A pond skimmer is a “must-have” tool for a complete pond filtration system. Whether you have a pond that features a relaxing waterfall, an elegant fountain, or a fish pond that is stocked with brightly-colored Koi fish, a pond skimmer will capture any debris that is floating on the surface of the water and will keep your aquatic paradise clean and vibrant.
The 5 Best Pond Skimmers
- TetraPond In-Pond Skimmer
- Little Giant 14940172 Pond Skimmer
- OASE 57395 Aquaskim Pond Skimmer
- HALF OFF PONDS – LH4-5200 Complete PRO Water Garden & Pond Kit
- Helix Skimmer Package (Our Top Pick)
Our Top Pick for the Best Pond Skimmer
Our top pick for the best pond skimmer is the Helix Skimmer Package.
As well as being an award-winning skimmer, the heavy-duty skimmer filter features a rugged design that makes it a great choice for tough pond environments and extreme weather conditions. It is also fish-friendly. The skimmer is very versatile and can be matched with external or submersible pumps. Its highly effective filtration system makes it the perfect choice for any type of pond or water garden.
Check the price on AmazonWhy Your Water Feature Needs a Ponds Skimmer
For a complete filtration system, a pond skimmer works in conjunction with your biological or mechanical pond filter or pump. As a pond is constantly exposed to the outdoor elements, the water can become clogged with all types of debris, from leaves or twigs from trees, and also biological waste can collect on the surface of the water from any flowers, plants or fish that are in the water or vegetation that surrounds the pond.
A pond skimmer is a mechanical filter, which collects and traps any debris through the use of a screen, net, or basket as the water passes through the filter. Once the filter is full, you can easily remove the screen, net, or basket, clean it and return it to the skimmer so that it can continue to clean your pond.
As most ponds are closed water systems, unlike a river or flowing stream, any debris that floats on the surface will eventually sink to the bottom of the pond and will start to decay, which can cause your pond to become dirty and unsafe for your fish, wildlife, or plants. Even though a high-quality filter, whether it be a submersible or external filter, can process a lot of the debris, it can become clogged without the help of a skimmer.
The skimmer is designed to be installed on the surface of the water so it is well-placed to act as the first stage of a pond’s filtration system. So whether you have a pond or fountain, you need a skimmer to keep your water feature in tip-top shape.
Place the Skimmer in the Best Position for Optimal Filtration
You can place most skimmers anywhere around the pond. However, depending on the skimmer’s design, and to be able to get optimal filtration, make sure that you place the skimmer wherever the flow or current of the water encourages debris to flow into the skimmer. You can accomplish this by firstly placing your pond pump inside the filter if you have a submersible pump.
If you are using an external pump, connect the pump’s intake tube or pipe to the skimmer. This will allow the water to flow naturally into the skimmer. It will also make sure that any floating debris will be caught in the filter basket.
What is the Difference Between a Filter and a Skimmer?
A pond filter can be submersible, which means it is submerged under the water at the bottom of the pond. Or an external pump that can be placed anywhere around the edge of the pond or hidden amongst a waterfall rock display. Pond filters can use either a biological or mechanical filtration system. They keep the pool clean from impurities and help to improve the pond’s environment by maintaining the proper nutrient and bacteria balance in the water.
The filter works by drawing in dirty water and then filtering it through specially designed foam material or bio-balls and then it feeds the clean water back into the pond.
The skimmer acts as a pivotal debris-collecting tool for any sort of pond or water feature. This very handy device catches any floating debris before the water is sent on to be cleaned from any impurities by the pond filter.
If you want a vibrant pond that is bursting with flourishing water plants and happy fish or wildlife, a high-quality skimmer that is working in conjunction with a pond filter and a pond pump provides you with a holistic filtration system, which will maintain a beautiful pond that will be the pride and joy of your garden.
How to Choose a Pond Skimmer
Pond skimmers come in different sizes and designs. So here are four key points to consider as you search for your perfect skimmer:
1. Skimmer Size
If you have a small pond, then choose a skimmer like the TetraPond Skimmer. It has a compact design. You can use it to effectively filter debris from 1,000-gallon ponds, fish ponds or water gardens.
If you have a medium to a large-sized pond, the OASE 57395 Aquaskim Pond Skimmer is the perfect choice for collecting all sorts of debris from the surface of the pond. The award-winning Helix Skimmer Package is also an excellent choice for Koi fish ponds as it is very versatile. You can use it for all types of ponds that have a flow rate of 1,500-8,000 GPH.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that the skimmer should always match the flow rate of your pond pump. So check the specifications of your pump before choosing and purchasing your skimmer.
2. Easy to Clean
As skimmers do their filtering work on the surface of the pond, they can get full very quickly, especially during the Fall season or when there has been a storm. The best type of skimmer is one that is easy to clean out and empty. The TetraPond is a very good choice for high-maintenance ponds as it has a flip-top-cover that allows you to easily remove debris. And the Oase Aquaskim Pond Skimmer features a simple design and it is very easy to maintain.
3. Durability
If you have a medium or large-sized pond that has a lot of vegetation and fish, or if you live in an area that experiences a lot of extremely cold weather, you need a heavy-duty skimmer that can survive tough pond and weather conditions.
Some pond skimmers are just not designed to collect a lot of debris and their material can crack and deteriorate very quickly if they are used in areas that have snow and ice. A heavy-duty skimmer like the high-quality Helix Skimmer Package is specially designed for extreme pond conditions and weather as it features a rugged body that can handle heavy freeze-thaw cycles.
4. Fish-Friendly Skimmers
Fish are naturally curious creatures, and unfortunately, they can find a skimmer an irresistible temptation, which can result in the fish entering the skimmer and getting caught inside. So if you have a pond that is stocked with colorful Koi or Goldfish, then choose a skimmer that has a floating weir door, a detachable door, or a skimmer that has a net that stops any fish from getting stuck inside the unit.
5 Best Pond Skimmers – Reviews
1. TetraPond In-Pond Skimmer
This compact and versatile pond skimmer from TetraPond can be used to filter debris from 1,000-gallon ponds, fish ponds or water gardens that have waterfalls. Its innovative design makes it very easy to set-up, install, and maintain. The TetraPond In-Pond skimmer works in conjunction with your existing pond filter and enhances water movement.
It will also keep your water feature clean by skimming off the debris before it sinks down to the bottom of the pool.
The pond skimmer has a floating weir door, which makes this skimmer a great choice for fish ponds. There is a removable debris basket for easy cleaning. And also a mechanical filter pad to trap all kinds of pond debris. The flip-top-cover allows you quick access for convenient filter maintenance. You can use the skimmer with flexible flat liners or preformed ponds, without having to cut the liner to attach the filter.
The skimmer comes with a 1¼-inch tubing and installation instructions. It can also be used with Water Garden 550, 1,000, and 1,900 GPH pumps. The TetraPond skimmer is covered by a two-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Very effective skimmer
- Good quality
- Easy to install
- Low maintenance
- Ideal for ponds up to 1,000-gallon
- Can be used for fish ponds
- Two-year limited warranty
Cons
- Have to weigh it down as it is very lightweight
2. Little Giant 14940172 Pond Skimmer
The Little Giant 14940172 Pond Skimmer is a reliable, effective, and high-quality pond cleaning tool. It is also a very good value for money. It is made from sturdy high-density polyethylene that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. The circular skimmer generates continuous water circulation for 10,000 GPH ponds. It is also compatible with all types of filtration systems and submersible or non-submersible pumps.
This skimmer has a compact space-saving design which means it will not take up a lot of space in your pond. It leaves the water debris-free so that your biological filtration system does not have to work as hard. The end result is a crystal clear pond that is safe for your fish and aquatic plants.
If you want to use the skimmer for your fish pond, the large heavy-duty net catches large debris and an inlet mesh screen stops any wayward fish or frogs from being stuck inside the unit.
The skimmer box provides enough room to hold a large submersible pump down at the bottom. It also comes with a sturdy easy-to-remove lid with an optional sand fill port, a lockable door, four easy to clean filter brushes, and an installation guide.
If you are installing a new pond, and have a flat pond liner, you will have to cut the liner to install the skimmer. However, the unit’s design makes it very easy to attach the skimmer to any type of pond liner. Little Giant also offers a 5000 GPH skimmer.
Pros
- High-quality skimmer
- Durable
- Simple design
- Easy to install
- Ideal for fish ponds and water gardens
Cons
- Have to pre-cut liner to install the filter
3. OASE 57395 Aquaskim Pond Skimmer
An easy to install filtering device, the OASE 57395 Aquaskim Pond Skimmer is the perfect choice for collecting debris from the surface of a medium to a large-sized pond. The OASE skimmer is compatible with an Aquamax dual inlet pump. You can also use it in combination with a Biosmart filter or any pump that can process 1,600 to 3,500 GPH. The floating basket compensates for differences in the water depth of up to 160mm. And the adjustable length support tube allows you to set the perfect height for your pond.
With a host of innovative features, the OASE skimmer will keep your pond super clean from all types of floating matter such as large leaves, which can contribute to excessive algae growth and cloudy or green water. The optimized floating top gives improved performance. The plastic filter basket has an enlarged mesh strainer with a width of 8mm that gives you longer service life.
Pros
- Suitable for any type of pond
- Very effective
- Fast working
- Can be installed in ponds that have different water levels
- Very good quality
- Easy to install and maintain
Cons
- Basket fills up very quickly
- Needs to be weighed down
- Small fish can be stuck in the basket
4. HALF OFF PONDS – LH4-5200 Complete PRO Water Garden & Pond Kit
If you want to start your own Koi pond or water feature with a gentle waterfall, the HALF OFF PONDS LH4-5200 Complete PRO Water Garden & Pond Kit contains everything you need to create a beautiful idyllic oasis. The high-quality, easy-to-install DIY pond-building kit can be used to build a 20 x 20-foot 5,200 GPH water garden or Koi fish pond.
This kit includes components from leading manufacturers like the Pondbuilder Crystal Falls skimmer that has a two-stage mechanical filtration system that cleans the pond’s surface free of debris. Its filter mat and mesh leaf net catch the debris before it can settle onto the bottom of the pond. The skimmer also has a large door and a secure natural-looking lid.
The kit also comes with a 20 x 20-foot LifeGuard 45-mil EPDM pond liner, an UnderGuard geotextile underlayment, an Aqua Pulse 5,200 GPH pump, a Savio Livingponds 22-inch waterfall filter, Patriot Spot Light, flexible piping, plumbing fixtures, instructions, a can of Savio Black Foam, and a bottle of Rescue Water Treatment Beneficial Bacteria. All you need to add are some bio balls and extra silicone sealant.
The skimmer and waterfall filters are covered by a five-year warranty. The pump is covered for two years and the liner is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
This water garden and pond kit also comes in four other sizes.
Pros
- All-in-one pond building kit
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for all types of ponds or water gardens
- High-quality skimmer and pond building components
- Five-year warranty on the skimmer and waterfall filter
- Two-year warranty on the pump, and a limited lifetime warranty on the liner
Cons
- Instructions are not very detailed
- Recommended for ponds with a light fish load
5. Helix Skimmer Package
Winner of the POND Trade Magazine Product of Year in 2012, this high-quality Pond Skimmer from Helix Life Support is the perfect choice for all types of ponds that have a flow rate from 1,500-8,000 GPH. This US-made skimmer is well made and very compact. Its 2-inch bulkhead is pre-drilled low in the skimmer body which means it can be easily hidden out of sight.
Its rugged rotomolded HDPE body holds up better than most skimmers, which makes it extremely durable. So it is a great choice for those ponds that have compacted soil and for those regions that experience heavy freeze-thaw cycles. With an optimal fill height just 2-inches from the top of the skimmer, you can have a crystal clear pond and just the right type of environment where aquatic wildlife can flourish and thrive.
If you have fish in your pond, you do not have to worry about them getting stuck in the filter as the Helix skimmer does not have a weir door. However, the floating weir inside the leaf basket that sits right at the top of the water level helps to prevent fish from getting inside. The skimmer’s innovative helical (spiral-shaped) flow design has been modeled after swimming pool skimmers. So it can effectively trap all sorts of debris in the tight-fitting strainer basket.
The Helix skimmer is very versatile and can be used with a wide range of pumps: vertical submersible pumps or external pumps. And as it does not have a lid, it can be easily disguised with faux stone or pond vegetation. The large, flat side panels can also support an autofill valve and an overflow pipe.
Pros
- High quality
- Innovative design
- Compact
- Fish-friendly
- Extremely durable
- Versatile: can be used with all sorts of pumps
Cons
- Expensive
Our Top Pick for the Best Pond Skimmer
Our top pick for the best pond skimmer is the Helix Skimmer Package.
As well as being an award-winning skimmer, the heavy-duty skimmer filter features a rugged design that makes it a great choice for tough pond environments and extreme weather conditions. It is also fish-friendly. The skimmer is very versatile and can be matched with external or submersible pumps. Its highly effective filtration system makes it the perfect choice for any type of pond or water garden.
Check the price on Amazon
