Elite Series Pond Kits - Blue Thumb

Commercial Grade Ecosystem/Koi Pond Kits

Designed with professional/contractor installers in mind, the Elite Series Ecosystem Pond Kits by Blue Thumb will instantly transform your backyard. These comprehensive backyard koi pond kits are available in five sizes ranging from 550 to 6,150 gallons.

Take the guesswork and time out of designing a pond. Each kit includes pond equipment that works well together to provide optimal water flow and filtration to reduce future pond maintenance.

➤ This pond kit creates a lovely waterfall sound and provides a beautiful habitat for your fish.

Other Landscaping Ponds:

• Small Pond DIY (Entry-Level Kit)
• Large Pond DIY (Mid-Level Kit)

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

Pond Kit Quick FAQs

How deep does this pond need to be?

This kit is designed for 2-feet of depth. Most backyard ecosystem ponds are typically 18–24 inches deep. Maintaining the 2-feet of depth helps regulate temperature and improve overall ecosystem stability.

Do I need a permit to install a pond?

Permit requirements vary by municipality. Smaller residential ponds often do not require permits, but it's always best to check with your HOA or local building department before excavation.

Can I keep fish in this pond?

Yes, these kits are designed to support a balanced ecosystem and can accommodate fish such as koi or goldfish when installed properly with adequate depth and filtration.

How loud is the waterfall?

Water sound depends on waterfall height and flow rate. The included pump has been a mainstay of the water garden industry for decades and is great for medium to heavy flows and higher head heights.

What maintenance is required?

Routine maintenance includes removing debris, seasonal cleaning, and checking pump and filtration components. When properly installed, ecosystem ponds are designed to be relatively low maintenance.

Will this pond freeze in winter?

In colder climates, surface ice may form, but ponds that are 24" deep can overwinter your fish if proper steps are taken. Review the Fall/Winter Pond Prep Guide.

Still unsure which pond kit is right for your yard?

Our team can help you compare sizes, estimate installation costs, and decide whether DIY or professional installation makes the most sense for your property. Send us a note: [email protected].

What's Included in the Pond Kit

Fish-friendly Rubber Liner, Protective Underliner, Lite Mechanical Skimmer with Landscape Lid, Mesh Screen, Mat Holder and Green Matala Mat, Elite Biological Waterfall with Bacti-Twist Filter Medium, Solids Handling Pump, Check Valve Assembly, Black PVC Flex Pipe, LED Light with Transformer, Installation Kit with Black Foam, and a Pond Maintenance Water Treatment Kit with treatments for the entire first season.

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.

Learn More: Elite Skimmer

• Removes Floating Debris
• Reduces Pond Maintenance
• Protects & Houses the Pump

Professional-grade skimmers designed to remove leaves and other debris that fall into the pond. Skimming debris before it settles to the bottom helps reduce water clarity issues. Another function is to house and protect your pump. Simply remove the Natural Cover Lid to install or access your submersible pump.

Skimmers have a recommended pond size and flow rate to ensure proper performance. The kits have been designed to ensure your pump and skimmer are properly matched.

Learn More: Elite Waterfall Filter Box

• Biological Pond Filtration
• Creates Movement and Sound
• High-Volume Waterfalls

Waterfalls bring movement, sound, and tranquility to a water feature. When sized properly, waterfalls are an ideal solution for biological filtration.

These Elite Series Waterfall Filters include a removal landscape lid that can be covered with rocks, mulch, or aquatic plants to blend seamlessly with your pond's landscape.

Why You'll Love This Koi Pond Garden Kit

• Made in the USA: At a family-run business in the Midwest
• Biological Waterfall Boxes: Filters harmful waste and toxins while providing lovely ambient sounds and a surface for beneficial bacterial growth
• PVC Flex Hose: Carries water from skimmer to waterfall 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: Sits in back chamber and protected by nets and filter mats.
• Mechanical Skimmer Box: Simplifies routine maintenance by removing floating debris before it sinks; the box also hides unsightly plumbing.

Specifications

Blue Thumb #PB1250, #PB1267, #PB1276, #PBE1621K, #PBE2126K

Need Inspiration? Pond Planning Guide

	6' x 8' Elite Pond	8' x 11' Elite Pond	11' x 16' Elite Pond	16' x 21' Elite Pond	21' x 26' Elite Pond
Max Pond Size	6' x 8' x 2'D	8' x 11' x 2'D	11' x 16' x 2'D	16' x 21' x 2'D	21' x 26' x 2'D
Liner Size	10' x 12'	12' x 15'	15' x 20'	20' x 25'	25' x 30'
Gallons	550	1,000	2,000	3,800	6,150
PVC	2" x 25'	2" x 25'	2" x 25'	2" x 50'	2" x 50'
Skimmer	8" Elite	8" Elite	8" Elite	10" Elite	10" Elite
Waterfall	14" Elite	14" Elite	22" Elite	30" Elite	30" Elite
Pump	2,100 GPH	2,100 GPH	4,500 GPH	6,000 GPH	7,800 GPH
Filter Mat	Green Matala	Green Matala	Green Matala	Green Matala	Green Matala
Bio Media	1 cubic foot	1 cubic foot	2 cubic feet	4 cubic feet	4 cubic feet

Elite Pond Kit Instructions	Elite Pond Kit Instructions (PDF)
Elite Waterfall Box Installation	Elite Waterfall Box Installation (PDF)
Elite Skimmer Box Installation	Elite Skimmer Box Installation (PDF)
Installation Video	Pond Kit Installation (Video)
Skimmer Installation Video	Skimmer Box Installation (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.