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Blue Thumb Small DIY Pond Kit components displayed on a stone patio in front of a compact landscaped pond and waterfall.

Blue Thumb Small DIY Pond Kit

SKU:
PB1212
Availability:
1
$1,199.99
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• Builds a pond up to 8’ x 11’ x 2’ deep (approximately 1,200 gallons)
• Includes liner, underliner, skimmer, waterfall filter, 1,800 GPH pump, plumbing and installation supplies
• Rocks and gravel are recommended to complete the pond but are not included
• Lighting is sold separately; compare Elite Pond Kit PB1267 for higher-capacity filtration and included lighting
Current Stock:
Description

Serenity Series • Small DIY Pond System • PB1212

Build a Compact Backyard Pond with Matched Filtration and Plumbing

The Blue Thumb Small DIY Pond Kit combines the primary equipment for a water garden up to 8' × 11' × 2' deep: liner and underlayment, a skimmer, a biological waterfall filter, a 1,800 GPH pump, plumbing, installation supplies and a maintenance kit. It is an entry-level system for homeowners and installers who want compatible core components in one package.

8' × 11' × 2' Maximum pond size
Approx. 1,200 gal. Pond volume
1,800 GPH Included Clear Water pump
12' × 15' Included 45-mil EPDM liner

Why This Kit Works for a Smaller Pond Project

Matched Core Equipment

The DIY Pond Skimmer 90, DIY Pond Waterfall 1200 and Clear Water 1800 pump create a coordinated circulation and filtration path without requiring you to size the principal wet components separately.

Mechanical and Biological Filtration

The skimmer collects floating debris and protects the pump. The waterfall box, filter mat and Bacti-Twist media support filtration before the water returns to the pond.

Flexible Natural-Style Layout

The fish-friendly EPDM liner can follow pond curves and planting shelves, while the waterfall adds movement and sound. You choose the separately sourced rockwork and planting plan that fit the site.

What Comes with the Kit

The primary pond equipment, plumbing and startup supplies are included. The linked component pages help you review individual specifications; where a linked page has options, use the exact model or size named below.

Pond Liner & Protection

  • 12' × 15' fish-friendly 45-mil EPDM rubber liner
  • Protective nonwoven underliner

Plumbing, Installation & Startup

  • 1.5" × 16' flexible PVC pipe
  • Check valve assembly
  • Listed 1.5" check valve
  • Installation instruction manual
  • Installation kit
  • Pond maintenance kit

How the Recirculating Pond System Works

1. Collect The skimmer sits at the pond edge, captures floating debris and houses the submersible pump.
2. Move The pump sends water through the included 1.5" flexible PVC pipe toward the waterfall box.
3. Filter & Return The waterfall filter and media support filtration before the water spills back into the pond. Positioning the waterfall opposite the skimmer promotes circulation across the pond.

Core Component Specifications

DIY Pond Skimmer 90

Item: PB1304

Snout opening: 7.5" W × 6.25" H

Dimensions: 16.25" D × 13.25" W × 14.75" H

Maximum flow: 2,000 GPH

Maximum pond area: 90 sq. ft.

DIY Pond Waterfall 1200

Item: PB1151

Spillway: 14" wide

Dimensions: 19" × 15.5" × 14.5" H

Maximum flow: 2,000 GPH

Filtration rating: Up to 1,200 gal.

Clear Water 1800 Pump

Item: PB1038

Dimensions: 5.75" × 5.75" × 11"

Maximum flow: 1,800 GPH

Maximum head: 18 ft.

Power: 170–240 W* / 2.2 A

Cord length: 16'

Outlet: 1.25"

*Published wattage varies with head pressure.

Compare Blue Thumb Pond Kits

This PB1212 kit is the entry-level choice for a smaller pond. Choose the Large DIY Pond Kit for a larger DIY footprint, or compare Elite Pond Kits when higher-capacity filtration, 2" plumbing and included lighting are priorities. You can also browse the complete pond kit collection .

Specification Small DIY
#PB1212
This product		 Large DIY
#PB1335		 Elite 6 × 8
#PB1250		 Elite 8 × 11
#PB1267		 Elite 11 × 16
#PB1276		 Elite 16 × 21
#PBE1621K		 Elite 21 × 26
#PBE2126K
Max Pond Size 8' × 11' × 2' D 11' × 16' × 2' D 6' × 8' × 2' D 8' × 11' × 2' D 11' × 16' × 2' D 16' × 21' × 2' D 21' × 26' × 2' D
Liner Size 12' × 15' 15' × 20' 10' × 12' 12' × 15' 15' × 20' 20' × 25' 25' × 30'
Approx. Gallons 1,200 2,000 550 1,000 2,000 3,800 6,150
PVC 1.5" × 16' 1.5" × 25' 2" × 25' 2" × 25' 2" × 25' 2" × 50' 2" × 50'
Skimmer DIY Pond Skimmer 90 DIY Pond Skimmer 180 8" Elite 8" Elite 8" Elite 10" Elite 10" Elite
Waterfall DIY Pond Waterfall 1200 DIY Pond Waterfall 2000 14" Elite 14" Elite 22" Elite 30" Elite 30" Elite
Pump Flow Rate 1,800 GPH 3,200 GPH 2,100 GPH 2,100 GPH 4,500 GPH 6,000 GPH 7,800 GPH
Filter Mat White White Green Matala Green Matala Green Matala Green Matala Green Matala
Bio Media 1/2 cu. ft. 1 cu. ft. 1 cu. ft. 1 cu. ft. 2 cu. ft. 4 cu. ft. 4 cu. ft.
Lighting Included No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Small DIY #PB1212 — This Product

Max pond size: 8' × 11' × 2' D
Liner: 12' × 15'
Approx. gallons: 1,200
PVC: 1.5" × 16'
Skimmer: DIY Pond Skimmer 90
Waterfall: DIY Pond Waterfall 1200
Pump: 1,800 GPH
Filter mat: White
Bio media: 1/2 cu. ft.
Lighting: No

Large DIY #PB1335

Max pond size: 11' × 16' × 2' D
Liner: 15' × 20'
Approx. gallons: 2,000
PVC: 1.5" × 25'
Skimmer: DIY Pond Skimmer 180
Waterfall: DIY Pond Waterfall 2000
Pump: 3,200 GPH
Filter mat: White
Bio media: 1 cu. ft.
Lighting: No

Elite 6 × 8 #PB1250

Max pond size: 6' × 8' × 2' D
Liner: 10' × 12'
Approx. gallons: 550
PVC: 2" × 25'
Skimmer: 8" Elite
Waterfall: 14" Elite
Pump: 2,100 GPH
Filter mat: Green Matala
Bio media: 1 cu. ft.
Lighting: Yes

Elite 8 × 11 #PB1267

Max pond size: 8' × 11' × 2' D
Liner: 12' × 15'
Approx. gallons: 1,000
PVC: 2" × 25'
Skimmer: 8" Elite
Waterfall: 14" Elite
Pump: 2,100 GPH
Filter mat: Green Matala
Bio media: 1 cu. ft.
Lighting: Yes

Elite 11 × 16 #PB1276

Max pond size: 11' × 16' × 2' D
Liner: 15' × 20'
Approx. gallons: 2,000
PVC: 2" × 25'
Skimmer: 8" Elite
Waterfall: 22" Elite
Pump: 4,500 GPH
Filter mat: Green Matala
Bio media: 2 cu. ft.
Lighting: Yes

Elite 16 × 21 #PBE1621K

Max pond size: 16' × 21' × 2' D
Liner: 20' × 25'
Approx. gallons: 3,800
PVC: 2" × 50'
Skimmer: 10" Elite
Waterfall: 30" Elite
Pump: 6,000 GPH
Filter mat: Green Matala
Bio media: 4 cu. ft.
Lighting: Yes

Elite 21 × 26 #PBE2126K

Max pond size: 21' × 26' × 2' D
Liner: 25' × 30'
Approx. gallons: 6,150
PVC: 2" × 50'
Skimmer: 10" Elite
Waterfall: 30" Elite
Pump: 7,800 GPH
Filter mat: Green Matala
Bio media: 4 cu. ft.
Lighting: Yes

Plan the Installation Before You Dig

This is a built-in landscape project that requires excavation, level and compacted equipment locations, rockwork, plumbing and access to water and a protected electrical supply. Use this sequence for planning and follow the official guides for complete instructions.

Lay Out the Pond

Confirm the pond shape, shelves, finished water level and the extra space required for the skimmer, waterfall box and surrounding rockwork.

Place Skimmer & Waterfall

Position the waterfall opposite the skimmer. Prepare compacted locations, set the skimmer level and give the waterfall box the slight forward pitch stated in its guide.

Excavate & Protect

Excavate the planned contours, remove sharp objects and install the protective underliner before placing the 45-mil rubber liner.

Make the Connections

Attach the liner to the skimmer, position the waterfall box and connect the included 1.5" flexible PVC plumbing and check-valve hardware exactly as shown in the Serenity guide.

Add Equipment & Rockwork

Install the pump, filter mat and Bacti-Twist media. Add the required separately sourced rocks and gravel without pulling the liner tight at the waterfall transition.

Fill, Test & Finish

Fill the pond, start the circulation system and check flow, water level and every connection before completing the surrounding landscape.

Ownership, Maintenance & Safety

Routine Care

  • Inspect the skimmer net and mat regularly; the Serenity guide notes that cleaning is often needed every 10–14 days, depending on debris and fish load.
  • Keep the operating water level approximately 3/4"–1" below the skimmer opening.
  • Clean waterfall media when needed; the guide recommends a thorough cleaning about once a year when water is coldest or below 50°F.
  • Use pond water for media rinsing when possible so chlorinated tap water does not harm beneficial bacteria.

Pump & Electrical Safety

  • Connect the pump to a GFCI-protected outlet in a dry location protected from flooding.
  • Keep the pump submerged while operating and never run it dry.
  • Disconnect power before handling, cleaning or troubleshooting the pump.
  • Never lift the pump or remove the plug by pulling on the power cord.

Cold-Weather Care

If prolonged freezing or ice could affect the pump or plumbing, remove the pump and store it where it cannot freeze. Review both the Serenity installation guide and the Clear Water pump manual before winterizing, and follow the seasonal pond-care guide for leaves, fish, plants, filtration and gas exchange.

Product Resources

Serenity DIY Waterfall & Skimmer Installation Guide (PDF) Blue Thumb Pond Planning Guide (PDF) Pond Maintenance Guide (PDF) Fall & Winter Pond Prep Guide (PDF) Spring Pond Prep Guide (PDF) Clear Water 1800 Pump Owner's Manual (PDF) Blue Thumb Warranty Information

General Pond-Kit Installation Video

This official Blue Thumb video demonstrates the general pond-kit installation process; it is not limited to PB1212. Rock, gravel and other materials shown are not automatically included. Use the Serenity installation guide above for the exact skimmer, waterfall and plumbing in this kit.

Video: “How to Install a Pond Kit: Step-by-Step Guide” — Blue Thumb.

Questions Before You Build?

Our Sales and Technical Team can help you review the site, published pond size, kit differences and installation resources before you order.

Call 888-619-3474 Email the Sales/Tech Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What size pond can I build with this kit?

The published maximum is 8' × 11' × 2' deep, with an approximate volume of 1,200 gallons. The actual water surface and volume depend on the final contours, shelves, liner overlap, rockwork and operating water level.

Does the kit include the pump and filtration?

Yes. The kit includes the 1,800 GPH Clear Water pump, DIY Pond Skimmer 90, DIY Pond Waterfall 1200, white filter mat and 1/2 cu. ft. of Bacti-Twist biological media.

Are rocks and gravel included?

No. Rocks and gravel must be sourced separately to complete the pond. Plants, fish and surrounding landscaping shown in installed-pond photos are also not included.

Is pond lighting included?

No. Lighting is not included with the Small or Large DIY pond kit. The Elite pond kits in the comparison include lighting, or you can select compatible pond lighting separately.

Where should the skimmer and waterfall be placed?

Place the skimmer at the pond edge opposite the waterfall. This layout encourages water to move across the pond toward the skimmer and supports overall circulation.

Can this kit be used for a fish pond?

Yes, this kit can be used for a fish pond and includes a fish-friendly rubber liner.

How is PB1212 different from the Elite 8 × 11 pond kit?

Both list an 8' × 11' × 2' maximum footprint. PB1212 uses 1.5" plumbing, a 1,800 GPH pump, DIY-series filtration, a white filter mat, 1/2 cu. ft. of biological media and no lighting. Elite PB1267 uses 2" plumbing, a 2,100 GPH pump, Elite filtration, Green Matala media, 1 cu. ft. of biological media and included lighting.

What warranty coverage applies?

The Blue Thumb-branded engineered plastic skimmer and waterfall filter carry a limited lifetime warranty for the original purchaser, subject to the published conditions. The Clear Water 1800 pump has an 18-month limited warranty and must be registered within 60 days of purchase under the pump manual. No single kit-wide warranty period is published.