Professional Filtration. Easier Maintenance. More Creative Freedom.
Russell Pondless Systems™ is now: HydroPure™ Filtered Pondless Systems The same professional filtered pondless technology, under our new HydroPure™ brand name.
Ships by motor freight on a pallet with lift-gate delivery
Ahi Series HydroPure™ Filtered Pondless System
Create a stunning, low-maintenance small backyard water feature with the Ahi Series HydroPure™ Filtered Pondless System. This compact system features a 16" wide cascading waterfall flowing downward approximately 18", before traveling to and disappearing through the advanced HydroSieve™ pre-filter into the underground HydroChamber™ water storage system.
The best pondless waterfall kits are designed for easy cleaning and long-term performance. That's exactly what you get with the Ahi Series HydroPure™ Filtered Pondless System.
✔ No gravel pits
✔ No messy cleanouts
✔ No hidden maintenance problems
Just clean, clear, beautiful water — made simple.
Why This Pondless Waterfall Kit Is Different
Unlike conventional pondless waterfall kits that feature rock and gravel covered matrix blocks, the Ahi Series HydroPure™ Filtered Pondless System includes:
Conventional pondless waterfall kits utilize rock and gravel covered matrix block basins for water storage. The rock, gravel, and matrix blocks trap debris and are extremely difficult to clean.
👉 The truth? They can only be cleaned by hand - if at all.
HydroPure™ Filtered Pondless Systems No Gravel Basins. No Maintenance Headaches.
Conventional pondless waterfall kits and systems use rock and gravel to filter debris - but:
Debris gets buried deep in the gravel
Organic matter breaks down into sludge
Water turns brown or green and smells terrible
Algae growth increases rapidly
And cleaning it? Nearly impossible.
HydroPure™ Filtered Pondless Systems Eliminate this Problem Entirely
All pondless waterfalls collect:
Dust and pollen
Bird waste and feathers
Animal hair and dander
Leaves, blossoms, and organic debris
Airborne pollutants and phosphates
If you have a pondless waterfall without both a pre-filter and a waterfall filter, what do you think happens to all this windblown debris?
Without proper filtration, debris remains in the system to rot, decay, feed algae, and degrade water quality.
That’s why every kit includes both a Hydro Vortex™ Waterfall Filter and HydroSieve™ Pre-Filter:
Advanced Filtration = Cleaner Water, and Less Algae
Captures windblown debris for easy routine removal
Benefits of an Ahi Series HydroPure™ Filtered Pondless System 16" Pondless Waterfall Kit
16" wide Waterfalls up to 3,000 GPH (50 GPM)
The Ahi Series™ HydroPure™ Filtered Pondless Systems are engineered for maximum design flexibility, easy maintenance, and cleaner water - something conventional rock and gravel basin based pondless systems simply can't match.
Unlimited Design Flexibility
With a fully modular pondless waterfall system, you're no longer locked into one design layout.
Place your waterfall anywhere in your landscape
Install the HydroSieve™ pre-filter remotely and out of site
Position the HydroChamber™ near your power source
Or install everything together - it's your choice
"Design without limits. Build without compromise."
Why Conventional Pondless Waterfall Kits Fall Short
Gravel-Filled Reservoir vs. Pre-Filtered Water Storage
Most pondless waterfall kits - regardless of the brand - use rock and gravel-covered basins that:
Must sit directly under the last waterfall
Trap debris and organic waste
Cannot be easily cleaned
Promote algae growth and odors
Offer zero design flexibility
Pondless waterfall kits sold online commonly include “waterfall starters,” “waterfall spillways,” or “scuppers.” Regardless of the name, these components are water diffusers—not water filters. They simply spread water as it exits a pipe and provide no mechanical or biological filtration.
If you can't easily clean it, it won't stay beautiful.
How the Ahi Series HydroPure™ Filtered Pondless System Works
The Ahi Series uses a true filtration system, not a gravel trap:
Water is pumped from the HydroChamber™
It enters the Ahi Hydro Vortex™ patented backwashable waterfall filter
Water flows up through the Hydro FilterSilk™ bio media, removing dissolved organics and fine particulates
Clean, polished water cascades over your waterfall
Water travels downstream into the HydroSieve™ pre-filter, capturing leaves and debris in a Stainless Steel filter basket for easy removal
Clean water returns to the HydroChamber™ and repeats the cycle
Result:Cleaner water, less algae, and better performance.
True “Pondless” Operation
When the system is off:
Water is stored underground inside the HydroChamber™
No standing or visible water remains
This makes it safer for children, pets, and wildlife, while maintaining a clean landscape appearance.
HydroPure™ Filtered Pondless Systems Make Pondless Waterfalls EASY to Clean!
Unlike pondless systems that store water beneath rock and gravel, HydroPure™ Filtered Pondless Systems are designed for simple, routine maintenance — without draining the entire system, removing the pump, or pressure washing a gravel-filled reservoir.
Here’s how easy it is:
1. Rinse the Waterfalls and Stream
With the waterfall pump running, use an ordinary garden hose to rinse leaves, debris, and fine particulates downstream from the waterfalls and stream down into the HydroSieve™ pre-filter for easy removal.
There is no need to remove the pump for routine cleaning or maintenance as with conventional rock and gravel based pondless systems. Pump removal is only necessary when winterizing the pondless waterfall.
Grab the stainless steel filter basket by its handle, which remains conveniently above the waterline. Lift out the basket, empty the collected debris, rinse it clean with a garden hose, and place it back inside the HydroSieve™.
That’s it — no reaching into a dirty underground reservoir to clean or remove the pump.
3. Drain the Hydro Vortex™ Waterfall Filter
Turn your pump off and then open the drain valve located at the bottom backside of the Hydro Vortex™ waterfall filter and allow the filter to drain completely.
You’ll see dirty water and trapped particulates being flushed from the filter.
Every Hydro Vortex™ waterfall filter includes a drain, drain pipe, and drain valve for easy cleaning and backwashing.
4. Backwash the Hydro Vortex™ Filter
Hydro Vortex™ waterfall filters can be cleaned with the HydroFlush™ Backwash System simply by turning two valves and letting your pump do all the work for you, or manually with an ordinary garden hose.
HydroFlush™ Backwash System
With the pump off and the filter's drain valve open, turn the HydroFlush™ valve to the BACKWASH position and turn on the pump.
Water is redirected to the Froth Jet at the top of the Hydro Vortex™ filter, where it shoots upward before falling back down onto and through the Hydro FilterSilk™ media. This flushes accumulated debris downward and out through the filter drain.
Continue backwashing until the water exiting the drain runs clear.
Close the drain valve and return the HydroFlush™ valve to the FILTER position.
Manual Backwash
With the pump off and the filter's drain valve open, rinse fresh water with an ordinary garden hose from the top of the Hydro Vortex™ filter and down through the Hydro FilterSilk™ bio media.
There is no need to remove or disassemble the filter media.
Continue rinsing until the water exiting the drain runs clear. Then close the drain valve and restart the pump.
Hydro Vortex™ Filter is Clean
When water flowing out of the drain valve runs clear, the Hydro Vortex™ filter, and the Hydro FilterSilk™ bio media inside are clean. Close the drain.
5. Replace the Backwash Water
If your HydroPure™ system is equipped with an automatic water-fill float valve, it will automatically replace the small amount of water used during backwashing by refilling the system inside the HydroChamber™.
Without an automatic water-fill valve, simply add the replacement water with a garden hose.
6. Turn On the Waterfalls and Enjoy!
Turn on the pump and enjoy your clean, clear pondless waterfall.
That’s it. You’re done.
No draining the entire system.
No removing the pump.
No pressure washing a gravel-filled reservoir.
No tearing the pondless waterfall apart just to clean it.
Your pondless waterfall should be easy for YOU to maintain.
Empty the HydroSieve™ whenever needed. Backwash the Hydro Vortex™ filter in minutes. Rinse your waterfalls and stream with a garden hose as often as you like.
You decide how pristine you want your pondless waterfall — and how often you want to maintain it.
There’s no need to wait for an expensive annual clean-out or pay someone to dismantle and pressure wash your pondless waterfall.
With simple routine rinsing, pre-filtration, and backwashing, accumulated organic debris is removed from the system instead of being allowed to collect beneath the rocks and gravel.
Before You Buy Any Pondless Waterfall, Ask One Question:
“How do I clean it?”
Because after the installation is finished, it will be your pondless waterfall.
Pamela was a huge help with pre-order sizing and instructing me via email/phone during the install when I had a few questions. I actually got a custom kit with a 40' liner and the larger SH-4020 pump. The install was pretty "by the book" per the install instructions she provided. I was able to complete the entire project by myself. Everything is working great. I am so glad I went with the Russell system rather than having to deal with cleaning out muck from rocks and matrix boxes. I just clean out the skimmer basket and backwash occasionally.
After months of research, I found that the filtration, cleanout, backwash and pondless capabilities of this system was the ideal solution for my situation. The service was exceptional, very helpful and responsive.
Just installed an 11' high pondless waterfall with 66 feet of water course. The Hydro Sieve Pre-filter, Vortex Filter and Hydro Chamber system is the simplest and most common sense system out there. The Russell Water Garden website is informative and makes it easy for any DIYr. And the customer service from Pamela is top-notch, always quick to respond and great answers to my questions. Definitely recommend this company and their products.
Very impressed with the quality of the waterfall, stream and water garden pond kit. I’ll be happy to share pictures once it is finished. So looking forward to watching our grandchildren splash in the stream and catch frogs in the pond.
I chose the Ahi kit as it was the perfect size for our yard and the look we wanted with both a waterfall and small pond. Pamela at Russell Watergardens was incredibly helpful with my many questions before and after purchase. She was generous with her time and sent me videos/photos to give me ideas on fountains built by others so I could be confident about building our own. Russell Watergardens also has a wealth of information on their website and YouTube for “How to Build it,” Maintenance, and Tips. We are really pleased with the results and look forward to adding sod and a few native plantings to the surrounding area next spring. I highly recommend Russell Watergardens if you want the best DIY water feature.
The Marlin products are straightforward to apply. Pamela was great about clarifying any questions I had. Mine is a large feature with an eleven foot high waterfall and 66 feet of stream and I was not able to complete it to the point of turning on the water before the snow arrived. I will send Russell Watergardens a video when I get there.
This kit from Russell Watergardens is fantastic. Has everything you need to build a really nice water feature. This really is the only system out there that allows for system cleaning with low fuss and hassle. The service and support is also great. I am a 100% satisfied customer.
I decided to get the pondless waterfall package because I wanted something that was all-in-one, provided a solution that was nearly maintenance free, and would not have standing water to attract bugs. Russell's was the only solution I found that met all my needs. I looked at countless other solutions and ultimately decided on this one. Things that especially stood out to me after the install was the quality of the product, the directions/support, as well as the fact that everything was included....even things such as foam and pvc glue.
I’ve wanted to build a water feature for years but the time or place was never right. In 2023 everything came together to finally do it. I had been emailing back-and-forth with Pam Russell for several years about my plans for a Pond less waterfall while doing a lot of research. I had settled on Russell Water Gardens to use as the backbone for my build. The combination of design, quality and outstanding customer service lead to that decision. During the pre-purchase planning and design phase, Pam was simply outstanding. I would have made a lot of mistakes without her guidance. She’s a very quick communicator, extremely knowledgeable about the products as well as about the design of waterfalls. I had a ton of questions and she never seemed to grow tired of them. Her knowledge and input into my design and purchase of materials was simply invaluable. She even helped navigate the somewhat tricky logistics for the delivery, which is more complicated than you might think when you don’t live in an urban area. Now to the products. My project was a rather ambitious DIY first time built I admit. It features two waterfall heads combining into a single stream about halfway down a 15 foot drop hill in my backyard. The total water course is about 45 feet long and 2 feet wide. Pam helped me determine the amount of water volume that it would have and the materials it would take. I ended up with two hydro sieves at the end collection point. These two sieves connected to three Hydro Chambers. I used the Hydro Vortex at the top. With the length and and flow rate that, I wanted, I chose one of the larger external, 1350 gps extern pumps. She helped me with the planning and where to pomace the pump accommodate the head and flow characteristics to give me a good amount of water volume. Working alone, the project was definitely hard work, but was a labor of love and a dream come true for me. We have yet to finish the plantings around the waterfall, but are enjoying it nonetheless. I can’t recommend Russell Watergardens highly enough, and specificially Pam as an invaluable resource.
This produce seems to be the best for Pondless Waterfalls compared to other brand. Yes its more money but worth it in the long run. Pamela has been so helpfull to someone know nothing about creating a waterfall
I have been using Russell Water Gardens for years. We use the pond less components for our water features. We feel like they give us an unmatched quality and functionality. Service is excellent. They take good care of us.
After researching different types of water features i choose the Russell water garden for the low maintenance and the easiness of installation. I replaced a small fountain in my back yard with a 5’ wide by 20’ long water fall and stream. The standing water in my fountain needed cleaned and replaced frequently which took time. With the hydro tanks large water capacity and ease of refilling(i choose the manual fill system) over auto fill since my hose bib was not in a convenient location, simply lift the lid and add water with hose. The pre filter leading to hydro tank is the key! It allows you to quickly and easily remove all debris from system before it goes into hydro chamber where pump is located. This was the biggest problem with my fountain pump. Every week or two i would have to disassemble clean the gunk around inlet of pump(water would actually quit flowing ) and reassemble, alot of work. With the pre filter basket all debris is captured before getting to pump, just as described in the video.
In addition Pamela Russell was always available by email or phone, (email worked best ) to answer my questions as i was installing my water feature. It is now the center piece of our backyard adding both value and charm with many years of enjoyment to come. I would highly recommend!
Dave W
Venetia Pa
My husband decided he wanted a waterfall on our hillside which is located next to our home. I had zero knowledge but tried for weeks to figure it out by myself via reading blogs and watching youtube videos. Then I discovered Russell Watergardens. I called Pamela and had many conversations leading me to decide her brand was the best choice. I told her that I wanted the falls to be easy to maintain, variable in flow & sound, and easy to install. She assembled a custom kit for me which included 2 pumps. I could run 1 or the other or both in order to be quiet at night or loud while entertaining. I ended up hiring an experienced 2 man crew to install the waterfall… and I’m so glad I did! The rocks were heavy and the ground needed to be jackhammered in order to get the holding tank & filter system into the ground. All of our visitors love the relaxing sound of our waterfall, as do we. A big thanks to Pamela Russell for her guidance!
It took us several years of planning to get to the point of ordering materials to build the waterfall. We were dealing with soft sand on the hill and were concerned about how we were going to keep the hill secure and not wash away. We got the materials to make the waterfall and it took my husband several weekends to get the work done as he was working by himself. He did get help with the pond liner, but other than that, he was able to install the 2 large units, top of the waterfall and at the bottom, but it wasn't without a lot of muscle and reading the directions over and over. The only thing we would suggest is to make the directions easier to understand with pictures of the different parts and connections easier to see in the pictures. We finally hired a professional landscape person to come and do the rocks for us as we were frustrated with how to place them properly to look natural. We needed to order larger rocks to make the pond look better. The waterfall is not complete yet. We need to put in more river rock and plant trees and bushes alongside the waterfall. We have a lot of deer with sharp hoofs that have been walking through the riverbed and we are concerned they will puncture holes in the liner, but we will know better this spring when we start the waterfall again. In the picture, you see koi fish, but that was a very temporary thing as a friend wanted to see how his fish would do in the stream. They looked beautiful swimming in the riverbed, but the water was not deep enough for them. Also, we have critters that got a few of them overnight so we knew that having koi was not a practical thing to do! But, all in all, we are VERY happy with the equipment that we received because it can handle a lot of water making the waterfall flow so well and it sounds wonderful. If we were to do it again, we would definitely order from you again.
This review is as much about the products as it is about the team. Russell's products are outstanding and I could not be happier with the final outcome and how easy it is to maintain.
However, the real gem is the team's willingness to coach and advise before and during the project. Pam was wonderful and happily answered the 'dumb questions' along the way.
I don't plan to tackle another project like this again, but if I did there is ZERO chance I would do it with anyone else!
The water feature kit is exactly what I was hoping for. The installation sequence is well thought out and the practicality of the maintenance is easy. Thank you for all your assistance with our project.
This water feature is the topic of conversation for all our guests. And we installed this ourselves to make sure it was done right. Best yard I ever had. Love this product. We have a heater installed so we can watch our "Jemez River" flow all year round!
Unfortunately, as of this date, I still have not started the water feature due to a number of family health issues. However, I hope to start this project sometime this coming summer.
Thanks for keeping me in your communication loop.
Regards,
Bill Tierney
Russell Watergardens helped me create a custom kit for a pond less waterfall in my backyard. The instructions were easy to follow and the kit was simple to install. This was the first time I attempted a project like this and I did the entire installation myself. While it took me several weekends and a lot of hard work the results were well worth it. I have gotten lots of complements not only from my neighbors but also from professional landscapers. The system works as advertised and is so easy to maintain. I run the pump 24/7 without any issues. I really like the Hydro Sieve filter as it makes cleaning out debris very easy. I would highly recommend Russell Watergardens.
I like the whole concept and idea of your pondless kit but the water tank is just to big for my small space, do you have a smaller size or do you have any suggestion. My space is only 3.5’ x 5.5’.
pretty impressive. have had now for about a year and am getting ready to buy a 2nd one for when I upgrade the pond. the ease of cleaning is fantastic! worth every penny!
The Piper skimmer helps keep my pond clear by moving floating debris into an easily removed basket and brushes that are easy to hose off without getting wet. It has helped make my pond maintenance easier. I am happy I tried it.
This is a perfect skimmer for my small, raised pond. It so easy to open lid, pull out the net and brushes and hose them off. It takes a few minutes and I don't get dirty. It catches surface debris easily. I am very happy with this purchase.
Russell Watergardens put together a pondless waterfall “kit†for us that I installed this past Summer (2017). I did 100% of the installation. The project was hard work, but it was also fun. The instructions were very clear and thorough. I was missing a couple of parts, which were immediately sent to me upon my request. Soon after starting the pump it quit working due to a broken cover. A replacement part was promptly sent to me. The system has now been operational for three months. I have had no problems whatsoever. I am amazed that I have not had to add any water since starting the system. The hydro chamber more than adequate capacity. I have a heavy duty timer so the pump runs only during daylight hours. The filter system is very efficient. Leaves that have collected this fall were many. Nevertheless the Sieve also has substantial capacity. The water flow had been unaffected. All in all this is a very fine product and working with Russell Watergardens has been a great experience. We placed our waterfall on the corner of the lot where anyone driving or walking by can enjoy it. We have made our neighbors very happy. Thank you Russell Watergardens for great products and service.
Pam,
Thank you for the recommendation of the new HBV filter. My koi pond is 3000 gallons and holds right now 19 good size Koi. July is always a difficult month to maintain water clarity. Overnight the results I saw were amazing. The water is so clear that I can now see each grain of sand and wrinkle in the liner to the 4.5 foot depth of the pond. I am still getting us to the process of backflushing but it is pretty easy. The pond has never looked better!
The Intake Bay Clogged with Leaves and Shut Down the Pumps Within 24 Hours.
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You’ve probably heard that pondless waterfalls are “low maintenance.” But that is simply not true – by ignoring routine maintenance, you are simply deferring it until you need an expensive annual ...
The Intake Bay Clogged with Leaves and Shut Down the Pumps Within 24 Hours.
This case study follows a Pensacola, Florida homeowner whose brand-new $70,000 recreational (built by a Certified Aquasca...
Aquascape ponds are marketed as beautiful, natural water features that bring life and tranquility to a backyard.
But what many homeowners aren’t told before installation is the long-term maintenanc...
Many homeowners discover too late that Aquascape-style ponds often require expensive annual cleanings to remove sludge, algae, and debris trapped in the filter and gravel bottom. In this article we...
You’ve probably heard that pondless waterfalls are “low maintenance.” But that is simply not true – by ignoring routine maintenance, you are simply deferring it until you need an expensive annual ...
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