Why You Need a Pond Skimmer
A pond skimmer captures floating debris from the surface before it sinks to the pond floor. By catching leaves and other debris early, the skimmer helps improve water quality and keeps your pond looking its best.
Hiding the Pond Pump and Plumbing
In addition to cleaning the surface, the pond skimmer also protects and houses the pump. The water must first flow through either a net, a basket or bristles. They catch leaves and other debris. The water then flows through a filter pad where slightly smaller debris is caught. The water that reaches the pump should have minimal debris, allowing the pump to run unobstructed.
This is a Savio skimmer. There has bene tape places on the side of the skimmer opening to watch the water level.
The Skimmer is a Good Guide for Water Level
Generally, the top of the water should be about two finger widths from the top of the opening or at the 2nd screw down on the faceplate. This creates a suction at the top of the water, which is essential for the skimmer to function effectively.
As the skimmer sucks from the top of the water, the floating debris is pulled in. About 2 inches of water flowing over is perfect.
This is a view from inside the skimmer. You can see the opening and the water is roughly to the level of the 2nd screw. Tape was placed inside to help monitor the water level.
Adjustable Skimmer Openings
The skimmer window usually stays in place and is not movable. However, many newer skimmers from Aquascape, feature an adjustable skimmer window. The ability to move the window opening higher or lower is very helpful. In the winter we move ours lower so that as the water freezes into ice, the window will still be low enough for the water to reach the pump even when the pond is icing over in the coldest of temperatures.
This skimmer has a large window opening. You can see the bristles hanging down that the water has to flow through before reaching the pump.
Issues with Missing or Misaligned Skimmer Doors
The skimmer door usually has a hinge and because it somewhat blocks the water flow as it floats, it is helping to keep about 2 inches of water flowing over so that it has the best suction at the top of the water. As the water level goes up and down a bit, the skimmer door helps to keep the right level of water moving through the window opening.
A pond without a skimmer door will not have the best skimming off the surface. When the pond skimmer door is missing and the opening allows more than 5 inches of water, the skimmer is sucking from underneath the surface. While this still pulls in water, it is less effective at skimming debris from the surface.
Replace the skimmer door if it is missing to help the equipment do its job better.
To make sure you or your pond service company are getting the right skimmer door, take a picture of your skimmer and measure the window opening to ensure you know what size to get.
This is a good close up of the skimmer faceplate and the door found on many skimmers.
New to the Pond? Identify Your Pond Skimmer
Are you unsure if your pond even has a skimmer? Look around the perimeter of your pond. There is usually a black box that holds the pump. Pond water enters through an opening in this box. Inside, there is typically a basket or net to catch debris as it comes in. The skimmer box often has a lid that is black or looks like a flat rock. If you are new to ponds and need to learn more click HERE.
Understanding the importance of a pond skimmer door and how to adjust it can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your pond. Regular maintenance and proper adjustment of your skimmer will help you keep your pump running and the pond looking good!