Matched for the Selected Size
Each configuration pairs its pond dimensions with a compatible liner, pump flow, skimmer, waterfall filter, plumbing, and biological media quantity.
Contractor-grade recirculating pond systems
Build a complete backyard water garden with a matched liner, skimmer, biological waterfall, pump, plumbing, lighting, installation supplies, and first-season water treatments. Choose from five Elite configurations sized for ponds from approximately 550 to 6,150 gallons.
Each configuration pairs its pond dimensions with a compatible liner, pump flow, skimmer, waterfall filter, plumbing, and biological media quantity.
The Elite skimmer removes floating debris before it settles, while the waterfall box supports beneficial bacteria and returns moving, oxygenated water to the pond.
Landscape lids help conceal the filtration boxes while keeping the skimmer, pump, debris net, filter mat, and biological media accessible for routine service.
The listed dimensions describe the maximum pond footprint at a 2-foot depth. Your installation area must also accommodate excavation, shelves, edging, the buried skimmer, the waterfall box or stream, plumbing, utilities, and room to work. If fish will remain outdoors through freezing weather, review the winter-care guide and local depth requirements before digging.
Select the Elite size that matches your design. The five highlighted Elite columns are the size options offered on this page; the two DIY models are included for useful product-line comparison.
| Specification | Small DIY #PB1212 |
Large DIY #PB1335 |
6' × 8' Elite #PB1250 |
8' × 11' Elite #PB1267 |
11' × 16' Elite #PB1276 |
16' × 21' Elite #PBE1621K |
21' × 26' Elite #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 flex pipe | 1.5" × 16' | 1.5" × 25' | 2" × 25' | 2" × 25' | 2" × 25' | 2" × 50' | 2" × 50' |
| Skimmer | DIY 90 | DIY 180 | 8" Elite | 8" Elite | 8" Elite | 10" Elite | 10" Elite |
| Waterfall filter | DIY 1200 | DIY 2000 | 14" Elite | 14" Elite | 22" Elite | 30" Elite | 30" Elite |
| Pump flow | 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 |
Need a smaller homeowner-grade option? Compare the Small DIY Pond Kit and Large DIY Pond Kit.
View the 8" Small Elite Skimmer
View the 10" Medium Elite Skimmer
View the 14" Elite Waterfall
View the 22" Elite Waterfall
View the 30" Elite Waterfall
Rocks and gravel are recommended to complete the pond but are not included. Fish, aquatic plants, decorative stone, landscape materials, excavation tools, labor, electrical service, and the water supply are also not listed as kit contents. The Hudson Automatic Water Fill Kit is an optional accessory sold separately.
The pond opening is only part of the site plan. Leave practical excavation and service access around the skimmer and waterfall filter, and allow additional room if you plan to build a stream between the waterfall and the pond.
This is a substantial landscape project involving excavation, leveling, plumbing, liner attachment, rockwork, water, and outdoor electrical service. Review the complete manuals before work begins and contact your utility-locating service before digging.
Mark the finished pond shape, confirm access to water and GFCI-protected power, and position the skimmer opposite the waterfall whenever practical for circulation.
Place the skimmer and waterfall first, then route the flexible PVC. Compact the supporting soil and keep both boxes level as directed in their manuals.
Excavate the pond and shelves, remove roots and sharp objects, and confirm that the perimeter is level before installing the underliner.
Lay the underliner and EPDM without tension, then attach the liner to the skimmer and waterfall using the model-specific instructions.
Position recommended boulders and gravel, connect the pump and check valve, place lights with service slack, and load the included filter media.
Rinse dust from the rockwork, fill the pond, treat chlorinated water before adding fish, then test flow, water level, overflow, lighting, and every liner connection.
Check the skimmer weekly. Clean the net and mat when debris restricts flow or lowers the water level in the pump chamber; the guide notes that 10–14 days is typical but conditions vary.
Clean the waterfall media approximately once a year when pond water is coldest or below 50°F. Rinse with pond water when possible so chlorinated tap water does not damage beneficial bacteria.
Replace water lost to evaporation and maintain the level approximately 3/4"–1" below the skimmer opening. Treat chlorinated refill water as directed, especially when fish are present.
In climates with prolonged freezing, remove the pump and store it submerged in water where it cannot freeze so seals do not dry out. Clean and store the skimmer media, follow the fall/winter guide for plants and fish, and maintain an opening in the ice when fish overwinter outdoors.
Read the installation manual and model-specific filtration guides before excavation. Keep the maintenance and seasonal-care guides available after the pond is operating.
These official Blue Thumb videos demonstrate the kit installation sequence and key filtration connections. Product appearance may vary by model; use the exact manuals above for your selected kit dimensions and components.
Official Blue Thumb overview of the full pond-building sequence.
Official Blue Thumb guide to positioning, liner attachment, and skimmer setup.
Official Blue Thumb demonstration of the liner-to-waterfall connection.
Official Blue Thumb guidance for routing the skimmer overflow to a suitable drainage area.
Our Sales/Tech Team can help you compare sizes, review the installation footprint, and confirm the current pump, lighting, and warranty details supplied with your selected kit.
Start with the maximum finished pond length, width, and 2-foot design depth shown in the comparison. Then confirm that your site has additional space for shelves, edging, the skimmer, the waterfall filter or stream, plumbing, utilities, and installation access. Choose the next size up if your design exceeds any listed dimension.
It includes the primary pond structure, filtration, circulation, lighting, plumbing, installation supplies, and first-season water treatments listed above. Site work and finish materials—including excavation, electrical service, the water supply, fish, plants, and surrounding landscaping—are not listed as included.
Rocks and gravel are recommended to complete the pond but are not included. They help protect and conceal the liner, stabilize the layout, add surface area for beneficial bacteria, and create the finished natural appearance.
Each kit pairs an Elite mechanical skimmer with an Elite biological waterfall filter. The skimmer captures floating debris and houses the pump; the waterfall box contains Matala mats and the listed quantity of Bacti-Twist media to support biological filtration.
No. Elite skimmers are prepared for an optional automatic fill assembly, but the Hudson Automatic Water Fill Kit is sold separately. Without an auto-fill valve, monitor evaporation and top off the pond as needed.
Yes, this kit can be used for a fish pond and includes a fish-friendly rubber liner.
Check the skimmer weekly and clean its net and mat when debris restricts flow; the maintenance guide notes that 10–14 days is typical but can vary. Clean the waterfall media approximately once a year when pond water is coldest or below 50°F, preferably rinsing it with pond water.
Where prolonged freezing occurs, remove the pump and store it submerged in water where it cannot freeze. Clean and store the filter media, prepare plants and fish for the local climate, and maintain a gas-exchange opening if fish remain outdoors. Follow the fall/winter guide for the complete seasonal sequence.