Top 10 Best Complete Pond Kits Reviewed

Pond Academy is reader-supported. Buying through links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Pond kits make it super easy to get a new pond up and running in no time.

Your typical kit will come with everything you need to get started, taking the guesswork out of what you may or may not need for your new pond.

And whether you’re looking for a backyard pond kit with a waterfall, or an indoor pond kit, or something in between, you’ll be able to find the perfect solution for your needs.

To make it even easier for you, we went out and found the best kits on the market today (and we update this post regularly) to help you find the perfect kit for your needs.

Comparison Chart

Here’s a comparison of our top picks for the most common types of pond kits available today. And while the word “best” is highly subjective, our criteria included:

  • Only the highest-rated pond kits for their particular category (we used several different sources for this)
  • Offered what we felt was a good value for the dollar
  • Lastly, we took into account our experience working with the few products that we actually have set up

Below the chart is a detailed review, including pros and cons, kit contents, and more for each of our top picks.

Description Type Price
Koolscapes 270 Gallon Pond Kits with Lighting Koolscapes 270 Gallon Pond Kit with Lighting Small Pond Kit Buy on Amazon
Simply Ponds 1200 Water Garden and Pond Kit 10 ft x 10 ft Simply Ponds 1200 Water Garden and Pond Kit Small Pond Kit Buy on Amazon
Algreen 600 Gallon Pond Kits with Lighting System Algreen 600 Gallon Pond Kit with Lighting System Large Pond Kit Buy on Amazon
Savio Signature 3000 Complete Water Garden and Pond Kits Savio Signature 3000 Complete Water Garden and Pond Kit Large Pond kit Buy on Amazon
Half Off Ponds PondBuilder 4000 Pond Kit With Waterfall & Skimmer Half Off Ponds PondBuilder 4000 Pond Kit With Waterfall & Skimmer Waterfall Pond kit Buy on Amazon
Simply Ponds 2100 Water Garden and Pond Kit Simply Ponds 2100 Water Garden and Pond Kit Waterfall Pond Kit Buy on Amazon
AquaScape 99765 DIY Ecosystem Backyard Pond Kit AquaScape 99765 DIY Ecosystem Backyard Pond Kit Waterfall Pond Kit Buy on Amazon
Algreen 91914 Avonlea Pond Kit Algreen 91914 Avonlea Pond Kit Preformed Pond kit Buy on Amazon
Algreen Manhattan Contemporary Terra Cotta Water Feature and Pond, 50-Gallon Algreen Manhattan Contemporary Terra Cotta Water Feature and Pond, 50-Gallon Above Ground or Indoor Buy on Amazon
Aquascape Aquatic Patio Pond Water Garden with Bamboo Fountain Aquascape Aquatic Patio Pond Water Garden with Bamboo Fountain Above Ground or Indoor Buy on Amazon

*Buying through links in this chart may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.

Small Pond Kits

If you’re looking to add a smaller pond to your backyard landscape, and by small we mean 300 gallons or less, then these garden pond kits are perfect for you.

Koolscapes 270 Gallon Pond Kit with Lighting

The Koolscapes pond kit is the perfect starter kit for a small backyard pond. The 8ft x 10ft non-toxic pond liner holds up to 300 gallons of water. All of which can be circulated through the included fountain with its 200 GPH pond pump.

For added affect, it comes with two floating lilies and a solar-powered floating light ball that will illuminate your pond at night.

This is a very simple (and basic) small pond setup. Though with some creative landscaping (not included) could look like a more expensive and elegant pond!

Kit Includes:

  • 8ft x 10ft pond liner (fish-friendly and non-toxic)
  • 200 GPH pond pump
  • 2 fountain heads with a telescopic riser and diverter
  • 2 floating water lilies (made from silk)
  • Floating light ball
  • Installation instructions

Pros

  • Everything you’ll need for a very simple pond setup
  • Cost-effective solution for a backyard pond
  • Comes with a fountain to help with pond aeration, water movement and provides ambient sound

Cons

  • Very basic pond kit (which isn’t necessarily a con, depending on what you’re looking for)
  • Could use a higher quality pond pump

Simply Ponds 1200 Water Garden and Pond Kit

The Simply Ponds 1200 Water Garden and Pond Kit is an excellent kit for a small outdoor pond. The 10ft x 10ft PVC liner will create a roughly 6ft x 6ft pons which will hold up to 400 gallons.

This kit features a powerful 1200 GPH pump with flow control, which powers the pond's waterfall and skimmer and keeps the water moving and oxygenated.

And they really thought of everything by including a 1-watt spotlight (which you can point at your waterfall for a more dramatic effect), pond starter to get the biological filtration going, and all the necessary acecssories (tubing and waterfall foam) to complete your new pond!

Kit Includes:

  • 10ft x 10ft PVC pond liner (non-toxic)
  • 10' x 10' UnderGuard Underlayment Nonwoven Geotextile
  • 1200 GPH pond pump
  • 10” Waterfall Weir
  • Skimmer with 5" Door
  • 1-Watt Mini Bronze Spot Light
  • 1" x 15' Black Vinyl Tubing
  • Waterfall Foam - 12 oz can
  • Biological pond starter

Pros

  • Everything you’ll need for a quality pond setup
  • Cost-effective solution for a backyard pond
  • Comes with a waterfall to help with pond aeration, water movement and provides ambient sound

Cons

  • Very basic pond kit (which isn’t necessarily a con, depending on what you’re looking for)

Large Pond Kits

If you’re looking to add a little more wow factor to your backyard then these large pond kits are the perfect way to do that.

Algreen 600 Gallon Pond Kit with Lighting System

The Algreen 600 pond kit is a step up from its little brother above. It comes with a larger 10ft x 12ft pond liner that holds up to 600 gallons of pond water.

The powerful pump moves 500 gallons per hour. Perfect for powering the fountain, which provides vital oxygen to the pond, water movement and creates a beautiful look and ambient sound.

Another feature that sets this kit apart from it’s little brother mentioned above (besides the size), is that it includes a “Triple Glo” lighting system, which you can use to illuminate your pond either blue, green, red, yellow or white.

Kit Includes:

  • 10ft x 12ft pond liner (non-toxic)
  • 500 GPH pond pump
  • 2 fountain heads with telescopic riser and diverter
  • Triple Glo lighting system
  • Installation instructions

Pros

  • A great deal for all of the equipment you get in this kit
  • Powerful 500 GPH pump (but see cons)
  • Comes with a fountain to help with pond aeration, water movement and provides ambient sound
  • Triple Glo lighting system to create a magical pond experience

Cons

  • Again, the pump could be stronger. And reading reviews, it has the tendency to prematurely stop working.

Savio Signature 3000 Complete Water Garden and Pond Kit

If you’re looking for a high-quality large pond kit with everything you need to get started, then the Savio Signature pond kit is for you!

The included 15ft x 15ft pond liner will make a 11ft x 11ft pond that holds up to 1,300 gallons of water at 1.5 feet deep. If you plan on adding fish and live in colder climates I’d definitely go deeper (2 feet at the very least to allow enough room for the fish to enter torpor in the winter months).

The Aqua Pulse 3000 GPH pond pump will provide plenty of water circulation while the skimmer filter and optional UV clarifier system will help keep your pond water clean and clear.

It even features a pond aeration system (Update: it doesn't look like the aeration system is included anymore) and waterfall to ensure your pond gets the oxygen it needs. Perfect if you plan on having a koi or fishpond.

Kit Includes:

  • 15ft x 15ft pond liner (non-toxic and fish-safe)
  • Savio Compact pond skimmer and filter with 8.5” weir
  • Aqua Pulse 3000 GPH pond pump
  • Savio 22" wide waterfall and filter
  • 400 square feet of underlayment
  • 5-inch x 25 feet of kink-free tubing
  • 1-watt bronze spotlight
  • 12 oz can of waterfall foam

Pros

  • Comes with everything you need for a large pond setup… and more!
  • All high-quality and durable components
  • Perfect pond kit for a koi or fish pond
  • Comes with a warranty on all the major components (warranty length depends on the component)
  • Includes all hardware and plumbing to get your pond up and running
  • Available in sizes ranging from 10ft x 10ft up to 20ft x 25ft

Cons

  • The very small 1-watt bronze light seems like an odd addition to such a large and high-quality pond kit. If you are looking for a strong lighting kit, you’ll have to purchase one separately. Check out our reviews of the best pond lights available

Pond Kits With Waterfall

Quickly and easily set up a beautiful pond with a cascading waterfall in your backyard with one of these popular kits.

Half Off Ponds Large Hybrid Pond Kit With Waterfall & Skimmer

If you’re looking for a koi pond kit, then the Half Off Ponds kit (which are put together by HalfoffPonds.com) would make an excellent choice!

These kits are put together using components 25ft 45 mil PVC PolyGuard pond liner, which could make a 13ft x 18ft pond at 3ft deep (which would be ideal for koi and other fish to hibernate in the deeper water during the winter months). Of course, the length, width, and depth are customizable to your needs.

The powerful 4,000 GPH pump will be more than sufficient to circulate the water and power the large 20" wide waterfall (which has a built-in filter) and the pond skimmer.

The kit comes with everything you need to get set up, including the underlayment, plumbing and fittings, and waterfall foam. And all of the major components are backed by a limited warranty.

Kit Includes:

  • 20ft x 25ft PVC PolyGuard pond liner
  • 500 sq. ft of underlayment
  • 20” wide waterfall with filter
  • 7" Pond skimmer
  • Aqua Pulse 4,000 GPH pond pump
  • 1.5 in x 25 ft kink-free tubing
  • 1-watt led bronze spotlight
  • Installation kit: waterfall foam, pipe fittings, instructions
  • Beneficial bacteria

Pros

  • Features high-quality components from leading brands
  • Perfect pond kit for a koi or fish pond
  • Comes with a warranty on all the major components (warranty length depends on the component)
  • Includes all hardware and plumbing to get your pond up and running
  • Available in sizes ranging from 15ft x 15ft up to 20ft x 25ft

Cons

  • Same as the Savio pond kit above, it comes with just a 1-watt light, which is OK, but seems odd to include one tiny light in such a large and high-quality kit. It could be ideal to just illuminate the waterfall, but you’ll need an additional lighting kit if you really want to illuminate your pond at night. Nitpicky, I know…

Simply Ponds 2100 Water Garden and Pond Kit

The Simply Ponds pond kit is another kit put together by HalfOffPonds that features high-quality components at a great price.

This kit features a 15ft x 20ft Lifeguard pond liner which could, for example, make an 8ft x 12ft pond at 3ft deep. This would be another good option if you’re looking to add koi or other fish to your pond.

The Manta submersible pond pump moves 2,100 gallons per hour. And the 16in wide waterfall (with filter) and pond skimmer will help ensure your pond water stays clean, clear and well oxygenated.

Everything you’ll need to be and running in no time is in this kit, including all piping, fittings, and sealing foam.

Plus, feel confident in your buying decision with their limited warranty on all the major components.

Kit Includes:

  • 15ft x 20ft Lifeguard pond liner (non-toxic and fish-safe)
  • Underguard geotextile underlayment
  • 16in wide waterfall with filter
  • 7in pond skimmer
  • Manta 2,100 GPH submersible pump
  • 5in x 25ft of PVC piping
  • 1-watt bronze light
  • Installation kit: waterfall foam, pipe fittings
  • Beneficial bacteria
  • Installation instructions

Pros

  • Features high-quality components from leading brands – at a great price
  • Perfect pond kit for a koi or fish pond
  • Comes with a warranty on all the major components (warranty length depends on the component)
  • Includes all hardware and plumbing to get your pond up and running
  • Available in sizes ranging from 10ft x 10ft up to 15ft x 20ft

Cons

  • No real cons other than the wimpy light it comes with, so same complaint as the kit above. Not really a big issue if you just want to use the light to highlight the waterfall at night.

AquaScape 99765 DIY Ecosystem Backyard Pond Kit

Aquascape is one of the leading and most trusted brands in the pond space, and their Aquascape DIY Ecosystem pond kit doesn’t disappoint.

It features a 12ft x 10ft EPDM pond liner, which could be used to make, for example, an 8ft x 10ft pond that’s 2ft deep.

Ensure crystal clear pond water with the kits pond skimmer and bio-filter (it even comes with biological media) that’s all powered by the AquaSurge 2000 pond pump.

Everything you need to get your new pond up and running is included in this waterfall pond kit: 25ft of piping, fittings, silicone sealant, waterfall foam sealant, and a welcome kit!

Kit Includes:

  • 12ft x 10ft EPDM pond liner (non-toxic and fish-safe)
  • Geotextile underlayment
  • BioFalls waterfall with bio-filter
  • Pond skimmer
  • AquaSurge 2,000 GPH pond pump
  • 5in x 25ft of kink-free piping
  • Installation kit: waterfall foam, pipe fittings, silicone and foam sealants
  • Welcome kit from Aquascape
  • Installation instructions

Pros

  • One of the most trusted brands in the industry, known for high-quality products
  • High-quality components for long-life
  • Includes all hardware and plumbing to get your pond up and running
  • Available in sizes ranging from 4ft x 6ft up to 8ft x 11ft

Cons

  • This is a great pond waterfall kit, but for the dollar, I feel like you get more with one of the two kits above. This is obviously preference, and perhaps this kit has features you want that you can’t find in one of the above kits (like biological filtration, for example).

Preformed Pond Kits

A preformed pond kit includes a hard and rigid pond liner, which can make installation even easier (and doesn’t require any pond-sculpting skills). While this is very appealing, keep in mind that preformed ponds are typically small in size and you’re stuck with the shape the pond comes in. Here’s one of our favorites!

Algreen 91914 Avonlea Pond Kit

The Algreen Avonlea pond kit is a super simple, and super easy to install kit.

This kit features a non-toxic and fish-safe rigid pond liner that makes installation a breeze. The liner comes with integrated plant shelves and is weather and UV resistant.

The 200 GPH pond pump has adjustable flow control and is used to power the water fountain.

You can even light up your pond with the SuperGlo LED lights that have adjustable colors including blue, green, yellow, red, and white.

And as an added touch, the kit comes with two silk water lilies that float in your new pond.

Kit Includes:

  • Non-toxic and fish-safe rigid pond liner (39in x 28in x 15in)
  • Pond pump (pumps 200 GPH)
  • Water fountain with 2 heads, 12in diverter, and telescopic riser
  • SuperGlo lighting system
  • 2 silk water lilies

Pros

  • Everything you need for a simple pond setup
  • Doesn’t require any pond-sculpting skills
  • The fountain will help with water movement and pond aeration

Cons

  • You're stuck with the shape and size of the pond – no customization

Above Ground & Indoor Pond Kits

Above ground and indoor pond kits are typically small in size, and lack some of the features available in an in-ground pond, but they are a great way to add visual appeal and ambient noise (if it has a fountain or waterfall).

Algreen Manhattan Contemporary Terra Cotta Water Feature and Pond, 50-Gallon

The Algreen Manhattan pond kit is a contemporary designed, above-ground pond that can be used indoors or outdoors.

The 40in x 20in x 18in basin is highly durable and won’t fade, crack or chip. The 500 GPH pump powers the included fountain, which helps add water movement, aeration, and visual appeal to the pond.

And feel free to add some goldfish to this pond for added visual appeal!

Comes with a 2-year limited manufacturer warranty.

Kit Includes:

  • 50-gallon above-ground basin
  • 500 GPH pond pump
  • Fountain and heads

Pros

  • High-quality and durable basin
  • Super easy to setup
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty
  • Can be used indoors or outdoors
  • Very low maintenance pond
  • Can easily move indoors in the winter time

Cons

  • Very limited to what you can do with this type of pond, compared to a large in-ground pond. But, hey, maybe you’re not looking for all of the features an in-ground pond offers.

Aquascape Aquatic Patio Pond Water Garden with Bamboo Fountain

The Aquascape Aquatic patio pond kit lets you set up a small patio or container pond up in just a few minutes.

The textured gray slate finish of this square pond gives it not only a high-quality look, but also makes it highly durable as it won’t crack, fade, or chip! This pond can be used indoors or outdoors (even in harsh elements).

The poly-resin bamboo fountain is powered with a built-in pump and adds pond aeration (great for if you add a goldfish) and ambient sound.

Throw in some pond plants like lilies to make it a truly unique above ground pond!

Kit Includes:

  • 16in square basin
  • Submersible pond pump
  • Bamboo style fountain
  • Tubing

Pros

  • Be up and running in minutes
  • Perfect for indoor or outdoor use
  • Adds ambient sound to any space
  • Low maintenance
  • Made from durable materials that won’t crack, chip, or fade

Cons

  • Same as the other above-ground ponds that we reviewed; you’re not going to get the full effect of having a backyard pond that has that wow factor. But not everybody is looking for that. And these smaller above-ground ponds certainly have their place (I have one in my office).

Important Items Not Included With Pond Kits

Pond kits are a great way to get your new pond up and running in no time. Plus, they take the guesswork out of finding the right sized pond pump, filter, and other components.

But… there are still some items you may need or at least want to consider when creating a pond paradise of your own.

  • Pond Dechlorinator: Before adding tap water to your pond, it should be dechlorinated. Why? Chlorine, found in your tap water, is harmful, and even deadly, to pond fish. Plus, it can kill your ponds beneficial bacteria, thus lowering water quality. Check out our Pond Dechlorinator guide for more information.
  • Landscaping: To give your new pond the finishing touch and make it truly unique, you’ll want to add some landscaping rocks, pond plants, and even throw in some pond decorations to give it that wow factor.
  • Water Test Kit: Using a pond water test kit is important to make sure parameters like PH, nitrites, nitrates, and ammonia are in check. In fact, this should be a part of your regular fall and spring maintenance.
  • Cleaning Tools: Inevitably, debris will blow into your pond, sludge will build up on the pond floor, weeds may start sprouting up… And the last thing you want to do is spend your free time constantly cleaning your pond by hand. In some cases, with larger ponds, hand cleaning might not even be a possibility. So, I recommend having a pond vacuum, a pond rake and/or a pond net handy.
  • Pond Thermometer: The temperature of your pond can have an effect on not only pond fish, but the entire eco-system of your pond. And it’s not just cold temp swings, as warm water can have its own set of issues. Learn more about temperature and how it can affect your pond with our Pond Temperature

Pin This Page For Future Reference