Aesthetically pleasing interface between proprietary and vegetated drainage

System Overview

The ACO SuDS Swale Inlet offers a visually appealing solution for linking proprietary drainage systems to vegetated features such as:

  • Swales

  • Basins

  • Ponds

  • Water Courses

  • Rain Gardens

Unlike traditional in-situ concrete structures, the low-profile inlet blends naturally with its surroundings, enhancing the environment rather than disrupting it.

SuDS Benefits

 

  • Attractive transition between proprietary and vegetated drainage systems

  • Protects against erosion by slowing water flow and encouraging dispersion

  • Reduces flow velocities, minimising disturbance to vegetation and soil

  • Lessens pressure on downstream drainage infrastructure

  • Complies with CIRIA C753 design guidance for swales

  • Mitigates localised flooding by slowing and distributing surface water runoff

Practical Benefits

 

  • Available in three colours to suite site aesthetics

  • Uniform, low-profile design that blends with the surrounding landscape

  • Cost-effective alternative to in-situ concrete structures and precast headwalls

  • Durable and long-lasting thanks to ACO’s high-strength, low-absorption material

  • Quick, hassle-free installation with no need for on-site formwork

  • Easy to inspect and maintain, with no moving parts or complex components

110mm & 160mm Pipe Diameter Options

To suit a range of site conditions and flow requirements, the ACO SuDS Swale Inlet is available in two pipe connection sizes:

110mm Dia Swale Inlet

  • Designed for 110mm pipe connection, to meet flow rate guidance in CIRIA C753

  • Compact and visually discreet, making it ideal for locations with limited visual impact requirements

  • Perfect for use in small catchments, and restricted spaces like rain gardens or small swales

160mm Dia Swale Inlet

  • Designed for 160mm pipe connection, to meet flow rate guidance in CIRIA C753

  • Ideal for sites with larger contributing areas or greater rainfall intensity

  • Offers all the same installation and aesthetic benefits as the smaller unit, particularly suited to swales or larger features