The six things pond kits leave out

September 30, 2026

A pond kit gets you the liner, the skimmer, the filter and the pump. It does not quite get you through install day.

The list

Every build also needs foam sealant to keep water running over the waterfall rocks instead of behind them, dechlorinator for the first fill, starter bacteria to get the filter working, netting for the first autumn, silicone sealant for the fittings, and an automatic fill valve to top the pond up as it evaporates.

At list price those six come to about $166. Forgetting one means a second trip to the supplier, often on the day you wanted to fill the pond.

In PondTools

PondTools adds all six to the parts list for the pond you drew, sized for its volume, along with the boulders and gravel by the ton.