With this article I shall try and guide you through the installation of a reservoir used for a larger feature.This is where a concrete base is required to support the weight of the water feature and should ideally be used for a feature that weighs more than 250kg and used in conjunction with the Finula tubs that we recommend.The requirement of a concrete base is also dependent upon the support given by the ground.If you are unsure the guidance of a builder should be sought.

Once an area has been selected for your feature the surroundings should be cleared of debris and a hole excevated that will be deep and wide enough to contain both the tub and the excess cement that is needed to support the feature.In other words the heavier the stone the deeper and wider you would need to go to give greater support.With this feature I will show what we used for supporting a 6 foot high(1800mm) slate monolith that weighed approx 400kg.

Because the ground was very firm and clay like it provided good support anyway so we excavated to a depth of 12 inches(300mm),this gave a base of two inches of concrete before the template was in place,and to a width of about 42 inches(1070mm)and this allowed for an edging of about 2 inches around the base.After the hole was dug and tested to be suitably deep,we lined the hole with a waterproof lining(anything non pourous will do for this)and poured a base of concrete into the hole.

After the base concrete is poured we insert the template after first smearing the outsides with washing up liquid(this is a big help when it comes to taking the template out).I would just say at this point that any gravel that is added with the concret mix should be round to stop sharp edges working there way to the reservoir.The top of the template should be level or just slightly lower than the finished floor level and so care should be taken to keep it at this height whilst pouring concrete into the cutout sections.Depending on how you want the finished feature to sit,the top cover should be offered up while this operation is taking place,in this way if you want to keep a straight edge ,as in this case where the base ran along the side of an existing fence.This will ensure that the cut out sections are in the correct positions once it comes to fitting the feature.Concrete is mixed and poured into the hole and through the wings of the template until the hole is level with the finished floor level and checks are made to make sure that the template sits level from all directions.Once this is done the work is covered to protect it from the elements and left to dry for a few days.

Once the concrete has cure properly the template is removed,this is best done with lifting equipment but one or two people determined enough can also do just as well.There are handleattached to the template that are used to assist in the lifting process.After the template is removed the area remaining will house the reservoir.Any debris should be removed to leave a clean space and then the reservoir is dropped straight in,and pushed down to the bottom.The top cover is then ready to be added.When this is in place there should be a gentle slope from the edges back into the tub that will help with the water recycling.Level the ground accordingly with a rake or similar and keep testing till the cover sits in place.

The feature is then placed into position with the water hose going into the centre of the reservoir and the access panel is then used to connect the pump tp this hose.Water is added and the water feature can then be tested.At this point the pump can be adjusted to make sure that the most suitable flow is being used and any last minute tweaks made to the feature itself.Once you are happy with the feature then the access panel cover is added and the baseis covered with your choice of decorative pebbles.Then you can sit back and enjoy your stunning and totally natural Water feature.

Finished Feature