DIY Pond Skimmer 90
$209.99
DIY Pond Skimmer 180
$289.99
PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA!
- Snout Opening: 7.5"W × 6.25"H
- Maximum Flow Rate: 4,500 GPH
- Dimensions: 22"D × 14.5"W × 19.5"H
- Maximum Pond Size: 180 sq. ft.
- Compare Models: Small Elite Skimmer (PB1199)
Warranty: Lifetime Limited Warranty on Blue Thumb engineered-plastic skimmer components
Blue Thumb | Crystal Falls Series | PB1311
DIY Pond Skimmer 180
Keep floating leaves and debris from settling on the bottom of your pond. Our DIY Pond Skimmer 180, also known as the Crystal Falls or Crystal Skimmer, combines two-stage mechanical filtration with a concealed pump chamber for new or existing water gardens. Designed for ponds up to 180 square feet, it includes a natural-looking landscape lid in your choice of sandstone or gray.
Maximum pond area: 180 sq. ft.
Maximum flow: 4,500 GPH
Skimmer box: 22"D × 14.5"W × 19.5"H
Snout opening: 7.5"W × 6.25"H
Why Choose the DIY Pond Skimmer 180?
Capture Debris Before It Sinks
Surface water enters the skimmer carrying leaves and other floating debris. Collecting that material before it settles helps reduce organic buildup and makes regular pond maintenance more manageable.
Two-Stage Mechanical Filtration
A removable mesh debris net captures larger material first. The white filter mat then catches smaller particles before water reaches the pump chamber. Both components can be accessed for routine cleaning.
Concealed Pump & Landscape Lid
The rear chamber provides a designated location for a compatible submersible pump, while the included faux-rock lid helps the skimmer blend into the surrounding landscape.
Before You Order: Is This the Right Skimmer?
The PB1311 is designed for ponds with a surface area up to 180 square feet and a maximum skimmer flow of 4,500 gallons per hour. The skimmer's flow rating is a system limit, not the output of an included pump.
This is a skimmer assembly, not a complete pond kit. A submersible pump, pump discharge assembly, connecting pipe, pond liner, underlayment and biological waterfall filtration are not included.
Plan for the 22" × 14.5" skimmer-box footprint, additional excavation clearance and access to the removable lid. The compatible replacement landscape lids are listed at 25" × 18" × 2.75", so allow adequate space around and above the installed unit.
For a smaller installation, compare our DIY Pond Skimmer 90. For a different pump chamber and higher maximum flow, consider our Small Elite Skimmer.
What's Included
Skimmer Assembly
- DIY Pond Skimmer 180 housing – PB1311
- Detachable skimmer snout and hinged door
- Natural faux-rock landscape cover lid
- Choice of sandstone or gray lid color
Mechanical Filtration
- White mechanical filter mat
- Removable mesh leaf and debris net
Replacement filtration components are available separately when needed.
Installation Hardware
- Stainless steel mounting screws
- Protective screw caps
- Mounting and liner-positioning clips
- Black silicone sealant
- Installation instructions
Not Included
- Submersible pond pump
- Pump discharge and plumbing assembly
- Flexible PVC pipe
- Pond liner and protective underlayment
- Biological waterfall filter
- Other pond-building materials and landscaping
Made in the USA. Select one lid color using the product options before adding the skimmer to your cart.
Product Specifications
Product name: DIY Pond Skimmer 180
Also known as: Crystal Falls / Crystal Skimmer
SKU: PB1311
UPC: 897570001311
Skimmer dimensions: 22"D × 14.5"W × 19.5"H
Interior pump area: 7.5"D × 10"W × 19"H
Snout opening: 7.5"W × 6.25"H
Maximum flow rate: 4,500 GPH
Maximum pond area: 180 sq. ft.
Filtration: Two-stage mechanical
Lid options: Sandstone or gray
Pump included: No
Installation: In-ground pond-edge skimmer
Country of manufacture: USA
Skimmer warranty: Lifetime limited plastics warranty
Complete pond kit: No
Compare Blue Thumb Pond Skimmers
Choose a skimmer based on pond surface area, required pump flow, available installation space and the interior pump chamber. The DIY Pond Skimmer 180 provides a larger pump area and higher flow capacity than the DIY Pond Skimmer 90.
| Specification | DIY 90 | DIY 180 (This Model) |
Small Elite | Medium Elite | Large Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weir width | 7.5" | 7.5" | 8" | 10" | 15" |
| Box dimensions (D × W × H) | 16.25" × 13.25" × 14.75" | 22" × 14.5" × 19.5" | 26.25" × 15.25" × 19.75" | 28.25" × 19.25" × 23.75" | 30.75" × 23.5" × 26" |
| Interior pump area (D × W × H) | 6.25" × 11.25" × 14" | 7.5" × 10" × 19" | 7.5" × 11.75" × 19" | 7.5" × 14" × 22.5" | 10" × 18.5" × 25" |
| Maximum flow | 2,000 GPH | 4,500 GPH | 5,550 GPH | 10,000 GPH | 20,000 GPH |
| Maximum pond area | 90 sq. ft. | 180 sq. ft. | 180 sq. ft. | 550 sq. ft. | 900 sq. ft. |
DIY Pond Skimmer 90
Weir: 7.5"
Dimensions: 16.25"D × 13.25"W × 14.75"H
Pump area: 6.25"D × 11.25"W × 14"H
Max flow: 2,000 GPH
Pond area: 90 sq. ft.
DIY Pond Skimmer 180 — This Model
Weir: 7.5"
Dimensions: 22"D × 14.5"W × 19.5"H
Pump area: 7.5"D × 10"W × 19"H
Max flow: 4,500 GPH
Pond area: 180 sq. ft.
Small Elite Skimmer
Weir: 8"
Dimensions: 26.25"D × 15.25"W × 19.75"H
Pump area: 7.5"D × 11.75"W × 19"H
Max flow: 5,550 GPH
Pond area: 180 sq. ft.
Medium Elite Skimmer
Weir: 10"
Dimensions: 28.25"D × 19.25"W × 23.75"H
Pump area: 7.5"D × 14"W × 22.5"H
Max flow: 10,000 GPH
Pond area: 550 sq. ft.
Large Elite Skimmer
Weir: 15"
Dimensions: 30.75"D × 23.5"W × 26"H
Pump area: 10"D × 18.5"W × 25"H
Max flow: 20,000 GPH
Pond area: 900 sq. ft.
Dimensions and capacities are published model specifications. The maximum flow rating is not a pump recommendation. Select a compatible pump for your complete pond system.
Compatible Replacement Parts & System Components
Replacement Filter Mat
Our CRYMAT replacement mat fits the DIY Pond Skimmer 180 (PB1311). The white mat measures 12.7" × 16" × 1.25" and provides the second stage of mechanical filtration.
Replacement Mesh Debris Net
The compatible NET8SK replacement net fits the Crystal Falls / DIY Pond Skimmer 180 (PB1311). It measures 12" × 12.5" × 4" and captures larger debris before water passes through the filter mat.
Select NET8SK from the size options when ordering a replacement.
Replacement Landscape Lids
Your skimmer includes one lid in the color selected above. If you need a replacement later, the compatible lid models are LID8 for sandstone and LID8G for gray.
Select the Crystal Falls / Small Elite size on the replacement-lid page.
Complete the Filtration System
This skimmer provides mechanical filtration at the pond edge. For a coordinated pond filtration system, it can be paired with an appropriately sized pump, plumbing and biological waterfall filter.
Our DIY Pond Waterfall Box 2000 (PB1298) also has a listed maximum flow of 4,500 GPH.
Confirm actual operating flow, pump head requirements and plumbing compatibility before purchasing the remaining components.
Planning & Installation
Proper skimmer placement, liner attachment and pump selection are important for a dependable pond system. Review the full installation guide before beginning excavation.
1
Choose the Location
Position the skimmer at the pond edge, preferably opposite the waterfall, to support circulation across the pond surface. Allow adequate space for the skimmer, plumbing and future access.
2
Excavate & Level
Excavate slightly beyond the skimmer-box footprint. Compact and level the supporting soil. Set the box at the proper elevation for the finished pond waterline, then carefully backfill without distorting the housing.
3
Attach the Pond Liner
Clean the mating surfaces and follow the installation guide for applying silicone and securing the detachable snout. Fasten the liner before cutting out the water-entry opening. Install the protective screw caps as directed.
4
Install the Pump & Plumbing
Place a compatible submersible pump and discharge assembly in the rear chamber. Route the connecting pipe through the discharge opening and the pump cord through the designated notch so the lid can sit properly.
5
Install the Filtration Media
Position the white filter mat in front of the pump chamber. Place the black mesh debris net in front of the mat so larger material is captured before water passes through the finer filtration stage.
6
Fill, Test & Finish
Fill the pond to the intended operating waterline and test the complete system. Check circulation, pump-chamber water level and liner connections before completing the surrounding landscaping. Keep the removable lid accessible.
Maintenance & Seasonal Care
Regular Cleaning
Check the mesh debris net and white filter mat regularly. Remove accumulated leaves and rinse the filtration media when debris begins to restrict water flow.
Inspect the skimmer more frequently during heavy leaf fall, storms and periods of increased debris. Disconnect pump power before reaching into the skimmer.
Water Level & Pump Protection
Maintain the proper pond water level and keep the pump supplied with sufficient water. If the water level inside the pump chamber becomes noticeably lower than the pond, inspect the debris net and filter mat for restrictions.
Avoid allowing the pump to run dry. Follow the selected pump manufacturer's operating instructions.
Filter Replacement
Inspect the filtration components during regular pond maintenance and spring startup. Replace worn, damaged or heavily clogged media that can no longer be cleaned effectively.
Use the model-specific CRYMAT filter mat and NET8SK debris net when replacements are necessary.
Winter Preparation
Seasonal care depends on your climate, pond design and pump configuration. Follow the pump's winterizing instructions and our fall pond-care recommendations.
If the circulation system is shut down, clean the skimmer and filtration components and protect equipment according to the applicable manuals.
Product Resources & Installation Guides
Use these Blue Thumb resources to plan your pond, install the skimmer correctly and maintain your system throughout the year.
Crystal Falls Skimmer Installation Guide (PDF) Blue Thumb Pond Planning Guide (PDF) Pond Maintenance Guide (PDF) Spring Pond Care Guide (PDF) Fall Pond Care Guide (PDF) Blue Thumb Warranty Information (PDF)
The Crystal Falls installation guide covers multiple products in the series. Use the skimmer-specific instructions and the dimensions for your PB1311 model.
Need Help Choosing a Skimmer or Pump?
Our Sales/Tech Team can help you review pond size, pump flow, plumbing requirements and skimmer compatibility before you order.
Whether you're building a new pond or replacing an existing skimmer, we're happy to help you identify the right components for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the DIY Pond Skimmer 180 include a pump?
No. The PB1311 includes the skimmer assembly, filtration components, landscape lid and listed installation hardware. You must purchase a compatible pump and plumbing separately. The maximum skimmer flow rating is 4,500 GPH, but the correct pump depends on your pond volume, plumbing and total dynamic head.
What size pond can the PB1311 skimmer handle?
The DIY Pond Skimmer 180 is listed for ponds up to 180 square feet of surface area. This is an area rating, not a gallon-capacity rating. Pond depth, fish load, pump performance and the rest of the filtration system should also be considered.
Can I install this skimmer in an existing pond?
Yes. The PB1311 can be used with new or existing ponds, provided the site can accommodate the housing and the pond liner can be properly attached to the skimmer opening. Retrofitting an existing pond may require excavation, liner modification and plumbing changes.
Which replacement filter mat and debris net fit this model?
The correct replacement filter mat is CRYMAT, measuring 12.7" × 16" × 1.25". The compatible replacement mesh debris net is NET8SK, measuring 12" × 12.5" × 4". Confirm the PB1311 model number when purchasing replacement parts.
Can I choose the landscape lid color?
Yes. Select either the sandstone or gray faux-rock lid when ordering. One matching landscape lid is included with the skimmer. Separate replacement lids are also available if you need one later.
Does this skimmer provide biological filtration?
The DIY Pond Skimmer 180 is primarily a two-stage mechanical filter. It collects floating debris through the mesh net and filter mat before water reaches the pump. For biological filtration, we recommend pairing it with an appropriately sized biological waterfall filter as part of a complete pond system.
Does the DIY Pond Skimmer 180 have automatic water-fill or overflow connections?
No integrated automatic water-fill or overflow option is specified for the DIY skimmer. If those features are important for your installation, ask our Sales/Tech Team about the compatible options available with the Elite skimmer series.
What warranty comes with the skimmer?
The Blue Thumb engineered-plastic skimmer is covered by our lifetime limited plastics warranty against manufacturing defects for the original purchaser, subject to the published warranty conditions. The product must be installed according to the applicable instructions, and modifications can void coverage. Pump warranties are separate because a pump is not included.
Related Products
-
-
DIY Pond Waterfall 1200
$99.99 -
-
Blue Thumb Large DIY Pond Kit
$1,899.99
