Aquascape 53040 Medium Pondless Waterfall Kit – 16' Stream w/ 3-PL 3000 Pump Complete Backyard System
✓ 30-Day Return Period
✓ Price Match - We will Beat Lower Prices!
✓ Secure Encrypted Checkout
✓ Questions? - Call (765) 508-4352
Description
The Aquascape 53040 Medium Pondless Waterfall Kit builds a complete 16-foot disappearing waterfall powered by the 3-PL 3000 Solids-Handling Pond Pump (SKU 29975, 320W, direct-drive). This is the fixed-speed, no-app-required option in Aquascape's 16' medium pondless waterfall kit family — the same complete component set (Five Small AquaBlox, two-piece 45-mil liner, LED lighting, dosing system, 2"×25' PVC) as the AquaSurge variant (53039), with a proven direct-drive solids-handling pump designed for durability and consistent output at a lower pump price point.
The 3-PL 3000's semi-vortex impeller passes small solids that would jam a standard mag-drive pump, reducing intake clogs and extending service intervals. Built-in thermal overload protection prevents motor damage during low-water conditions. Stainless steel and composite resin construction resists corrosion for year-round outdoor use.
Complete Component List — Aquascape 53040
Waterfall & Reservoir
- 22" Aquascape Waterfall Spillway — diffuser weir for even, natural waterfall flow
- Pondless Waterfall Vault — pump access and water level inspection point
- Five (5) AquaBlox® Small Water Storage Modules — interlocking underground reservoir grid
Pump & Plumbing
- 3-PL 3000 Solids-Handling Pond Pump (SKU 29975) — 3,000 GPH, 14' max head, 320W, direct-drive, 2-year warranty
- Check valve assembly
- 2" × 25' flexible PVC pipe
Liner System
- 45-mil EPDM fish-safe liner — 10'×20' (stream)
- 45-mil EPDM fish-safe liner — 10'×12' (reservoir) — separate piece
- 120 sq. ft. geotextile protective underlayment
Lighting Package
- (2) 1-Watt Waterfall Lights
- 60-Watt Transformer with Photocell (auto dusk on/off)
- 3-Way Quick-Connect Splitter
- 25' Quick-Connect Extension Cable
Water Quality
- Automatic Dosing System for Fountains — with 32 fl. oz. Prevent for Fountains water treatment
Installation Kit
- Silicone sealant
- Pond and Waterfall Foam Sealant
- PVC cement
- Welcome Kit + installation guide
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Kit SKU | 53040 |
| Stream Length | Up to 16 feet |
| Pump: 3-PL 3000 | SKU 29975 | 3,000 GPH | 14' max head | 320W | 3.1A | 20' cord | direct-drive motor | solids-handling semi-vortex impeller | thermal overload protection | stainless steel + composite resin | 2-year warranty |
| Pump Control | Fixed speed — no app or remote control. For adjustable-flow app control, see AquaSurge version (53039) |
| Spillway | 22" Aquascape Waterfall Spillway — diffuser weir |
| Vault | Pondless Waterfall Vault — pump access point |
| AquaBlox | Five (5) AquaBlox® Small Water Storage Modules |
| Liner — Stream | 45-mil EPDM fish-safe — 10'×20' |
| Liner — Reservoir | 45-mil EPDM fish-safe — 10'×12' (separate piece) |
| Underlayment | 120 sq. ft. geotextile protective underlayment |
| PVC Pipe | 2" × 25' flexible PVC |
| Lighting | (2) 1-Watt Waterfall Lights, 60W Transformer/Photocell, 3-Way Splitter, 25' Extension Cable |
| Dosing System | Automatic Dosing System for Fountains with 32 fl. oz. Prevent for Fountains |
| Liner Warranty | Aquascape 20-year liner warranty (45-mil EPDM) |
Aquascape 16' Medium Pondless Kit — All Options
Why the Aquascape 53040 3-PL 3000?
- 3-PL 3000 — proven direct-drive solids-handling pump, no app required. The 3-PL 3000 delivers a consistent 3,000 GPH to the 22" spillway with no flow adjustment needed. Its semi-vortex impeller passes small debris and leaf fragments that would clog a standard mag-drive pump, reducing intake cleaning frequency. For buyers who want a reliable, set-and-forget pump without wireless controls or scheduled programming, the 3-PL 3000 is the simplest option in the 16' kit family. For buyers who want adjustable flow and app control, see the AquaSurge version (53039).
- Thermal overload protection prevents motor burnout. Built-in thermal overload automatically shuts the pump off if water levels drop critically low, protecting the motor from damage during droughts, evaporation events, or if a liner leak develops. This is a meaningful safety feature not present in all competing pumps at this price point.
- Stainless steel and composite resin construction. Unlike all-plastic pump housings that can warp, crack, or degrade over years of outdoor submersion, the 3-PL 3000's stainless steel frame and composite resin body resist corrosion and maintain structural integrity through freeze-thaw cycles.
- Five Small AquaBlox® — no gravel fill needed. The five interlocking AquaBlox® modules create an underground reservoir grid with high void space, storing far more water per cubic foot of excavation than gravel or rock fill. When the pump stops, the full 16' stream drains back into the AquaBlox system, ready for the next cycle. No heavy stone to move during installation.
- Two-piece 45-mil EPDM liner — 10'×20' stream + 10'×12' reservoir. Two separate liner pieces allow the stream channel and reservoir basin to be lined independently, overlapping at the transition zone. The 45-mil EPDM fish-safe rubber remains flexible at −40°F and is ozone- and UV-resistant. Backed by Aquascape's 20-year liner warranty.
- Automatic Dosing System eliminates manual water treatment. The included Automatic Dosing System for Fountains delivers Prevent for Fountains on a timed schedule, inhibiting string algae and biofilm buildup without weekly manual treatment. The 32 fl. oz. starter supply is included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Aquascape 53040 kit?
The 53040 includes: 22" Waterfall Spillway, Pondless Waterfall Vault, Five (5) AquaBlox® Small Water Storage Modules, 3-PL 3000 Solids-Handling Pond Pump (SKU 29975, 3,000 GPH) with check valve assembly, 2"×25' flexible PVC pipe, 45-mil EPDM fish-safe liner 10'×20' (stream) and 10'×12' (reservoir), 120 sq. ft. geotextile underlayment, (2) 1-Watt Waterfall Lights, 60-Watt Transformer with Photocell, 3-Way Quick-Connect Splitter, 25' Extension Cable, Automatic Dosing System for Fountains with 32 fl. oz. Prevent treatment, Welcome Kit, and Installation Kit (silicone, Pond and Waterfall Foam Sealant, PVC cement). Rocks, gravel, and boulders not included.
What is the maximum stream length for the Aquascape 53040?
The 53040 is designed for up to a 16-foot waterfall and stream. The two-piece liner system — 10'×20' for the stream and 10'×12' for the reservoir — provides the coverage needed for a 16-foot run with natural curves and multiple drop zones. The 10'×20' stream liner also accommodates gentle curves and meandering paths, not just a straight-line layout.
What are the two liner pieces, and why are there two?
The 53040 includes two separate 45-mil EPDM liner pieces: a 10'×20' stream liner for the waterfall channel and stream run, and a 10'×12' reservoir liner for the underground AquaBlox basin. They are installed as separate pieces that overlap at the transition zone between stream and reservoir. The 120 sq. ft. geotextile underlayment installs beneath both liner pieces to protect against punctures from below.
How does the 3-PL 3000 differ from the AquaSurge version (53039)?
Both kits are identical except for the pump:
- 3-PL 3000 (53040, this kit): Direct-drive motor, fixed speed, 3,000 GPH. Solids-handling semi-vortex impeller passes small debris. No app or remote control — set-and-forget operation. Simpler; no receiver or scheduling setup needed. 320W.
- AquaSurge 2000-4000 (53039): Asynchronous motor, adjustable flow (2,000–3,947 GPH). Smart Control Receiver included — controllable via Aquascape Smart Control App or on-board controls. Optional Universal Remote #45041 available. Better for buyers who want to fine-tune waterfall sound and appearance.
If you want to set the pump and never think about it again, the 3-PL 3000 (53040) is the right choice. If you want wireless control and variable flow, choose the AquaSurge (53039). Questions? (765) 508-4352.
Why Five Small AquaBlox instead of gravel?
Five Small AquaBlox modules interlock to create a structural underground reservoir with high void space — storing significantly more water per cubic foot of excavation than gravel or rock fill. Advantages over gravel: no heavy stone to source, transport, or position in the basin; the Pondless Waterfall Vault sits within the AquaBlox grid for straightforward pump access; the structural grid supports the weight of surface rocks and foot traffic above it.
How does the pondless design reduce maintenance?
All water is stored underground in the AquaBlox reservoir, away from sunlight. Without an open water surface exposed to UV, algae growth is dramatically reduced compared to traditional ponds. Routine maintenance: top off water for evaporation, clear seasonal debris from the stream surface, occasionally rinse the pump intake (access via the vault lid), and refill the Automatic Dosing System reservoir. No fish to feed, no water chemistry to balance, no annual drain-down required.
Is the pondless waterfall safe for children and pets?
Yes. The pondless design stores all water underground in the AquaBlox reservoir — there is no exposed open water surface at ground level. Children and pets can walk on the stream rocks without access to a deep water basin. This makes the 53040 one of the safest residential water feature formats available.
Does the 45-mil EPDM liner hold up in cold climates?
Yes. Aquascape's 45-mil EPDM fish-safe liner remains flexible at temperatures as low as −40°F and is highly resistant to UV rays and ozone degradation. It withstands freeze-thaw cycles without cracking or becoming brittle. It is backed by Aquascape's 20-year warranty.
Why Buy From Pond Pro Direct?
- Authorized Aquascape dealer — full manufacturer warranty on all 53040 components including the 3-PL 3000 2-year pump warranty and 20-year liner warranty.
- Full Aquascape 16' pondless lineup — 53040 (3-PL 3000, this kit), 53039 (AquaSurge, adjustable), 53064 (SLD, high-volume), 53068 (Deluxe). Call to compare: (765) 508-4352.
- Price Match Guarantee — beat any lower authorized dealer price by $50 on orders over $2,000.
- 30-Day Return Period. Call or text (765) 508-4352, Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM EST.
Aquascape 53040 — 16-foot pondless waterfall with 3-PL 3000 solids-handling pump (320W, SKU 29975), 22" spillway, Five Small AquaBlox, 10'×20' + 10'×12' 45-mil EPDM liner, 120 sq. ft. underlayment, 2"×25' PVC, complete LED lighting, automatic dosing system, and full installation kit. Fixed-speed, set-and-forget operation. Everything matched.
Comparing the 3-PL 3000 (53040) vs the AquaSurge (53039) or SLD (53064)? Call or text (765) 508-4352 — Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST.
Price Match
At Pond Pro Direct, we want you to shop with confidence, knowing you’re always getting a good deal.
We will match or beat the lowest online price on its products.
If you find a lower price for any products on our store, we will beat it by $50 for products listed over $2000. In order to be eligible, you must provide proof, whether a screenshot, invoice, email, etc. of the lower offer.
Please note that this does not apply to every product in the store, so reach out via email or chat for confirmation before purchasing.
For the policy to apply, simply send us a screenshot, link, or any other proof of the lower price.
For more information, please check out Price Match Policy Page
Shipping & Delivery
Order Processing
Orders are processed within 1–5 business days, depending on product type, brand, and fulfillment method. Products sold on Pond Pro Direct ship directly from manufacturers or authorized distribution partners and do not ship from a single centralized warehouse.
Processing times may vary by brand, item type, fulfillment method, and whether an item is made to order or ships via freight.
Order Confirmation
After placing your order, you will receive an order confirmation email confirming that we have received your order and pre-authorized your payment method.
Once your order is received, we contact the manufacturer or distribution partner to confirm availability and fulfillment timelines.
- If an item is unavailable or on backorder, we will notify you by email and void the pre-authorization.
- If the item is available, the payment will be processed and the order submitted for shipment.
Order Shipment
If your order is in stock and payment is processed, it will typically ship within 6–13 business days. Once your order ships, tracking information (when available) will be sent to the email address provided at checkout.
If you do not receive shipping confirmation within 6 business days, please contact us at support@pondprodirect.com.
Shipping Destinations
At this time, we primarily ship within the United States. Some products may be available for shipment to Canada. If the website allows checkout and accepts your shipping address, the product is eligible for delivery to that location.
Changing Your Shipping Address
Address changes after an order has been processed or shipped may result in delays or additional carrier fees. Any carrier charges associated with address changes are the responsibility of the customer.
Shipping Times
All shipping times are estimates only and not guarantees.
- Typical handling time: 1–5 business days
- Typical transit time after shipment: 5–8 business days
- Estimated delivery window: 6–13 business days
Delivery timelines may vary based on brand, item type, production status, freight requirements, and carrier availability.
If an order is cancelled after it has been processed or shipped, the customer may be responsible for applicable shipping charges, freight fees, carrier return fees, and warehouse handling costs, where applicable.
Shipping Options
Available shipping options vary by product and location.
Our standard Curbside Delivery option is provided at no additional cost where applicable and delivers the item to the curbside or driveway of the delivery address.
Additional options, such as Threshold Delivery or White Glove Delivery, may be available for select products and locations.
For full details regarding freight delivery, inspection requirements, liftgate service, returns, and customer responsibilities, please review our full Shipping Policy page.
Returns & Refunds
Cancellations & Refunds
Orders may be canceled free of charge before shipment, unless the item is classified as Custom or Made-to-Order (see below).
If you have questions about your order, please contact us at support@pondprodirect.com or call (765) 508-4352 during business hours.
Cancellations (Before Order Ships)
If you need to cancel an order before it ships, please contact us as soon as possible. Orders canceled prior to shipment are eligible for a full refund.
You can reach our team by phone at (765) 508-4352, via live chat on our website, or by email at support@pondprodirect.com.
Cancellations (After Order Ships)
Once an order has shipped or entered fulfillment, it may no longer be eligible for cancellation. If you no longer wish to keep the item, you must wait until delivery and then request a return.
A Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) is required before returning any item.
Custom or Made-to-Order Items
Custom or made-to-order products are produced specifically for your order and cannot be canceled or refunded once production has begun, except in cases of defect or error.
Product pages will clearly indicate when an item is custom or made-to-order. If you are unsure whether an item falls into this category, please contact us before placing your order.
Returns & Refunds
Returns are subject to the following conditions:
- Customers have 30 days from delivery to request a return, unless otherwise stated on the product page or by manufacturer policy
- Items must be unused, uninstalled, and in original packaging
- An RMA is required prior to returning any item
Because we ship products directly from manufacturers, return eligibility may vary by brand. If a manufacturer does not permit returns on a specific product, we may be unable to accept the return. Please contact us if you would like confirmation of return eligibility for a specific item.
Fees & Shipping Costs
- Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the item is defective or shipped in error
- Freight / LTL shipments may incur higher return shipping costs due to carrier fees
- Approved returns of non-defective items may be subject to a restocking fee of up to 25%
- Original outbound shipping charges are non-refundable
If you are exchanging an item rather than returning it outright, we may be able to assist with some costs depending on the product and manufacturer.
For full details, including freight deliveries, damage reporting requirements, and manufacturer-specific terms, please review our complete Return and Refund Policy
