Pond Skimmer Installation - How to 

You saved my sanity. The "Common mistake" you reference at 5:45 is exactly what my installer did. We had him out here 6 or 7 times to fix it, he just kept adding silicone to the inside of the skimmer where the screw holes were. After watching your video, my wife and I took ours apart (took a LONG time) and found no silicone between the liner and the skimmer. We cleaned it all up, used black silicone, and here we are - 2 months later - with no leak. Thank you so much, I was starting to think this was an impossible leak to find, turns out the guy who installed it just didn't know what he was doing.

Excellent information. I'm going out to install my skimmer with confidence. Thanks for sharing your professional knowledge!

In Southern California we don't have any problems with skimmer placement right in our native soils even in sandy areas like Palm Springs. We have skimmers in ground for over ten years with little to no problems. If you are working in an area with a high water table it might be appropriate to place your skimmer in or on a concrete shelf. The Pond Digger

Yes this is one of my favorite Pond Digger shirts! We made this shirt on one of our pond tours and gave one to all the participants who showed their pond off. We are getting close to launching a POND DIGGER APPAREL line on our website. Over the years we have made jackets, tshirts, beanies, hats, bandanas and more. We are making a cool t-shirt for a Pond Construction Seminar we are looking to do this fall. We will make the shirts available to the public. Stay tuned. The Pond Digger

Rubbing alcohol is great for cleaning areas intended for sealing liner. I use it when I have a stubborn area that needs to be clean up nice. The Pond Digger

Thank you SO much for this!! I’ve been trying to find a video that actually shows exactly how to site and install my new Aquascape Skimmer. This is the only one that really shows me! Subscribed and will be binge watching the rest of your videos. Thank you again 🇬🇧🇺🇸

@sooouuuuper A pond skimmer keeps the surface of your pond clean from wind blown debris. The fish don't eat leaf debris. A skimmer is really a pre-filter. You don't really need one on a pond but we don't build ponds without them. The underlayment is a protective fabric we put down before we install the EPDM rubber liner. On occasion a fish will wander into a skimmer.

Great explanation!! Sent here Via a video Wrighty did on making a pond skimmer, he recommended your video. He was right! You really should have your own TV show, you're a great, natural presenter

The bests video that I have watched on skimmers. Very nice job. How about installing waterfall filter? Having a heck of a time getting the liner so it doesn't leak.

Thank you so much for this!! It was the perfect level of detail for what I've been trying to sort out! I'm building a backyard pond (novice) and I've been needing a video on this specifically. Yay!

We are working on a waterfall construction video at this time and have several other videos on the editing block at the moment. We will be shooting a waterfall filter liner connection in the near future but it will be a few videos away. Many of the same techniques on the skimmer install are applied to the waterfall filter but it sure helps to see it step by step, believe me I know. I'll get it on the board as soon as possible! Thanks for the great feedback & suggestion! The Pond Digger

Yes & No. A skimmer is really a PRE-Filter but many people consider skimmers a filter. The skimmer is designed to capture larger debris before the actual filter. Biological filters are much more effective without large leaf debris clogging it up. The Pond Digger

@briantoms To install a skimmer on an existing pond is the same. You will need to drain the pond down at least a foot in order to make the connection. We have a polyurethane that we use for wet applications instead of silicone that allows you to fill the pond up with water quicker!

@lazyboyinc It is important to know the total gallons on your pond before purchasing a skimmer and pond pump to the system. Typically you are going to want to turn your total pond volume one to one and a half times per hour. For example if you have a 3000 gallon pond you will be looking for a pump that turns 3000 to 4500 gallons per hour.

Glad to be assistance! Thanks for the comment. The Pond Digger

@Soper79 It's certainly a topic that we will put on our board. We have a pile of other videos that we will need to get to first but we can put this on our priority list. Thanks for the feedback.

The submerged pump can be installed in these style pond skimmers. They do have a speed limit to consider. The skimmer in this video can handle 3000 gallons per hour. The next size up skimmer can support up to a 6000 gallon per hour pond pump. If we were using an external pump we would be have pipe plumbed from the skimmer to the pump and a check valve inside the skimmer to help with priming. Hope that helps. The Pond Digger

No sweat. We're happy to hear we have improved your confidence for the task! Thanks for the comment. The Pond Digger

Sound to me like your a young pond builder in the making! The Pond Digger

Ok all the videos you sir help me.out the most . I been trying to find out how to install the right depth of the skimmer. Aquascape says you Lazer level. Well I don't have one...lol thank you

Just digging the hole for the skimmer today and I thought I would watch this video one more time .

I'll be waiting for it so be sure to send it! Make me proud! The Pond Digger

Thanks for the video, I just bought materials to install My skimmer that I am making myself, Your video was right on time, to save Me from mistakes. Respect.......Seven Thunders

The holes in the back of the skimmer are for the main plumbing feed line that will go to the pump. One hole is for your pump cord to slip through and the third hole over by itself is for a rain overflow pipe. Don't be ascared! Just follow the video!

If you have an existing pond that needs a skimmer added it's really not that difficult. You would essentially drain the pond down approximately 12 inches down and then follow the steps we did in this video. There will be a little more clean up but other than that, there's nothing to it but to do it. :) I hope to shoot this exact video in the next couple weeks. Stay tuned.

GOOD QUESTION. Yes you are correct. If the opening to the skimmer is restricted it is not good for the pump or the pond. When we dress up the front of the skimmer like we did in this video we will secure all of the stones and driftwood with BLACK WATERFALL foam. That way everything is solid and won't fall over and block the skimmer opening. If you don't secure everything with the waterfall foam it is possible a small animal will knock things over. We will do a video demo on this soon. Thanks!

That is a fine way to engineer a skimmer pre-filter for your pond. Do you have any video footage of it? The Pond Digger

Thanks for the comment. We are planning a bottom drain installation video in the near future but it might be a couple months before we shoot it. Maybe I can give you some pointers if you are planning a bottom drain install before we get er dun. Let me know, Id be glad to help. Touching People's Lives With Water, The Pond Digger

No this is a different pond. Simply a demonstration pond for the video. We will be producing a waterfall filter video over the summer. Stay tuned. The Pond Digger

Typically we have determined water level before filling the pond with water. I do recommend you fill the pond with water before you cut any liner around the edge of the pond. We would use a level and a straight edge to determine water level from the grade next to the pond. We just uploaded a video How To Build A Fish Pond Series that covers these details. I think you will find very helpful. Check out the video series and let me know.

Building Ponds is both challenging and fun. Don't sweat the small stuff. We'll gladly help you along the way if you have any questions. Expect more instructional videos this summer. The Pond Digger

great video! thank you for that well delivered and comprehensible explanation. smart!

Hi, thanks. I suppose to hide it or at least help to hide it if you have any left over lining you could glue that onto the face of the slimmer too.

I NEVER use colored silicone for fear of mildew inhibitors. I would not suggest using the white silicone even though it is rated for windows and door. I have seen fish kills on contractors using white silicone.

@iaasdfwtx2 There are a couple of in pond skimmers available. The in pond skimmers are taller than 1' so you will have a bit of difficulty finding the right spot in the pond for the skimmer. Google search for a No Niche Skimmer. You may be able to modify one of these for you pond. It would be my recommendation. Good Luck!

@ThePondDigger Great. I'd really be interested in that. I should have specified. It's determining the level with a rotary laser, grade rod & detector but I'm sure you knew that. Furthermore, once you do set your water level to that ideal 3/4 from the top of the skimmer, do most skimmers come with an overflow valve to protect the water from getting too high (say if it rains) or do you take care of that and install one yourself? Great work on your videos and thanks.

@xrayfeeney You're very welcome! We are planning an entire PILE of videos at this time. Hold your breath and be sure to SUB. Happy Pondering......

So clear & easy. Thank you!! What happens to floating pond plants such as duck weed? I suppose they get sucked in like other surface debris? Any suggestions to keep the duckweed in the pond?

Eric, could you hide the skimmer door with an aquatic marginal like a Thalia? If the plant doesn't get in the way of the skimming process, I think, and may be wrong, would be a good way to naturalize it?

@moomoo4u2moo We did shoot a BD video but it was a train wreck. We do have plans to re shoot the video with step by step instruction. We have much work to do.

Very clean presentation. Thank you!

Great Video. Can you make a video in determining where the water level will be using a laser level? Thanks.

Thank you for the helpful video! Our liner and faceplate are rusty...I've scrubbed it but wonder if thats going to cause a leak?

@QuickSiR For sure!

WOW YOU'RE AMAZING AND SO SKILLED!!!!

Setting a skimmer (water level) with a string line... Basically the skimmer is setting the water level.. The water won't go higher that the skimmer correct.. So if I wanted to use a string line I could physically see where the water will be in relationship to the entire pond.. Also higher the skimmer deeper the pond per se

100% silicone. Check you local pond shop or get CLEAR WINDOW & DOOR silicone from your hardware store.

Wow thank you so much very helpful

@lazyboyinc My preferred skimmer is very subjective to the environment of which the pond is installed, the goals of the pond owner, the style of pond being constructed and the budget at which is set for the pond equipment. I don't mean to be elusive in this answer but this is the case. Our online store sells a variety of skimmers. Send me a message with specifics of your pond and I will gladly tell you which pond skimmer I think would be best suited the pond and your goals.

@iaasdfwtx2 Installing a skimmer in an existing concrete pond is possible. It's a little tricky to hide it in the pond but absolutely doable. There are a couple different options available. When OASE was selling product here in North America they had a small skimmer that was not bad. You might still be able to find them on line. Google In Pond Oase Skimmer and you might find some still on the market. You might need a couple on your size pond. Email me your results!

Yes and No. :) If you go to your local hardware store to pick up some silicone be sure to use CLEAR WINDOW & DOOR silicone. STAY AWAY from any COLORED silicone designed for bathrooms or kitchens as they have a mildew resistant compound mixed in that will not be safe for fish. Good Luck! The Pond Digger

De Nada! Pond Digger

@mophead013 In this video we are installing an EasyPro Mini pond skimmer. If you need one for your project let me know. We'd love to supply you with equipment for your feature.

@Arteolike Absolutely!

Do you have a video on how you attach the hoses? Im confused with how to run this and a small waterfall. Please tell me u have a video on how you hook these 2 things up to a pump/filter

Question....is the pond skimmer actually attached via pipe to the pump? As I understand it, the water motion helps the weir door collect the leaves, etc. I will be using a submerged pump and an above ground uv biofilter.

Yeah the double seam can be annoying . :)

comin from a pro that means a lot thx :D

Do you need an overflow outlet on these skimmers? I'm putting in a small pond and was wondering how you prevent the pond overflowing during a hard rain?

@Arteolike YES SECURITY! Our most popular Pond Digger shirt. :)

How many inches below the top edge of the pond should the water level be set? This will help determine & set the height of the skimmer.

do you have a video on how too install a skimmer in a pond that is already built with water and fish? Thanks

can you just set the whole skimmer inside of the liner? Mine always seems to leak over time no matter what I do. Weather conditions in Iowa are extreme so I wonder if that is constituting to the leaking

Question: what hardware are you using? I misplaced the included nuts and bolts, and I need to go repurchase them. Yours look really standard.

Did you fill up your pond first to find the exact water level?

Is there a way to contact you via email? Have some skimmer questions. Your videos are great and very informative. You explain very well. Thank you

@ThePondDigger Can you use the Polyurethane Roof & Flashing on the skimmer like you mentioned in you're bottom drain forum on you're website?

Green Horn question..How do you keep rainwater from getting in behind the liner that attaches to the skimmer face plate? It seems as though the liner is facing straight up which would allow water in behind the liner. Is this ever an issue?

Are you trying to make me blush? Thanks for the feedback!

(Never mind - will watch your Skimmer Plumbing video! Will see if it addresses all these questions). Flummoxed on the tubing, or how to block off the unnecessary hole. The product i bought provided NO parts and no instructions for connecting up tubing. Waterscapes, with 6" opening. Seems the hole(s) should be on the bottom, not 2 gigantic 2" holes at the top where water and dirt can flood in and out. (they say not to cap the hole left open, and they provide no parts to securely attach the hose to the other hole). How does water get pumped out if holes for tubing are ABOVE the waterline. Also, This skimmer wants a 2" tube, when the pump and the falls spillway want up to 1". ????? i'll have to use a reducer?

thanks for the tips. :)

Eric, firstly I would like to compliment you on your videos, best on the net. I am in the UK and skimmers are not popular and therefore the few models available are very expensive. I am having to DIY it. I am using a wheelie bin as the skimmer body and plan to bolt fasten the liner to the bin using aluminium strips, but this only leaves me with an opening and no weir door. How important do you consider the weir to be? I can only think of using a letter box ( www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Letterbox-Draught-Excluder-flap-brown-plastic-) , adding some buoyancy to the flap and removing the brush. Any thoughts very welcome

doees the water always stay at that level or can it go up adn down do to rain adn drought adn then the skimmer just does not work as well. I want to make sure I place mine for mazimum pond water level.

is this the same pond from the ponds gone wrong episode 1?

what brand of skimmer did you use in this video? thank you!

do you ever use aquascape products?

10 years ago 😭❤️.

how long after putting in skimmer can you fill with water, ( how long does silicone need )

What kind of silicone do you use on rubber liners?

I'm in Ontario and it gets really cold here...what do you do with the skimmer in the winter? will the ice crack the skimmer housing?

i have a small pond. How do I prevent the fish food from going in the skimmer?

So you are the security man right, i couldn't help but see "SECURITY" on your pond digger shirt!

@ThePondDigger This is strange? I never asked you that again? This new RU-vid is really crappy, this always happens the comments are doubled!?! P.S. Were can i see the line of PondDigger shirts?

What make and model is that skimmer and does it come with the pump?

Need name of the silicone for the skimmer and bottom drain please?

Hi. Can I do smth with a wrinkles under the skimmer plate? Thanks

Are you going to get problems with your fish being drawn into the unit?

Where can we buy the skimmer?

Doesnt the dopr face to the inside?

is dat a box opening razor

This is old school what is this brand

where does the pump go? I dont understand how that all works

Do I need a filter if I install a skimmer in my pond?

well im kinda a do it your selfer even though im 14

12 years ago 🙄

10 years ago 😭❤️