Skims Before Debris Sinks
The Signature Series 200 Pond Skimmer draws floating leaves and debris from the surface and gives the EcoWave pump a protected, concealed operating location.
Complete ecosystem pond and waterfall system
The Aquascape 8' × 11' DIY Backyard Pond Kit brings the core circulation, filtration, liner, underlayment and installation components together in one coordinated package. It is sized for a natural-looking pond with a waterfall and a maximum finished depth of 2 feet—large enough to become a landscape focal point while remaining approachable for a well-planned DIY installation.
*Finished dimensions may vary with pond shape and rock size.
Why this system works
The Signature Series 200 Pond Skimmer draws floating leaves and debris from the surface and gives the EcoWave pump a protected, concealed operating location.
The Signature Series 1000 BioFalls® Filter provides biological and mechanical filtration, then returns the water over a 15-inch spillway to begin your waterfall.
The pump, filtration, tubing, liner and underlayment are sized as a system, reducing the guesswork of selecting major pond components separately.
The 8' × 11' measurement describes the approximate finished pond, not the entire work zone. Allow room for the skimmer, the BioFalls and waterfall berm, excavated soil, plumbing, rock placement and safe access during construction. The kit's 12' × 15' liner supports the listed size and 2-foot maximum depth; a wider, longer or deeper design can exceed the available liner.
Rocks and gravel are recommended to complete the pond but are not included. Budget separately for stone, delivery and material handling. Plants, fish, lighting, excavation tools and surrounding landscape materials are also not included.
This DIY kit uses the Signature Series 200 skimmer and EcoWave 2000 pump and does not include lighting or automatic dosing. For the same nominal 8' × 11' pond size with a Signature Series 400 skimmer, AquaSurge 3000 pump, BioFalls rock tray and automatic dosing, compare the Aquascape Small Pond Kit 8' × 11'.
Kit contents
The Signature Series 200 Filter Brush Cartridge (#99772), skimmer overflow kit (#88036), Signature Series 1000 BioFalls rock tray (#98285), pond lighting, automatic dosing, aeration and cold-weather equipment are optional and sold separately. Choose accessories for your site and maintenance plan; they are not required for the core pump-and-filter system to operate.
Technical reference
Realistic installation sequence
This is a substantial excavation and stonework project. Read the complete kit manual before installation and keep it available at the worksite. Call your local utility-marking service before digging, and arrange outdoor power that meets local electrical requirements.
Use a garden hose to test the pond shape and confirm views from your patio, deck and home. Keep the finished layout within the liner allowance.
Place the BioFalls at the waterfall end and the skimmer directly across the pond to encourage circulation. The BioFalls should sit on a firm, compacted base.
Run the kink-free pipe around the pond perimeter before excavation so removed soil can conceal it later. Protect the pipe from sharp objects and crushing.
Create stable plant-and-rock shelves and keep the pond within the 18-to-24-inch depth guidance. Level the perimeter repeatedly. The manual calls for a skimmer excavation of approximately 18" W × 21" L × 18" deep.
Remove sharp objects, fit the underlayment and liner without tension, then attach the skimmer and BioFalls exactly as shown in the manual. Allow sealants to cure for the specified time.
Rocks and gravel are recommended but not included. Wash stone before startup, fill and condition the water, then start the pump. Test the waterfall and final water level before trimming excess liner.
Ownership expectations
Check the debris net regularly and empty it about every other week under typical conditions. Spring and fall leaf loads can require more frequent service. A full net can restrict pump flow.
Evaporation and splash-out lower the pond level. Top off as needed so the pump remains fully supplied, and condition chlorinated source water before adding fish.
If fish remain in the pond, maintain an opening in the ice for gas exchange. If the main pump is shut down, remove it and store it in a frost-free location. Monitor waterfalls and shallow streams for ice dams.
For additional seasonal guidance, review our pond and water-feature winterization guide. Optional aeration and de-icing equipment should be selected for your climate, pond and fish-care plan.
Official documentation
Review the complete installation manual before excavation. The component manuals are useful for future maintenance, replacement parts and warranty reference.
Official installation video
This official Aquascape video demonstrates the DIY Backyard Pond Kit family. Use the model-specific manual above for the exact 8' × 11' dimensions, component placement and safety instructions. Landscaping, rock, plants and other materials shown are not included unless specifically listed in this page's kit contents.
Video courtesy of Aquascape.
Our Sales/Tech Team can help you confirm site space, compare the two Aquascape 8' × 11' kit configurations and plan the items that are not included, including rock, gravel, lighting and seasonal equipment.
It includes the core recirculating system: the skimmer, BioFalls filter and filter media, pump, pipe, 45 mil EPDM liner, underlayment and installation materials. Rocks and gravel are recommended to complete the pond but are not included. Fish, plants, lighting, tools, electrical service and landscape finishing materials are also separate.
Plan for an approximate finished size of 8' × 11' with a maximum depth of 2 feet. The exact waterline and usable volume vary with the pond's shape, shelf design and rock size. The included liner measures 12' × 15', so do not enlarge or deepen the excavation beyond the manual's guidance.
Yes. Aquascape lists BioBalls Biological Filter Media as included with DIY Backyard Pond Kit #99765. The optional Signature Series 1000 BioFalls rock tray is not included and is sold separately.
The included EcoWave 2000 pump is rated for 120V AC, 60 Hz operation and uses 65 watts. Plug it directly into a properly grounded, outdoor GFCI-protected receptacle. Do not use an extension cord.
No. Lighting and automatic dosing are not included with this DIY kit. They can be added separately, or you can compare the upgraded Aquascape Small Pond Kit 8' × 11', which includes automatic dosing and different pump and skimmer equipment.
The included 45 mil EPDM liner is fish-safe, and the excavated shelves can provide planting zones. Before adding fish, dechlorinate and condition tap water. Appropriate stocking depends on the pond's actual finished volume, fish species, mature fish size, aeration, water quality and maintenance routine.
Check the skimmer net frequently during the first season so you can learn your pond's debris load. Under typical conditions, the manual suggests emptying it about every other week, with more frequent service during spring and fall. Also monitor water level, pump flow and seasonal leaf buildup.
If fish remain outdoors, maintain an opening in the ice for gas exchange with appropriately placed aeration and/or de-icing equipment. If you shut down the main pump, remove it and store it in a frost-free location. Inspect a running waterfall for ice dams throughout freezing weather.
No. The Aquascape manual states that this system is not approved for use in swimming-pool or marine areas.