Small Pond DIY Kit - Blue Thumb

Entry-Level Project Pond Kit

Designed with professional installers in mind but the weekend warrior at heart, the Serenity Series Small DIY Pond by Blue Thumb is a 1,200-gallon DIY kit that's ready for installation. The Skimmer provides ample mechanical filtration while the Waterfall handles the biological filtration.

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

Other Landscaping Ponds:

• Large Pond DIY (Mid-Level Kit)
• Elite Series Pond Kits (Professional Grade)

Build Your Own Garden Retreat

See Resources & Manuals further below for a the complete library of 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 Small Pond Kit

Fish-Friendly Rubber Liner, Protective Underliner, DIY Mechanical Skimmer Box, DIY Biological Waterfall Box, Blue Thumb High-Efficiency Pump, Check Valve Assembly, 1.5" PVC Flex Pipe, Bacti-Twist Filter Media, Installation Instruction Manual, Installation Kit, and Pond Maintenance Kit.

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.

Why You'll Love This Koi Pond 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 #PB1212

Need Inspiration?	Pond Planning Guide
Max Pond Size	8' x 11' x 2'D
Liner Size	12' x 15'
Approximate Gallons	1,200
PVC	1.5" x 16'
Skimmer	DIY Pond Skimmer 90
Waterfall	DIY Pond Waterfall 1200
Pump Flow Rate	1,800 GPH
Filter Mat	White
Bio Media	1/2 cubic foot
Setup Instructions	DIY Pond Kit Instructions (PDF)
Installation Video	Pond Kit 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.