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Blue Thumb Large DIY Pond Kit components displayed on a stone patio in front of a landscaped garden pond with a waterfall.

Blue Thumb Large DIY Pond Kit

SKU:
PB1335
$1,899.99
(1 review) Write a Review
  • Fits ponds up to 11' × 16' × 2' deep—approximately 2,000 gallons
  • Includes the liner, underlayment, pump, filtration, plumbing and installation supplies
  • Rocks and gravel are recommended to complete the pond but are not included
  • Compare with the 11' × 16' Elite Pond Kit (PB1276)
Current Stock:
Description
 

Homeowner-grade complete pond system

Blue Thumb Large DIY Pond Kit

Build a larger backyard water garden with a coordinated recirculating system sized for up to approximately 2,000 gallons. This current DIY Series kit—based on our former Crystal Falls Series—combines a flexible EPDM pond liner and protective underliner with mechanical and biological filtration, a pump, plumbing and startup supplies in one package for experienced DIYers or value-focused professional installations.

Maximum listed pond size: 11' × 16' × 2' deep
Approximate capacity: 2,000 gallons
Included liner: 15' × 20' EPDM
Pump flow rate: 3,200 GPH

Why this system works

A Complete Ecosystem Approach

Matched for a Larger DIY Pond

The 3,200 GPH pump, DIY Pond Skimmer 180 and DIY Pond Waterfall 2000 are sized as a coordinated system for the kit's listed pond volume and footprint.

Mechanical + Biological Filtration

The skimmer captures surface debris and protects the pump, while the waterfall box and included Bacti-Twist media provide biological filtration and create the waterfall return.

Core Materials in One Kit

Liner, protective underliner, filtration, pump, plumbing, installation supplies and a pond maintenance kit reduce the guesswork of matching the principal components separately.

Plan before you excavate

Is This the Right Size for Your Site?

Choose the Large DIY Pond Kit when you want a substantial homeowner-grade water garden and can accommodate the complete pond, skimmer, waterfall, plumbing route and working area around the excavation.

Treat 11' × 16' × 2' as the listed maximum—not a guaranteed finished footprint

The included liner is 15' × 20'. Shelves, curves, maximum depth, waterfall or stream transitions and the liner overlap reserved at the edge all use liner area. Lay out your design and confirm the required liner dimensions before digging; a more sculpted pond may finish smaller than the listed maximum.

For a smaller homeowner project, compare the Blue Thumb Small DIY Pond Kit . Choose the Elite Pond Kit Series when you need contractor-grade filtration, included lighting, larger plumbing on comparable sizes, or access to features such as an Elite waterfall landscape lid.

Kit contents

What Comes with the Large DIY Pond Kit

The kit includes the pond liner, protective underliner and principal components for the recirculating system and startup. Linked components open their individual product pages for closer review.

Plumbing, Installation & Startup

  • 1.5" black PVC flex pipe, 25'
  • Check valve assembly
  • 1.5" check valve
  • Installation instruction manual
  • Installation kit
  • Pond maintenance kit

Plan to Supply Separately

Rocks and gravel are recommended to complete the pond but are not included. Lighting is not included with either DIY kit. Fish, plants, decorative sculptures, excavation tools, electrical service, labor, site preparation and surrounding landscape materials shown in imagery are also not listed as kit contents.

Technical reference

Large DIY Pond Kit Specifications

SKU: PB1335
Product line: DIY Series, homeowner grade
Former series: Based on the former Crystal Falls Series
Maximum listed pond size: 11' × 16' × 2' deep
Approximate capacity: 2,000 gallons
Liner: 15' × 20' fish-friendly 45-mil EPDM
Pump flow rate: 3,200 GPH
PVC flex pipe: 1.5" diameter × 25' long
Skimmer: DIY Pond Skimmer 180 (#PB1311)
Skimmer dimensions: 22" D × 14.5" W × 19.5" H
Skimmer opening: 7.5" W × 6.25" H
Skimmer maximum flow: 4,500 GPH
Waterfall filter: DIY Pond Waterfall 2000 (#PB1298)
Waterfall dimensions: 22" × 23" × 19" H
Waterfall spillway: 20" wide
Waterfall maximum flow: 4,500 GPH
Biological media: 1 cu. ft. Bacti-Twist
Filter mat: White
Lighting included: No

Compare Blue Thumb Pond Kits

The desktop table becomes individual model cards on smaller screens. Elite kit sizes are selected on the linked Elite Pond Kit Series page.

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 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 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

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

Large DIY #PB1335 — This Kit

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

6' × 8' Elite #PB1250

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

8' × 11' Elite #PB1267

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

11' × 16' Elite #PB1276

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

16' × 21' Elite #PBE1621K

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

21' × 26' Elite #PBE2126K

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

Realistic project planning

Installation Sequence

This is a substantial excavation and waterscape project. Review the planning and installation guides before work begins, identify utilities before digging, and use qualified help for electrical work.

Choose and Mark the Site

Plan the best indoor and outdoor views, water and electrical access, underground utilities and room to enjoy and service the finished pond.

Confirm the Layout

Mark the pond, shelves, skimmer and waterfall before digging. Verify that the included liner and 25 feet of flex pipe suit the actual design and component spacing.

Place Skimmer and Waterfall Opposite

Position the waterfall opposite the skimmer to promote circulation. Compact the waterfall base, level it side to side and tilt it slightly forward as the manual directs.

Excavate and Stabilize

The skimmer guide calls for an opening a few inches larger than its 14.5" width and 22" length, with the box set approximately 15" deep. Tamp, level and backfill carefully to limit settling or distortion.

Install Liner, Plumbing and Filters

Follow the guide closely when sealing the liner to the skimmer and waterfall, gluing the flexible PVC, placing the pump and installing the white mat, skimmer net and biological media.

Fill, Test and Finish

Keep the pump fully submerged and connect it only to a dry, flood-protected GFCI outlet. Test for leaks, flow and stable water level before finishing the pond edge and surrounding landscape.

Ownership expectations

Routine Care & Seasonal Maintenance

Skimmer

Check the skimmer net and mat weekly and clean when needed. Blue Thumb notes that every 10–14 days is typical, but debris, fish load and feeding can change the schedule.

Waterfall Media

Clean the Bacti-Twist media thoroughly about once per year when water is coldest or below 50°F. Rinse with pond water when possible so chlorinated tap water does not damage beneficial bacteria.

Water Level

Replace water lost to evaporation and maintain the operating level approximately 3/4"–1" below the skimmer opening. Treat chlorinated fill water appropriately when fish are present.

Cold Weather

Prevent the pump housing and PVC pipe from freezing. If ice may form around the pump, unplug it, remove and empty it, then store it where it cannot freeze. Follow the seasonal guides for the rest of the pond.

Important Pump Safety

Unplug the pump before placing it in or removing it from the water and before any cleaning or service. Never lift it by the power cord, never allow it to run dry, and do not cut the cord or remove the plug.

Plan, install and maintain

Product Resources

Read the installation guide before excavation and keep these references available for startup, routine maintenance and seasonal care.

DIY Waterfall & Skimmer Installation Guide (PDF) Pond Planning Guide (PDF) Pond Maintenance Guide (PDF) Spring Pond Prep Guide (PDF) Fall Pond Prep Guide (PDF) Blue Thumb Warranty Information (PDF)

Official installation walkthrough

See How a Pond Kit Comes Together

This official Blue Thumb video demonstrates the overall pond-kit installation process. Use the product resources above for the included DIY skimmer, waterfall and exact PB1335 specifications.

How to Install a Pond Kit: Step-by-Step Guide

Product-family installation guidance. Video courtesy of Blue Thumb.

Questions Before You Order?

Our Sales/Tech Team can help you review the planned pond footprint, liner layout, component placement and the differences between the DIY and Elite systems.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a complete pond kit?

It includes the pond liner, protective underliner, filtration, pump, plumbing, installation and startup components listed above. Rocks and gravel are recommended to complete the pond but are not included. Lighting, fish, plants, labor, tools and surrounding landscape materials are also not listed as included.

Will my finished pond definitely measure 11' × 16' × 2'?

Not necessarily. That is Blue Thumb's listed maximum. Shelves, curves, depth, edge overlap and transitions to a stream or waterfall consume liner area, so confirm the design against the included 15' × 20' liner before excavation.

Where should the skimmer and waterfall be placed?

Place them on opposite sides of the pond so water moves across the pond toward the skimmer. Also choose a waterfall position that provides the views and sound you want from the areas where you will enjoy the pond.

Are rocks, gravel and lighting included?

No. Rocks and gravel are recommended to complete the pond but are not included. Lighting is also not included with the DIY kits; the comparison chart shows lighting included with the Elite Pond Kits.

How often should the filtration be cleaned?

Inspect the skimmer net and mat weekly and clean them as conditions require—often every 10–14 days. Blue Thumb recommends cleaning the waterfall's biological media about once per year in the coldest water, preferably with pond water.

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.

What is the difference between this kit and the 11' × 16' Elite kit?

Both are listed at approximately 2,000 gallons, but the Elite #PB1276 uses contractor-grade filtration, a 4,500 GPH pump, 2" plumbing, 2 cu. ft. of biological media and included lighting. This DIY kit uses a 3,200 GPH pump, 1.5" plumbing, 1 cu. ft. of media and does not include lighting.

Does the entire kit have one warranty period?

No. Warranty coverage varies by component. Blue Thumb's current policy provides lifetime coverage for Blue Thumb engineered-plastic skimmer and waterfall filters, while pump and liner terms are product-specific. Review the warranty document and confirm the exact supplied pump model when ordering.

Reviews

  • 5
    Pond Build Kit

    Posted by Phil Duran on Sep 2nd 2025

    All the products in the kit seem well-made. The shipper damaged the liner, but Blue Thumb sent out a replacement right away.