Skimmers

[Rach]

Been reading on Skimmers and still not sure if I should have one. My pond is 4 years old, I have the Hozelock Bio Force pump, filter, UV rays.

I am just wondering if I should have a skimmer too as from what I understand they pull debris out of the pond before it settles on the bottom?
Any thoughts? I presume you would have to empty the skimmer?

 

[EricV]

They have a net or other kind of basket inside that collects large debris and usually brushes or a pad to trap fine debris. I find mine pulls stuff out in the spring, but in the summer forget it. There are too many lily pads and other things blocking the surface for the skimmer to remove anything.

 

[Rach]

thanks, so are they worth while then?

 

[mrsclem]

I would say if you get a lot of leaves blowing or falling into your pond then yes. I have fall and spring issues only so use netting.

 

[EricV]

For me it's also the place I locate the pump. So it's worth it just for that.

 

[Rach]

ok thanks

 

[RobAmy]

I love my skimmer, it catches lots of leaves and flowers in the spring. As mentioned a place for the pump too. It acts as a prefilter also for the waterfall/stream filters. I personally would not have a pond without one. I use the Savio products.

 

[Tula]

I'm like @RobAmy , love my skimmer and it's a Savio

 

[EricV]

I got an easy pro because the side by side design worked better in my space. The savio looks really solid though.

 

[texmaster]

I would say if you get a lot of leaves blowing or falling into your pond then yes. I have fall and spring issues only so use netting.

I would have to say this as well.

I have the Helix skimmer which is designed to keep the fish out.

The Helix Pond Skimmer – Helix Pond Filtration

 

[bagsmom]

I would have to say this as well.

I have the Helix skimmer which is designed to keep the fish out.

The Helix Pond Skimmer – Helix Pond Filtration

I have a Helix too and it was worth postponing my pond build to save money for it. I really like how it works!

 

[addy1]

I use a pool skimmer, works great. Do not have a pump in it, my pump is external.

 

[Timothy]

I like the skimmer in our pond. The skimmer is in one corner and the return is in a far corner of the pond creating a slow current circulating keeping the surface free of debris. It needs cleaning on a regular basis, but this is stuff that would have eventually ended up as sludge on the bottom.

 

[Gemma]

My vote is for a skimmer as well!
I don't have trees close to the ponds but being my only mechanical filter I add extra pads in the skimmer box to keep the water clear and polished

 

[Lisak1]

We don't have a skimmer per se, but we do have a negative edge that flows into an underground water storage. That acts as a skimmer in our pond and we are happy with our design.