This article explains what Aquablox are and explores several alternative systems you can use for managing and infiltrating stormwater on construction or development sites. The goal is to compare options, explain benefits and limitations, and help you choose the right system for your needs. All language is simple and clear.
1. What Are Aquablox?
Aquablox are engineered plastic modules used underground to store or slow stormwater. They are assembled to form tanks or soakaways. These systems help prevent flooding, reduce erosion, and manage runoff. Aquablox are strong and inspectable. They can be used under driveways, parking lots, gardens, and more.
2. Why Look for Alternatives?
There are several reasons you might consider other options instead of Aquablox:
- Cost: Aquablox can be expensive for large projects.
- Availability: In some regions, shipping the blocks can take time or add cost.
- Suitability: Some sites or soil types lend themselves to different systems.
- Custom needs: Some alternatives offer flexibility, phased installation, or specific local support.
3. Commercial Engineered Alternatives
3.1 ACO StormBrixx
StormBrixx is a geocellular plastic crate system used worldwide for stormwater infiltration and detention. It comes in standard‑duty (SD) and heavy‑duty (HD) versions. It interlocks for structural strength and has open cells for easy maintenance and inspection. Its stackable design simplifies delivery and installation, reducing carbon footprint and cost compared to older systems. Typical void ratio is 95‑97%, meaning high storage capacity with less excavation. Common use cases include residential driveways, car parks, and urban projects
3.2 Wavin AquaCell
AquaCell is a modular system of injection‑molded plastic crates. It includes variants like Core‑R for heavy traffic areas and Eco made of recycled material for gardens or non‑trafficked zones. It is designed for attenuation and infiltration, and can connect to silt traps and pipe systems. This system is widely used in Europe and comes with design and configurator tools.
3.3 Geoplast Aquabox (also Drening and Drainpanel)
Geoplast offers a set of modular infiltration products: Aquabox, Drening, and Drainpanel. Aquabox units are 75×75 cm modules with high void capacity and fast installation. Drainpanel is shallow and stackable, ideal for shallow sites. Drening forms horizontal tunnels for trench infiltration. These systems work in traffic and landscape areas and claim up to three times the cavity volume of a gravel trench. They support flexible layouts and cut excavation volumes.
3.4 Hydrorock Natural Aquifer Blocks
Hydrorock systems use solid plastic aquifer blocks rather than hollow crates. They are wrapped in geotextile and spread across a site. The blocks are strong (up to 4 000 kg/m² loading strength), cannot collapse, and resist root intrusion. The system can be installed in phases and in irregular areas. The dispersed layout increases infiltration surface area and preserves soil quality. It fits both new builds and retrofit sites. Integrated irrigation and attenuation options exist.
4. DIY and Low‑Cost Alternatives
If cost is the main concern and you need a simple solution for ponds or low volumes, there are community‑shared hacks.
4.1 Milk Crates
Many hobbyists use upside‑down plastic milk crates zip‑tied together to build pond reservoirs or small soakaways. Comments online report that milk crates, although not engineered, can work for small flows or low loads. They may cost one tenth or less compared to Aquablox. However, concerns include durability, collapse under point loads, plastic degradation, and sediment buildup inside crates. These are not certified systems and best used for informal, small scale projects.
4.2 Plastic Pallets or Recycled Industrial Crates
Used plastic pallets or industrial crates can be stacked to create void space underground. They are stronger than milk crates and reusable. Some users have cut large plastic pallets and arranged them to form reservoirs. These options still lack certification, but they offer low cost if durability and safety are acceptable.
5. Nature‑Based and Landscape Options
Sometimes the best solution is not an underground box system but a living, landscape‑based approach.
5.1 Bioswales and Bioretention Areas
Bioswales are vegetated channels designed to slow and filter stormwater. Water flows slowly through planted soil and mulch, which removes pollutants and allows infiltration. Bioretention zones or rain gardens use engineered soil mixes and vegetation to treat stormwater and recharge groundwater. These systems are part of water‑sensitive urban design (WSUD) or SuDS approach. Maintenance includes sediment removal, vegetation upkeep, and ensuring infiltration rates remain high. They work well for roadsides, parking medians, community spaces, and landscaping.
5.2 Pervious Pavement
Pervious pavements or porous paving allow stormwater to filter through the surface into underlying storage or soil. Options include concrete pavers with gaps, porous asphalt, or grid paving with infill. Below the pavement is an aggregate layer sometimes combined with infiltration crates. These surfaces reduce runoff and treat water. They are best for low to moderate traffic loads. Maintenance involves vacuuming or pressure washing to prevent clogging.
6. Comparison Table of Alternatives
| System | Type | Key Features | Best Use | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACO StormBrixx | Engineered geocellular | Stackable, inspectable, high void | Heavy loads, urban sites | Commercial price, needs installer |
| Wavin AquaCell | Modular crate | Various duty levels, BBA approved | Domestic or deep installations | Supply in certain countries may vary |
| Geoplast Aquabox / Drening / Drainpanel | Modular infiltration boxes or tunnels | Fast install, shallow or deep options | Urban, shallow excavations, traffic | Newer in market, contact local rep |
| Hydrorock Blocks | Solid aquifer blocks | Dispersed installation, high soil quality | Sites with utilities, retrofit phasing | Needs geotextile wrapping, planning |
| Milk crates / pallets | DIY low‑cost | Cheap, easily available | Small pond features, hobby use | Non‑certified, durability and load limits |
| Bioswales / bioretention | Landscape‑based | Natural infiltration, pollutant removal | Parks, medians, large open spaces | Requires space and regular maintenance |
| Pervious paving | Surface infiltration | Dual paving + storage under surface | Low‑wear driveways, parking pads | Risk of clogging, periodic cleaning |
7. How to Choose the Right System
To pick the best alternative for Aquablox, consider these factors:
- Project scale and budget: Large commercial or urban sites do better with engineered systems like StormBrixx or AquaCell. Small hobby or garden ponds may use milk crate hacks.
- Load and traffic demands: If vehicles will pass above, choose certified heavy‑duty systems, not DIY crates.
- Excavation depth: Shallow sites benefit from shallow modules like Drainpanel or StormBrixx SD.
- Maintenance access: Open‑cell systems that allow CCTV inspection or jet cleaning are better long term.
- Local availability and support: Check local distributors or installers. Tools like configurators help design volume and layout.
- Soil and site conditions: Clay soils, high water table, or underground utilities affect design. Dispersed systems like Hydrorock adapt well.
- Environmental design goals: If you want pollutant removal and groundwater recharge, consider bioswales or bioretention components as part of the solution.
8. Installation and Maintenance Tips
- Pre‑treatment: Install silt traps or sediment chambers upstream to prevent clogging.
- Geotextile layering: Use geotextile membrane around systems like Hydrorock or crate systems to prevent soil ingress.
- Inspection access: Provide manholes or access covers to check and clean the system periodically.
- Service schedule: Inspect annually, remove sediment buildup, clean access points and ensure infiltration rates remain acceptable.
- Phased installation: Some systems like Hydrorock allow installing in stages as budget or site work proceeds.
- Professional design: For engineered systems use provided configurators or consult design manuals to size system based on rain intensity and volume.
9. Summary
Aquablox is one strong solution for stormwater infiltration, but it is not the only one. Depending on your budget, site conditions, and performance needs you might choose:
- Professional systems like ACO StormBrixx, Wavin AquaCell, or Geoplast Aquabox — certified, high capacity, flexible for different site uses.
- Hydrorock natural aquifer blocks for phased, dispersed installations that maintain soil quality and adapt to complex sites.
- DIY options like milk crates or industrial pallets when cost is critical and load is low, though these lack official certification and may have longevity issues.
- Landscape‑based solutions such as bioswales, bioretention zones, and pervious paving for surface infiltration and pollutant removal in green‑space applications.
Each option has trade‑offs between cost, capacity, installation complexity, and long‑term performance. Always match system choice to the intended use, soil type, expected loads, access for maintenance, and local climate conditions.
10. Final Advice
Before deciding, run the numbers: calculate expected runoff volume, choose the needed storage capacity, and estimate excavation depth. Use design tools or speak with suppliers for exact sizing. Visit previous project case studies to see real performance. Maintenance plans should be realistic for your site.
If your site is in a clay‑rich area or you have limited space, consider combining shallow crate systems with surface solutions like bioswales. If you expect heavy vehicles, use heavy‑duty modules. If your site is informal and small, milk crate solutions may suffice temporarily but know their limits.
In all cases, good planning, proper installation, and ongoing maintenance will make the system work well. Choose an option that fits both your technical needs and your budget.