Elite 28" Medium Spillway Falls Kit
$1,899.99
Elite 16" Small Spillway Falls Kit
$1,349.99
- Pond-less Waterfall: Disappearing waterfall with hidden underground reservoir
- Spillway Width: 16"
- Maximum Stream Size: Up to 6' long × 1'–2' wide
- Included Pump: 2,100 GPH
- Complete Kit: Includes spillway, pump, liner, plumbing, and reservoir components
- Low-Maintenance Design: No traditional pond required
- Rocks & Gravel: Not included
Elite 16" Small Spillway Falls Kit
Create a natural-looking waterfall without building a traditional pond. Our Elite 16" Small Spillway Falls Kit combines a low-profile waterfall spillway, submersible pump, concealed water reservoir, and installation materials into one coordinated pond-less waterfall system.
Designed for smaller backyard streams and landscape waterfalls, this kit creates a flowing water feature that disappears into a hidden underground reservoir. Enjoy the movement and sound of running water without maintaining an open pond.
16" Waterfall spillway width
6 ft. Maximum planned stream length
2,100 GPH Included pump rated flow
10' × 15' Included rubber liner
Why Choose the Elite 16" Pond-less Waterfall Kit?
A Waterfall Without an Open Pond
Water flows down your landscaped stream and disappears through decorative stone into an underground reservoir. The concealed basin reduces exposed standing water and eliminates the need to maintain a traditional fish pond.
Professional-Grade Spillway Design
Our Elite 16" Spillway features a low-profile, one-piece design with internal baffles that help distribute water evenly across the waterfall opening. Its compact shape makes it easier to conceal within surrounding rockwork.
Is This the Right Size for Your Landscape?
The PB16KIT is designed for a pond-less stream up to approximately 6 feet long and 1–2 feet wide. It works well in smaller garden beds, backyard slopes, and areas where you want moving water without the footprint of a larger pond.
Before ordering, account for the underground reservoir as well as the visible waterfall. Our installation manual recommends a basin layout approximately 30" wide × 34" long × 25" deep for this kit.
Actual stream length depends on the terrain, waterfall height, number of drops, and liner placement. A taller waterfall or more complex stream layout may reduce the achievable length.
Want a wider waterfall or a longer stream? Compare our Elite 28" Medium Spillway Falls Kit or explore our complete pond-less waterfall kits .
What's Included with the PB16KIT?
This complete system includes the primary equipment and installation materials for building your recirculating pond-less waterfall.
Waterfall & Circulation
- Elite 16" Spillway Waterfall Box (PB16ES)
- Submersible Blue Thumb Pump — 2,100 GPH
- Pump Discharge Assembly with Check Valve
- 2" Black PVC Flex Pipe — 25 feet
Underground Water Reservoir
- Small Elite Pump Canyon® (PB1168)
- One Large Water Matrix Box (WMLG34)
- 10' × 15' Rubber EPDM Liner
- Protective Underliner
Installation & Startup Materials
- Installation Kit
- Installation Manual
- Muck Buster® starter water treatment
What You Supply
- Decorative rocks and gravel
- Water for the reservoir
- Excavation and site preparation
- Suitable electrical access
- Landscaping materials and plants, if desired
Important: Rocks and gravel are not included. Plan your stone selection before beginning installation.
Component links are provided for additional product information and replacement-part reference. Ordering this kit does not require purchasing its listed components separately.
Elite 16" Spillway Falls Kit Specifications
Kit SKU: PB16KIT
Product type: Complete pond-less waterfall kit
Spillway width: 16"
Maximum stream: 6' L × 1'–2' W
Included pump flow: 2,100 GPH rated maximum flow
Spillway model: PB16ES
Spillway dimensions: 20.25" W × 15.5" D × 5" H
Spillway max flow: 4,500 GPH component rating
Spillway inlet: One 2" rear Spinweld fitting
PVC flex pipe: 2" diameter × 25' long
Rubber liner: 10' × 15'
Pump Canyon: Small Elite — PB1168
Pump Canyon size: 15.5" × 18" × 22.5" H
Pump Canyon capacity: 16 gallons
Water Matrix: 1 Large Matrix — WMLG34
Matrix dimensions: 26.5" L × 16" W × 17.5" H
Matrix water volume: 32 gallons nominal
Suggested basin layout: 30" W × 34" L × 25" D
Flow note: The 4,500 GPH specification is the maximum flow capacity of the standalone 16" spillway. The pump supplied with this kit is rated at 2,100 GPH. Actual delivered flow depends on pumping height and plumbing resistance.
Matrix and Pump Canyon capacities describe individual components, not the total usable water volume of the completed landscaped basin.
How the Pond-less Waterfall System Works
Unlike a traditional pond waterfall, this system stores its water beneath a decorative stone-covered surface.
The submersible pump sits inside the Small Pump Canyon® within the lined underground reservoir. Water travels through the included PVC flex pipe to the Elite Spillway at the top of the waterfall.
Internal spillway baffles help distribute the water before it flows over the spillway opening, travels down the lined streambed, and returns to the concealed reservoir.
The Large Water Matrix provides open storage space beneath the rockwork, while the Pump Canyon allows access to the pump for maintenance.
The result is a continuously recirculating waterfall with no exposed pond required.
Planning Your Installation
This is a complete waterfall system, but installation still requires excavation, liner placement, plumbing connections, and carefully arranged rockwork.
1
Plan the Waterfall and Basin
Choose a location with suitable access to water and electricity. Position the Pump Canyon and Large Matrix, mark the excavation area, and plan the stream route before digging.
2
Excavate and Install the Liner
Excavate the reservoir to the recommended dimensions. Remove sharp objects, install protective underliner, and position the rubber liner so it can extend up the waterfall and streambed.
3
Install the Reservoir Components
Assemble and position the Large Water Matrix and Small Pump Canyon inside the lined basin. Route the flex pipe toward the spillway and install the pump and check valve assembly according to the manual.
4
Position and Connect the Spillway
Build a compacted base for the Elite Spillway. Keep the spillway level from side to side and use the manufacturer's slight forward-tilt guidance. Connect the liner and plumbing as instructed.
5
Complete the Rockwork
Arrange larger stones to shape the falls and smaller material to complete the stream. Cover the reservoir while preserving access to the Pump Canyon lid. Keep stream edges high enough to contain water.
6
Fill, Test, and Adjust
Fill the reservoir before operating the pump. Check water circulation, watch for leaks or water escaping the stream edges, and adjust the rockwork as needed.
Before digging: Contact your local utility locating service. Follow the complete installation manual for liner connections, spillway positioning, plumbing, electrical precautions, and startup instructions.
Water-Level and Maintenance Tips
Pond-less waterfalls generally require less maintenance than traditional open ponds, but the reservoir and pump still need periodic attention.
Check water levels regularly, especially during hot weather. Evaporation and splashing can reduce the water available to the pump. Never allow the pump to run dry.
Remove leaves and debris that could redirect water outside the stream. Periodically inspect plumbing connections, clean the pump intake, and keep the Pump Canyon accessible.
In freezing climates, winter operation requires close monitoring for ice dams and water loss. For seasonal shutdown, follow the pump and waterfall winterization procedures in our maintenance guide.
Compare Blue Thumb Pond-less Waterfall Kits
Different spillway sizes, stream lengths, pumps, and reservoir configurations are available. Compare the published kit specifications below to determine which design best fits your project.
View All 8 Waterfall Kit Specifications
| Kit / SKU | Planned Stream | Liner | Falls Width | Pump | Flex Hose | Matrix | Pump Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Mini PB1373 |
4' × 1'–2' | 6' × 10' | 10" | 1,495 GPH | 1" × 7' | Canyon Matrix | Integrated |
| DIY Small PB1854 |
Approx. 7' × 2'–4' | 8' × 15' | 20" | 1,980 GPH | 1.5" × 10' | Canyon Matrix | Integrated |
| Elite Small Cascade PB1229 |
6' × 1'–2' | 10' × 15' | 14" | 2,100 GPH | 2" × 25' | 1 Large | Small Canyon |
| Elite 16" Spillway PB16KIT — THIS KIT |
6' × 1'–2' | 10' × 15' | 16" | 2,100 GPH | 2" × 25' | 1 Large | Small Canyon |
| Elite Medium Cascade PB1236 |
16' × 2'–4' | 10' × 10' + 10' × 20' | 22" | 4,500 GPH | 2" × 25' | 3 Large | Small Canyon |
| Elite Medium Spillway PB28KIT |
15' × 2'–4' per kit manual | 10' × 10' + 10' × 20' | 28" | 6,000 GPH | 2" × 25' | 3 Large | Small Canyon |
| Elite Large Cascade PB30CFK |
17' × 4'–6' | 15' × 15' + 10' × 20' | 30" | 6,000 GPH | 3" × 25' | 3 Large + 3 Small | Large Canyon |
| Elite XL Cascade PB40CFK |
18' × 6'–7' | 15' × 15' + 15' × 20' | 40" | 7,800 GPH | 3" × 25' | 4 Large + 4 Small | Large Canyon |
Stream dimensions are planning guidelines, not guaranteed installed measurements. Actual results depend on site conditions and waterfall layout. Some older comparison charts differ from current model documentation.
Product Resources & Installation Documents
Use these official Blue Thumb resources when planning, installing, or maintaining your waterfall.
Component Warranty Information
Our Blue Thumb-engineered plastic components, including the Elite Spillway Box and Pump Canyon®, carry a lifetime manufacturer's warranty against qualifying manufacturing defects for the original purchaser.
Submersible pumps have separate limited warranties based on the specific pump model. Warranty coverage does not automatically extend from one component to every item included in the kit.
Review the Blue Thumb Warranty Information for applicable terms and exclusions.
Questions About Your Waterfall Project?
Not sure whether the 16" spillway is the right size for your landscape? Our Sales and Technical Team can help you review stream dimensions, installation space, reservoir requirements, and product selection before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this kit include everything needed to build a pond-less waterfall?
The kit includes the spillway, pump, underground reservoir components, plumbing, liner, underliner, installation materials, and starter water treatment. Decorative rocks and gravel are not included. You also supply water, excavation, site preparation, and suitable electrical access.
How much space do I need for the 16" waterfall kit?
The kit supports a planned stream up to approximately 6 feet long and 1–2 feet wide. Our installation manual recommends a hidden reservoir layout approximately 30" wide × 34" long × 25" deep. Allow additional space for decorative rockwork and surrounding landscaping.
What is the difference between a pond-less waterfall and a traditional pond waterfall?
A traditional pond waterfall returns water to an open pond. A pond-less waterfall returns water through decorative rockwork into a concealed underground reservoir. This provides the appearance and sound of running water without requiring an exposed pond.
Can I make the waterfall taller or add multiple drops?
You can shape the stream with rockwork and elevation changes, but the supplied liner and pump must still accommodate the design. Increasing the waterfall height can reduce the available stream length, while additional lift reduces delivered pump flow. Contact our team if you are planning a taller or more complex installation.
Can I install this waterfall kit myself?
Homeowners can install this kit when they are comfortable with excavation, liner placement, plumbing connections, and arranging stone. However, it is a substantial landscape project rather than a plug-in decorative fountain. Follow the installation manual and consider professional assistance when needed.
Can I add an automatic water-fill system?
The Small Pump Canyon includes an auto-fill connection that can accommodate a compatible automatic fill system. The automatic fill kit is sold separately. Confirm the correct connection and water-supply requirements before installation.
Can this waterfall operate during the winter?
Winter operation is possible only when freezing conditions will not obstruct water flow or damage the pump and plumbing. Ice dams can redirect water outside the lined stream and lower reservoir levels. In freezing climates, shutting down and properly winterizing the system may be the safer approach. Follow our seasonal maintenance guide.
What warranty is included with this waterfall kit?
The Blue Thumb-engineered Elite Spillway and Pump Canyon carry a lifetime warranty against qualifying manufacturing defects for the original purchaser. The pump has its own model-specific limited warranty. Coverage is subject to the applicable manufacturer's terms.
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