Components Sized to Work Together
The DIY Pond Skimmer 90, DIY Pond Waterfall 1200 and 1,800 GPH pump create a coordinated circulation and filtration path without requiring you to select the major equipment separately.
Blue Thumb Small DIY Pond Kit
$1,199.99
• Builds a pond up to 8’ x 11’ x 2’ deep (approximately 1,200 gallons)
• Includes liner, skimmer, waterfall filter, 1,800 GPH pump, plumbing and installation supplies
• Rocks, gravel and lighting are not included; compare Elite Pond Kit PB1267 for upgraded filtration and included lighting
• Includes liner, skimmer, waterfall filter, 1,800 GPH pump, plumbing and installation supplies
• Rocks, gravel and lighting are not included; compare Elite Pond Kit PB1267 for upgraded filtration and included lighting
Serenity Series • Small DIY Pond System • PB1212
Build a Compact Backyard Pond with Matched Blue Thumb Components
The Blue Thumb Small DIY Pond Kit brings together the liner, underlayment, skimmer, waterfall filter, 1,800 GPH pump, plumbing, installation supplies and maintenance kit for a water garden up to 8' × 11' × 2' deep. It is an entry-level pond system for homeowners and installers who want compatible core equipment in one package.
8' × 11' × 2'Published maximum pond size
Approx. 1,200 gal.Published pond volume
1,800 GPHIncluded Clear Water pump
12' × 15'Included 45-mil EPDM liner
Why This Kit Works for a Smaller Pond Project
Mechanical and Biological Filtration
The skimmer collects floating debris and protects the pump, while the waterfall box, white filter mat and Bacti-Twist media provide additional filtration before water returns to the pond.
A Natural-Looking Water Garden
The flexible fish-friendly liner can follow pond curves and planting shelves, while the waterfall adds movement and sound. Rockwork and planting choices let you finish the setting to suit the landscape.
What Comes with the Kit
The primary pond equipment, plumbing and startup supplies are included. The component links below are useful for reviewing specifications; where a linked page contains options, use the exact model or size named here.
Pond Shell
- 12' × 15' fish-friendly 45-mil EPDM rubber liner
- Protective nonwoven underliner
Circulation & Filtration
- DIY Pond Skimmer 90 (#PB1304)
- DIY Pond Waterfall 1200 (#PB1151)
- Clear Water 1800 pump (#PB1038)
- White filter mat
- 1/2 cu. ft. Bacti-Twist filter media
The pump and Bacti-Twist pages contain multiple options. The kit uses the 1,800 GPH pump and 1/2-cu.-ft. media size.
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. CollectThe skimmer sits at the pond edge, captures floating debris and houses the submersible pump.
2. MoveThe pump sends water through the included 1.5" flexible PVC pipe toward the waterfall box.
3. Filter & ReturnThe waterfall filter and media support filtration before water spills back into the pond. Positioning it opposite the skimmer promotes circulation across the pond.
Core Component Specifications
DIY Pond Skimmer 90
ItemPB1304
Opening7.5" W × 6.25" H
Dimensions16.25" D × 13.25" W × 14.75" H
Maximum flow2,000 GPH
Maximum pond area90 sq. ft.
DIY Pond Waterfall 1200
ItemPB1151
Spillway14" wide
Dimensions19" × 15.5" × 14.5" H
Maximum flow2,000 GPH
Filtration ratingUp to 1,200 gal.
Clear Water 1800 Pump
ItemPB1038
Dimensions5.75" × 5.75" × 11"
Maximum flow1,800 GPH
Maximum head18 ft.
Power170–240 W* / 2.2 A
Cord / outlet16' / 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 full 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 Size8' × 11' × 2' D
Liner12' × 15'
Approx. Gallons1,200
PVC1.5" × 16'
SkimmerDIY Pond Skimmer 90
WaterfallDIY Pond Waterfall 1200
Pump1,800 GPH
Filter MatWhite
Bio Media1/2 cu. ft.
LightingNo
Large DIY #PB1335
Max Pond Size11' × 16' × 2' D
Liner15' × 20'
Approx. Gallons2,000
PVC1.5" × 25'
SkimmerDIY Pond Skimmer 180
WaterfallDIY Pond Waterfall 2000
Pump3,200 GPH
Filter MatWhite
Bio Media1 cu. ft.
LightingNo
Elite 6 × 8 #PB1250
Max Pond Size6' × 8' × 2' D
Liner10' × 12'
Approx. Gallons550
PVC2" × 25'
Skimmer8" Elite
Waterfall14" Elite
Pump2,100 GPH
Filter MatGreen Matala
Bio Media1 cu. ft.
LightingYes
Elite 8 × 11 #PB1267
Max Pond Size8' × 11' × 2' D
Liner12' × 15'
Approx. Gallons1,000
PVC2" × 25'
Skimmer8" Elite
Waterfall14" Elite
Pump2,100 GPH
Filter MatGreen Matala
Bio Media1 cu. ft.
LightingYes
Elite 11 × 16 #PB1276
Max Pond Size11' × 16' × 2' D
Liner15' × 20'
Approx. Gallons2,000
PVC2" × 25'
Skimmer8" Elite
Waterfall22" Elite
Pump4,500 GPH
Filter MatGreen Matala
Bio Media2 cu. ft.
LightingYes
Elite 16 × 21 #PBE1621K
Max Pond Size16' × 21' × 2' D
Liner20' × 25'
Approx. Gallons3,800
PVC2" × 50'
Skimmer10" Elite
Waterfall30" Elite
Pump6,000 GPH
Filter MatGreen Matala
Bio Media4 cu. ft.
LightingYes
Elite 21 × 26 #PBE2126K
Max Pond Size21' × 26' × 2' D
Liner25' × 30'
Approx. Gallons6,150
PVC2" × 50'
Skimmer10" Elite
Waterfall30" Elite
Pump7,800 GPH
Filter MatGreen Matala
Bio Media4 cu. ft.
LightingYes
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 the overview below for planning and follow the official guides for complete instructions.
Lay Out the Pond
Confirm the pond shape, shelves, finished water level and the space required beyond the waterline 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.
Add Equipment & Rockwork
Install the pump, filter mat and Bacti-Twist media according to their instructions. Add the required separately sourced rocks and gravel without pulling the liner tight.
Fill, Test & Finish
Fill the pond, start the circulation system and check flow, water level and connections before completing the surrounding landscape.
Ownership, Maintenance & Safety
Routine Care
- Empty collected debris from the skimmer before flow is restricted.
- Inspect and clean filter media as site conditions require.
- Maintain a water level that keeps the pump submerged.
- Treat replacement water appropriately when it contains chlorine or chloramine.
Pump & Electrical Safety
- Connect the pump to a GFCI-protected outlet in a dry location.
- Never carry the pump by its power cord or pull the plug by the cord.
- Disconnect power before handling, cleaning or troubleshooting the pump.
- Never run the pump dry.
Cold-Weather Care
The pump may operate in cold weather only when the pump housing and PVC plumbing cannot freeze. If ice could form around the pump, remove it, empty it and store it where it will not freeze. Follow the seasonal pond-care guides for leaves, fish, plants, filtration and gas exchange.
Product Resources
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?
Blue Thumb's Sales and Technical Team can help you review the site, published pond size, kit differences and installation resources before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pond can I build with this kit?
Blue Thumb publishes a maximum pond size of 8' × 11' × 2' deep and an approximate volume of 1,200 gallons. The actual water surface and volume depend on the final contours, shelves, liner overlap 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 and are required to finish the installation. Plants, fish and surrounding landscaping shown in photos are also not listed as included.
Is pond lighting included?
No. Lighting is not included with the Small or Large DIY kit. The Elite pond kits shown in the comparison include lighting.
Where should the skimmer and waterfall be placed?
Place the skimmer at the pond edge opposite the waterfall. This encourages water to move across the pond toward the skimmer and supports overall circulation.
Can this kit be used for a fish pond?
The kit is intended for garden-pond and fish-pond applications and includes a fish-friendly rubber liner. Blue Thumb does not publish a fish-stocking capacity for PB1212, so stocking must account for species, mature fish size, climate, filtration demand and ongoing water quality.
How is PB1212 different from the Elite 8 × 11 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.
Does the video show this exact kit?
No. It is an official Blue Thumb overview of the general pond-kit installation process. Follow the Serenity DIY Waterfall & Skimmer Installation Guide for the exact PB1212 components.
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