Blue Thumb Elite 8' x 11' Complete Pond Kit – Backyard Koi Pond System w/ Skimmer, BioFalls Filter & High-Flow Pump
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Description
The Blue Thumb PB1267 Elite Complete Pond Kit gives you everything needed to build a professional-grade backyard pond in an 8'×11' footprint — approximately 1,000 gallons at 2 feet deep. This is Blue Thumb's Contractor Grade pond system: engineered for professional installers, field-proven for weekend DIYers. It pairs the 8" Small Elite Mechanical Skimmer, 14" Small Elite Biological Waterfall Filter (with two included Matala filtration mats — filter media most competing kits charge extra for), a PB1014 2,160 GPH solids handling pump, LED light with transformer, check valve assembly, first-season water treatment kit, and a 12'×15\' 45-mil EPDM fish-safe rubber liner. Both the skimmer and waterfall filter carry Blue Thumb's Lifetime Manufacturers Warranty and are Made in USA.
What's Included — Blue Thumb PB1267 Elite Pond Kit
Filtration System
- 8" Small Elite Mechanical Skimmer — 8" weir; max 5,500 GPH; rec. 2,500–3,500 GPH; handles ponds up to 11'×16'; includes Matala filter mat + debris net; auto-fill valve fitting pre-drilled (valve kit PB1342 sold separately); overflow fitting; Lifetime warranty; Made in USA
- 14" Small Elite Biological Waterfall Filter — 14" spillway; max rec. 3,500 GPH; max pond 1,500 gal.; two Matala biological filtration mats included; reversible snout; landscape lid; two 2" spinweld inlets; Lifetime warranty; Made in USA
Pump & Plumbing
- PB1014 Solids Handling Pump — 2,160 GPH — direct drive; 120V; handles solids to protect impeller; 6"×6"×11"
- Check Valve Assembly — prevents backflow during power outages; protects pump from reverse siphon
- 2"×25' Black PVC Flex Pipe — runs from skimmer to waterfall filter; easier to install than rigid PVC
Liner & Base
- 45-mil EPDM Rubber Liner — 12'×15' — fish-safe; UV-resistant; highly flexible; designed for 8'×11' pond with adequate overlap for edges and skimmer/waterfall sealing
- Protective Underliner — geotextile fabric; protects liner from puncture by roots, rocks, and sharp debris
Accessories & Finishing
- LED Pond Light with Transformer — illuminates waterfall and pond at night
- Installation Kit with Black Foam Sealant — pond foam for sealing liner around skimmer and waterfall filter openings
- First-Season Pond Maintenance Water Treatment Kit — beneficial bacteria, dechlorinator, and water treatments sufficient for a full first season
- Instruction Manual (PDF available)
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU / Model | PB1267 |
| Pond Footprint | 8'×11' (approximately) |
| Pond Volume | ~1,000 gallons at 2' depth |
| Recommended Depth | 2' (24") — design depth; 18" minimum |
| Liner | 12'×15' — 45-mil EPDM, fish-safe rubber |
| Underliner | Geotextile protective underliner (included) |
| Skimmer | 8" Small Elite Mechanical Skimmer — 8" weir; 26.25"×15.25"×19.75"; max 5,500 GPH; Lifetime warranty; Made in USA |
| Waterfall Filter | 14" Small Elite Biological Waterfall Filter — 14" spillway; 23"×24.75"×21.75"; max 3,500 GPH; max 1,500 gal. pond; two Matala mats included; Lifetime warranty; Made in USA |
| Pump | PB1014 Solids Handling Pump — 2,160 GPH; direct drive; 120V; 6"×6"×11" |
| PVC Tubing | 2" ID × 25' black flex PVC |
| Lighting | LED Pond Light with Transformer (included) |
| Check Valve | Check Valve Assembly (included) |
| Warranty | Lifetime — Skimmer & Waterfall Filter | Pump: contact us for terms |
| Origin | Made in USA 🇺🇸 Made in USA |
| Grade | Elite Contractor Grade |
| Not Included | Rocks and gravel; auto-fill valve kit PB1342 (optional, sold separately) |
The Elite vs. DIY Difference — Why This Kit Is Worth It
Elite Skimmer
38% thicker walls than DIY skimmers. Molded ribs and gussets prevent ground pressure distortion. Lifetime warranty.
Elite Waterfall Filter
Two Matala mats included. Octagonal body for maximum strength and easier camouflage. Reversible snout for design flexibility. Lifetime warranty.
PB1014 Solids Pump
Handles solids — debris that reaches the pump won't clog the impeller. Direct-drive construction proven in commercial installations.
LED Light Included
Entry-level pond kits skip the lighting. The PB1267 includes a pond LED light and transformer — waterfall feature illuminated from day one.
Two Matala Mats
Most competing kits ($1,500–$2,500 range) require you to buy filter media separately. Two Matala mats are in the box. Biological filtration day one.
First-Season Treatments
Beneficial bacteria, dechlorinator, and water treatments for a full first season — included. No separate treatment order needed for startup.
Elite Pond Kit — Full Series
The Blue Thumb Elite Series is available in five sizes. All include the same Elite-grade components (skimmer, Elite Biological Waterfall Filter with two Matala mats, solids handling pump, LED light, check valve, treatments) scaled to the pond footprint:
Not sure which size is right? Call us — our team helps you match kit size to your available space, fish stocking plans, and installation goals: (765) 508-4352.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pump model and GPH for the PB1267 kit?
The PB1267 includes the PB1014 Solids Handling Pump at 2,160 GPH. This is a direct-drive pump running on 120V. At 2,160 GPH, the pump turns over the ~1,000-gallon pond approximately twice per hour — the standard target for healthy pond circulation. The pump is positioned inside the 8" Elite Skimmer, where it is protected from debris clogging by the skimmer's filter mat and net basket. Call us for current pump specs and energy efficiency data: (765) 508-4352.
Why does the Elite Waterfall Filter include Matala mats when other kits don't?
Blue Thumb builds their Elite Biological Waterfall Filter with two Matala biological filtration mats pre-installed as a standard inclusion — not an optional add-on. Matala mats are the pond industry benchmark for biological media: their open-cell foam structure provides enormous surface area for the beneficial bacteria colonies that drive the nitrogen cycle and keep water clear and fish-safe. Most competing kit brands (Atlantic FilterFalls, EasyPro Pro-Series AquaFalls) ship without filter media, requiring a separate $30–60 per mat purchase before the biological filtration system is operational. With the PB1267, you're ready for biological startup immediately after filling the pond and before your first fish introduction.
Is this kit suitable for koi?
Yes, the PB1267 is engineered for a koi pond. The Elite filtration system — mechanical skimming plus Matala mat biological filtration — handles the elevated waste load of koi. For an 8'×11'×2' pond (~1,000 gallons), a reasonable starting point is 3–5 koi under 12". Koi can grow 12–24" and produce waste proportional to their size; plan conservatively and add fish gradually to give the biological filtration time to establish. The 8" Elite Skimmer pre-drilled for an auto-fill valve (kit PB1342, sold separately) makes top-off management easier as evaporation increases in summer.
What does the Elite Skimmer include, and how does it work?
The 8" Small Elite Mechanical Skimmer pulls surface water — and the floating debris on it — through an 8" weir opening into the skimmer body. Inside, a debris net catches leaves, sticks, and other floating material before they sink and decompose as sludge. A Matala filter mat provides secondary mechanical filtration before the water enters the pump chamber. The PB1014 pump sits in the pump chamber, drawing clean water and pushing it through the 2"×25' flex PVC line to the 14" Elite Waterfall Filter at the top of the waterfall. The skimmer features an auto-fill valve fitting pre-drilled into the side wall (valve kit #PB1342 sold separately) and an overflow fitting on the back to handle heavy rain events. Dimensions: 26.25"×15.25"×19.75". Lifetime warranty. Made in USA.
How do I winterize the Blue Thumb Elite pond kit?
For cold-climate winterization of the PB1267:
- Pump: The PB1014 is a direct-drive solids-handling pump — do NOT store it in a bucket of water over winter. Remove it from the skimmer when temperatures will remain below freezing. Clean the pump, inspect the impeller, and store it in a frost-free location (garage, basement) until spring.
- Skimmer: Remove and clean the debris net and Matala filter mat. Store the net indoors; the mat can remain in the skimmer if protected from ice expansion damage.
- Waterfall filter: Drain the 14" Elite Waterfall Filter completely to prevent ice damage. Remove and rinse the Matala mats; store indoors or leave in the filter if the filter is covered and drained.
- PVC line: Disconnect and drain the 2" flex PVC between skimmer and waterfall filter to prevent freeze cracking.
- Pond: If keeping fish over winter, install a pond de-icer or aerator to maintain a small open hole in the ice for gas exchange. Do not break ice by striking it.
Are rocks and gravel included?
No — rocks and gravel are not included with the PB1267 kit. A standard 8'×11' pond installation typically requires approximately 1–2 tons of material: a mix of larger boulders (12"–24") for the perimeter and shelf edges, medium fieldstone for filling, and pea gravel (3/4"–1") for the pond floor and plant shelves. Rocks and gravel serve critical functions: they protect the liner from UV exposure, provide habitat and surface area for beneficial bacteria, and create the natural aesthetic that makes the pond look finished. Plan and source this material locally before installation day.
Can I add a UV clarifier or auto-fill valve to this kit?
Yes to both. The 8" Elite Skimmer comes with an auto-fill valve fitting already molded into the side wall — add the optional Auto-Fill Valve Kit #PB1342 (sold separately) to automatically top off the pond as water evaporates. UV clarifiers can be plumbed inline between the pump outlet and the flex PVC line, or between the waterfall filter outlet and the pond. Call us to discuss sizing and compatibility with your PB1267 system: (765) 508-4352.
Why Buy From Pond Pro Direct?
- Authorized Blue Thumb dealer — full Lifetime warranty support on skimmer and waterfall filter.
- Real pond installation knowledge — based in Westfield, IN; our team has hands-on experience with Blue Thumb Elite kits and can advise on installation sequencing, rock placement, and fish startup.
- 30-day return period. Price Match Guarantee. Call or text Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM EST: (765) 508-4352.
Blue Thumb PB1267 Elite Complete Pond Kit (8'×11', ~1,000 gal.): 12'×15' 45-mil EPDM liner, 8" Elite Skimmer (Lifetime warranty, Made in USA), 14" Elite Biological Waterfall Filter with two included Matala mats (Lifetime warranty, Made in USA), PB1014 2,160 GPH solids handling pump, check valve, 2"×25' flex PVC, LED light with transformer, installation foam kit, and first-season water treatment kit. Rocks and gravel not included.
Questions about sizing, fish stocking, installation, or adding a UV clarifier? Call or text (765) 508-4352 — Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST.
Price Match
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