete with burial basin and pump? Then view the Ubbink water ornaments.
This way, there’s a choice for those who love sleek natural stone, for those who want a more playful bronze accent, and for anyone who prefers a complete solution that is well matched right away. Thanks to that variety, it’s easier to find a water feature that suits your garden, taste and available space.
View water ornaments in the showroom in Ammerzoden
You’d rather not choose a water feature based on a photo alone. In our large store and showroom in Ammerzoden you can view many water ornaments and water features up close. On the premises you can see various models in operation, allowing you to better assess which size, material and effect best suits your garden.
That’s useful if you are hesitating between, for example, granite or marble, a bronze figure fountain or a modern water wall. Because service is paramount at Eliassen, we are happy to think along with you about a suitable solution. As a family business we deliver quality at a sharp price, thanks in part to our own imports and our own brand.
Frequently asked questions about a water feature with a burial basin
What is the advantage of a burial basin compared to a visible basin?
The biggest advantage is the appearance. The water basin is underground, so you mainly see the ornament. That gives a calmer and neater whole than a visible collection basin.
Is a water feature with a burial basin suitable for small gardens?
Yes, there are compact models and smaller reservoirs available. This means you can enjoy a water ornament with an underground water basin even in a modest garden or on a terrace.
Are water ornaments with a burial basin frost-resistant?
Many models in this category are made to be frost-resistant. However, it remains important to check each product’s properties and the correct installation of the set.
Do I need a complete set for a water feature with a burial basin?
Not always. You can opt for a complete fountain set, but also for separate water ornaments or separate components such as a plastic water basin, lid, grate or finishing. What’s best depends on your wishes and the chosen setup.
Can I view a water feature with a burial basin in real life?
Yes, at Eliassen you can view many models in the showroom and on the premises in Ammerzoden. That helps you choose better based on appearance, size and sound effect.
Which materials can I choose from?
That differs per model, but within the range you will find, among others, granite, marble, bronze and combinations with stainless steel. Each material has its own look, from modern and sleek to warm and decorative. If you also need technology or replacements, take a look at the parts for water ornaments.


