Water Feature Reservoirs & Pump Vaults
Build the hidden water store beneath a recirculating feature
A pondless waterfall, drilled stone or bubbling ornament relies on a reservoir large enough to hold the operating water and the volume that drains back when the pump stops. Compare Oase square and round reservoirs, modular Maxima water-storage blocks, the Oase Pump Vault 20000, its vault extension and the Eco-Rise support stand.
These are structural system components, not decorative extras. Capacity, load rating, excavation, liner protection, overflow, pump access and surrounding paving all need to be planned together.
Price range: £114.98 through £487.49 (inc VAT)
Size the reservoir for drawdown and drain-back
The pump lowers the reservoir level while water fills pipework, streams and exposed surfaces. When power stops, that water returns. If the usable storage between normal and minimum operating levels is too small, the pump can run dry during operation or the reservoir can overflow on shutdown.
Access is part of the design
A pump vault provides a service chamber so the pump and connections can be reached without excavating the feature. Keep the lid accessible beneath a removable cover, allow cable and hose movement, and provide drainage around the installation as instructed.
Where vehicles, heavy stone or paving are involved, use the manufacturer’s structural loading data and a competent designer. Do not infer a load rating from appearance alone. Protect liner and geotextile from sharp excavation material.
Complete the system with waterfall spillways and outlets, feature pumps and suitable flexible pond hose or pressure pipe.
Frequently asked questions
How large should the reservoir be?
It must cover operating drawdown, pipe and feature volume, drain-back, splash and evaporation with a safe margin.
What is a pump vault?
It is an accessible chamber within the reservoir structure that houses the pump and connections.
Can I put paving over storage blocks?
Only when the complete build-up and loading comply with the manufacturer’s structural instructions.
Why does the reservoir overflow when the pump stops?
The system has insufficient spare capacity for drain-back or the normal water level is set too high.
Why does the pump run dry while operating?
The usable reservoir volume may be too small, water may be lost to splash, or the top-up and intake arrangement may be wrong.
Do I need an overflow?
A controlled overflow is strongly advisable so rain and top-up water do not flood surrounding structures.
Can a vault extension be used on any chamber?
No. Match it to the compatible Oase vault and system.
What is Eco-Rise used for?
It supports compatible feature loads above the reservoir while allowing water to return through the system.
