Elite Extra Large Pondless Waterfall Kit - Blue Thumb

Pond-Less Cascading Waterfalls

The Extra Large Elite Pondless Waterfall Kit by Blue Thumb let's you experience the beauty of a waterfall without the maintenance of a traditional pond. The maximum stream size with this kit is 18 feet.

The strong ambient sounds of the Extra Large Cascading Falls Pond-Less Waterfall promote relaxation and help mask unwanted noise. Ideal for both residential and commercial use.

A "pondless" or Cascading Waterfall works much like a regular pond. The hole is lined with a flexible liner, then basin matrix boxes are added to create a reservoir. They're covered with rock and gravel before being filled with water. This helps make it look like a waterfall without a pond, when in fact, the "pond" is there but not visible.

The water circulates via the pump at the bottom of the matrix boxes, inside a Pump Canyon, which pushes water up to a Cascade Waterfall box and into an overflowing waterfall, where it falls back into the reservoir.

Other Pondless Waterfall Kits:

• Elite Medium Falls (15 feet maximum stream)
• Elite Large Cascading Falls (17 feet maximum stream)

What's Included in the Pondless Waterfall Kit

Cascade Spillway Box, Submersible Pump, Pump Canyon® (Vault), Pump Discharge Assembly, Water Matrix, Black PVC Flex Pipe, Installation Kit, Fish-Friendly Rubber Liner, Protective Underliner, Pond Cleaner & Muck Buster Tablets.

What's Not Included:

• Excavation, electrical, and labor.
• Rocks & Gravel: Necessary to protect the liner from harmful UV rays and animal damage. They also provide surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize while creating a beautifully natural look. Tip: source rocks from a local landscape supply store.

Build Your Own Garden Retreat

See Resources & Manuals further below for user-friendly installation manuals and videos to help with the installation process.

💧 About the Pond Liner

The PondGard rubber liner is fish-friendly and safe for the environment, designed for long-term durability in outdoor conditions.

• High flexibility "holding power" for year-round installation
• Excellent resistance to UV exposure and waterline weathering
• 45 mil EPDM rubber construction
• 20-year warranty

Pondless Kit Quick FAQs

Where does the water go if there's no pond?

Water flows over the spillway and disappears into a hidden underground basin filled with structural matrix boxes and gravel. The pump, housed inside the Pump Canyon®, continuously recirculates the water back to the top of the waterfall — creating the look and sound of a stream without an exposed pond.

Is a pondless waterfall safer for kids and pets than a traditional Koi pond?

Yes. Because there is no standing body of water, pondless waterfalls are often preferred by families with children or pets. Water is stored below ground in a lined basin beneath decorative rock.

How deep does the basin need to be?

Basin depth depends on the kit configuration, but excavation is typically around 2 feet deep to properly house the basin matrix boxes and Pump Canyon®. Always follow the installation guidelines for your specific kit size.

What's not included in the kit?

Decorative boulders, gravel, and excavation labor are not included. Most installations use locally sourced stone and gravel to complete the waterfall and streambed. Electrical service (GFCI outlet) is also required.

How loud is the waterfall?

Sound depends on waterfall height, rock placement, and pump flow. Many installers adjust flow by positioning rock, tweaking spillway orientation, or using the built-in flow adjustment on the pump (if equipped). This lets you tailor the sound and look of your waterfall from a gentle trickle to a more robust cascade.

How much maintenance is required?

Pondless waterfalls are typically lower maintenance than traditional ponds since there's no standing ecosystem to balance. Periodic debris removal, occasional pump inspection, and topping off water due to evaporation are the primary maintenance tasks.

Learn More: Pond-Less Cascading Waterfalls

Less Maintenance: Just add water! It's that easy. Simply refill water basin when needed due to evaporation, and on occasion remove debris.

Less Worry: These shallow water features are safe for children and pets to play near, and allow them freedom of exploration, while you relax.

More Creativity: No extensive construction is required, allowing versatility in where and what you'd like your outdoor focal point to be.

Diverse Placement: Even if you have limited space, you can create the soothing sights and sounds of water moving through your yard.

Why You'll Love This Pondless Waterfall Kit

• Made in the USA: At a family-run business in the Midwest
• PVC Flex Hose: Carries water from pump to cascade box; easier to install than rigid PVC
• Protective Underliner: Non-woven fabric that installers quicker than newspaper and covers the vertical walls, unlike sand. Allows gases to escape from the earth, unlike carpeting
• Fish-Friendly Rubber Liner: Super strong 45-mil EPDM
• High-Efficiency Pump: Hidden in the Pump Canyon out of sight

Specifications

Blue Thumb #PB40CFK

	Medium Elite Cascading Falls	Large Elite Cascading Falls	Extra Large Elite Cascading Falls
Max Stream Size	15 feet x 2'-4' W	17 feet x 4'-5' W	18 feet x 5'-7' W
Liner	10' x 10' Basin Liner & 10' x 20' Stream/Falls Liner	15' x 15' Basin Liner & 10' x 20' Stream/Falls Liner	15' x 15' Basin Liner & 15' x 20' Stream/Falls Liner
Fall Box Width	22"	30"	40"
Pump Flow	4,500 GPH	6,000 GPH	7,800 GPH
PVC Flex Hose	2" x 25 feet	3" x 25 feet	3" x 25 feet
Matrix/Reservoir	3 large matrix boxes	3 large & 3 small matrix boxes	4 large & 4 small matrix boxes
Pump Canyon®	Small	Large	Large

Cascade Falls Installation	Cascade Falls Installation (PDF)
Matrix Assembly Sheets	Matrix Assembly Sheets (PDF)
Cascade Box-Pump Canyon Installation	Cascade Box-Pump Canyon Installation (PDF)
Installation Video	Pondless Waterfall Installation (Video)
Video: Attaching Liner	Attaching Liner to Cascade Box (Video)
Warranty	Warranty varies by component — up to Lifetime on plastic components, up to 5 years on Mag-Drive pumps. Full details in the Resources Hub.