Blue Thumb Elite 16" Small Spillway Falls Kit
Complete Compact Pondless Waterfall System
The Blue Thumb Elite 16" Small Spillway Falls Kit provides everything you need to create a professional pondless waterfall installation up to 6 feet long with a 1-2 foot wide stream. This complete, ready-to-install system delivers the sights and sounds of cascading water without the maintenance concerns of a traditional pond, making it perfect for homeowners who want a stunning water feature in compact spaces.
Elite Spillway Kits have become popular due to their compact size and durable design. This comprehensive kit includes the 16" Cascade Spillway Box, Pump Canyon vault, submersible pump, professional-grade liner and underliner, water matrix system, and all necessary plumbing and installation components. The low-maintenance design is ideal for small yards, patios, courtyards, or anyone seeking the beauty of water features without pond maintenance.
Key Features
- Complete Kit: Everything needed for professional installation (except rocks and gravel)
- 16" Spillway: Perfect for compact waterfall displays
- Compact Size: Ideal for small yards and tight spaces
- Low Maintenance: Pondless design eliminates pond upkeep
- Safe Design: No open water concerns for families with young children
- Durable Construction: Elite spillway and pump vault components
- Easy Installation: Complete with step-by-step instructions
System Specifications
- Maximum Size: 6' L × 1'-2' W stream
- Spillway Width: 16"
- Liner: Fish-friendly rubber liner with protective underliner
- Flex Pipe: Black PVC for clean installation
- Water Matrix: Underground reservoir system
Complete Kit Includes
- 16" Cascade Spillway Box
- Submersible Blue Thumb pump
- Pump Canyon® (vault)
- Pump discharge assembly
- Water matrix
- Black PVC flex pipe
- Installation kit with instructions
- Fish-friendly rubber liner
- Protective underliner
- MuckBuster water treatment
Note: Rocks and gravel not included.
How It Works
After excavating the basin and installing the basin matrix and liner, the pump is placed inside the Pump Canyon vault. The pump pushes water through PVC flex hose up to the Cascade Spillway Box at the top of your waterfall. Water flows over the spillway, cascades down your rock arrangement, and returns to the lined basin where it continues to recirculate. The basin is hidden beneath decorative stone, creating a natural-looking waterfall feature without visible standing water.
Easy Installation Steps
Step 1: Layout appropriate basin matrix and Pump Canyon configuration. Outline area with spray paint and excavate to required size and depth.
Step 2: Install underliner first, then rubber liner. Place Pump Canyon and matrix boxes on top of the liner. Backfill outside the lined basin area.
Step 3: Expand liner up your incline and place Cascade Box on liner over leveled area at the top.
Step 4: Place pump in the Pump Canyon. Connect plumbing from pump to Cascade Box.
Step 5: Cover matrix and Pump Canyon with decorative stone. Stack rocks to build the waterfall and stream. Fill with water and plug in pump to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does "pondless" mean?
A: A pondless waterfall has no visible pond. Water cascades down the waterfall and disappears into a hidden underground basin where it's recirculated by the pump. The basin is covered with decorative stone, creating a natural appearance.
Q: What size waterfall can I build with this kit?
A: This kit supports waterfalls up to 6 feet long with a 1-2 foot wide stream. The 16" spillway creates a beautiful cascade perfect for compact spaces like small yards, patios, and courtyards.
Q: What is included in the complete kit?
A: The kit includes the 16" spillway box, pump, pump vault, pump discharge assembly, water matrix, flex pipe, installation kit with instructions, liners, and MuckBuster water treatment. You provide rocks and gravel for the waterfall and basin covering.
Q: What is the Pump Canyon?
A: The Pump Canyon is a professional-grade vault that houses the pump in the underground basin, providing easy access for maintenance while protecting the pump and keeping it submerged.
Q: What is the water matrix?
A: The water matrix consists of stackable units that create the underground water reservoir. They provide structural support while maximizing water storage capacity in the hidden basin.
Q: Can I install this myself?
A: Yes. The kit includes complete installation instructions with step-by-step guidance. The project requires excavation, liner placement, and basic plumbing skills. Many DIYers successfully install pondless waterfalls, though professional installation is also available.
Q: How much rock and gravel do I need?
A: Rock and gravel requirements vary based on your design. You'll need decorative stone to cover the water matrix and build the waterfall cascade. Consult the installation guide for estimates based on your specific design.
Q: Is this safe for families with young children?
A: Yes. Pondless waterfalls eliminate the open water safety concerns of traditional ponds, making them ideal for families with young children or pets.
Q: What is MuckBuster?
A: MuckBuster is a water treatment product that helps maintain water clarity and reduce organic buildup in the basin, keeping your pondless waterfall clean and clear.