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Blue Thumb Large 15-inch Elite pond skimmer with black reinforced housing, rectangular intake opening, and sandstone faux-rock lid

Large Elite Skimmer

SKU:
PB1144
|
UPC:
897570001144
$849.99
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PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA!

Large 15" Elite Skimmer | PB1144
• Weir Opening: 15"
• Dimensions (D × W × H): 30.75" × 23.5" × 26"
• Recommended Pump Flow: 7,500–10,000 GPH
• Maximum Pump Flow: 20,000 GPH
• Maximum Pond Size: Up to 30' × 30' (900 sq. ft.)
• Single- or Double-Pump Configuration
• Includes Your Choice of Sandstone or Gray Natural Lid
• Pump Sold Separately

Warranty: Lifetime limited manufacturer warranty on Blue Thumb engineered-plastic skimmer components, subject to warranty terms.
View Lifetime Warranty Details
Current Stock:
Description
 

Blue Thumb Elite Series | Made in the USA

Large 15" Elite Pond Skimmer

Keep floating leaves, twigs and other surface debris from collecting in your pond with our Large Elite Pond Skimmer. Designed for larger water gardens and professional pond installations, this contractor-grade skimmer combines a wide 15-inch intake, two-stage mechanical filtration and an enclosed pump chamber in one durable unit.

The PB1144 accommodates single- or double-pump configurations and includes your choice of a natural sandstone or gray faux-rock lid. The pump and other pond-system equipment are sold separately.

15" Weir opening
20,000 GPH Maximum pump flow
7,500–10,000 Recommended GPH
900 sq. ft. Maximum listed pond area

Why Choose the Large Elite Skimmer?

Capture Debris Before It Sinks

The wide intake draws floating material into a removable mesh debris net. A green Matala filtration mat provides a second stage of mechanical filtration before water reaches the pump chamber.

Built for Demanding Installations

Our contractor-grade Elite Series features reinforced, molded construction with structural ribs and gussets. The enclosed chamber provides dedicated space for the pump while keeping filtration components accessible.

Flexible Plumbing and Water Management

The skimmer supports single- or double-pump setups and includes fittings for the rear overflow and 2-inch discharge connections. An integrated autofill connection accepts an optional automatic water fill assembly.

Before You Order: Is This the Right Skimmer?

The Large Elite Skimmer is rated for ponds up to approximately 30' × 30', or 900 square feet, with a recommended pump flow of 7,500–10,000 GPH and a listed maximum flow capacity of 20,000 GPH.

These ratings are selection guidelines, not a guarantee of performance for every pond. Pond shape, fish load, debris exposure, plumbing restrictions and the actual operating flow of your pump should all be considered.

Important: This is a mechanical pond skimmer, not a complete pond filtration system or pond kit. A compatible pump, discharge plumbing, pond liner and other required system components must be selected separately.

What's Included

Each Large Elite Skimmer includes the primary skimmer assembly, mechanical filtration components and the listed installation hardware.

Skimmer and Filtration

  • Large Elite Skimmer body — PB1144
  • Detachable faceplate snout and weir door
  • One natural faux-rock lid in your selected color
  • Green Matala mechanical filter mat
  • Stainless steel Matala mat holder
  • Stainless-frame mesh debris net

Plumbing and Installation Hardware

  • Two rubber UniSeal fittings for 2" discharge points
  • Overflow plumbing fittings
  • Pre-plumbed autofill spinweld with plug
  • Stainless steel self-tapping screws
  • Screw caps and liner mounting clips
  • Black silicone sealant
  • Installation instructions

Choose Your Included Lid Color

Select either Sandstone or Gray using the product options above before adding the skimmer to your cart. One matching natural faux-rock lid is included.

Need to review the lid options? View our Natural Sandstone Faux Skimmer Lid or Natural Gray Faux Skimmer Lid replacement-product pages.

The replacement lid model for the Large Elite is LID15 in sandstone or LID15G in gray. These linked pages sell lids separately; you do not need to purchase another lid with this skimmer.

Large Elite Skimmer Specifications

SKU: PB1144
UPC: 897570001144
Product type: Mechanical pond skimmer
Weir opening: 15"
Exterior dimensions: 30.75"D × 23.5"W × 26"H
Interior pump area: 10"D × 18.5"W × 25"H
Recommended flow: 7,500–10,000 GPH
Maximum pump flow: 20,000 GPH
Maximum pond area: 900 sq. ft.
Suggested pond footprint: Up to 30' × 30' or similar
Pump configuration: Single or double
Discharge fittings: Two 2" UniSeal connections
Mechanical filtration: Mesh debris net and green Matala mat
Included lid: Sandstone or gray faux-rock lid
Autofill connection: Integrated spinweld with plug
Overflow: Rear overflow connection and fittings
Country of origin: Made in the USA
Warranty: Lifetime limited manufacturer warranty on the engineered-plastic skimmer

Dimensions are the published skimmer-box dimensions, not excavation dimensions. Allow additional installation space for plumbing, liner attachment, backfilling and service access.

Compare Blue Thumb Pond Skimmers

Blue Thumb offers several mechanical skimmer sizes. Compare the opening width, installation dimensions, pump-chamber space and maximum flow ratings before choosing the right model.

Specification DIY 90 DIY 180 Small Elite Medium Elite Large Elite
Weir opening 7.5" 7.5" 8" 10" 15"
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 5,500 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 (D × W × H): 16.25" × 13.25" × 14.75"

Pump area (D × W × H): 6.25" × 11.25" × 14"

Maximum flow: 2,000 GPH

Maximum pond area: 90 sq. ft.

DIY Pond Skimmer 180

Weir: 7.5"

Dimensions (D × W × H): 22" × 14.5" × 19.5"

Pump area (D × W × H): 7.5" × 10" × 19"

Maximum flow: 4,500 GPH

Maximum pond area: 180 sq. ft.

Small Elite Skimmer

Weir: 8"

Dimensions (D × W × H): 26.25" × 15.25" × 19.75"

Pump area (D × W × H): 7.5" × 11.75" × 19"

Maximum flow: 5,500 GPH

Maximum pond area: 180 sq. ft.

Medium Elite Skimmer

Weir: 10"

Dimensions (D × W × H): 28.25" × 19.25" × 23.75"

Pump area (D × W × H): 7.5" × 14" × 22.5"

Maximum flow: 10,000 GPH

Maximum pond area: 550 sq. ft.

Large Elite Skimmer — Current Product

Weir: 15"

Dimensions (D × W × H): 30.75" × 23.5" × 26"

Pump area (D × W × H): 10" × 18.5" × 25"

Maximum flow: 20,000 GPH

Maximum pond area: 900 sq. ft.

Need a smaller Elite model? Compare the Medium 10" Elite Skimmer or the Small 8" Elite Skimmer .

Replacement Parts and Optional Accessories

Maintain your skimmer with components designed for the Large 15" Elite model. When ordering from a replacement-product page with multiple sizes, select the 15-inch Elite variation.

Replacement Filtration Components

The debris net, mat and holder are included with a new PB1144 skimmer. These links are for future replacements.

Optional Automatic Water Fill

The skimmer includes an autofill spinweld connection with a plug, but the automatic fill valve assembly is not included.

Our Hudson Automatic Water Fill Kit — PB1342 is designed for compatible Elite Skimmers. It automatically replaces water lost through evaporation when properly installed.

The kit accepts a 1/2-inch water supply and has a maximum listed water pressure of 30 PSI. Review the fill-kit instructions and water supply requirements before installation.

Planning Your Complete Pond System

A mechanical skimmer is one part of a complete water garden. The PB1144 captures floating debris before water travels through the pump and returns to the pond.

Depending on your pond design, the remaining system may include a compatible pond pump , biological waterfall filter , flexible PVC plumbing, check valve components, pond liner and protective underlayment.

These components are sold separately unless purchased as part of a complete pond kit. Rocks and gravel are recommended to complete the pond but are not included with this skimmer.

When selecting a pump, account for total dynamic head, tubing diameter, pipe length, fittings and the desired waterfall flow. Confirm that the chosen pump and plumbing fit inside the skimmer's available pump chamber.

Installation Planning and Setup

Proper placement, excavation, leveling and liner attachment are essential to reliable skimmer operation. Review the complete installation manual before excavation.

01

Choose the Location

Position the skimmer at the pond edge, preferably opposite the waterfall, to encourage circulation across the pond. Confirm access for plumbing and routine removal of the lid and filtration media.

02

Excavate and Level

Allow several additional inches around the skimmer body for installation and backfilling. The installation guide positions the top of the skimmer approximately 5 inches above the desired pond water level. Compact and level the base before proceeding.

03

Connect Plumbing and Overflow

Install the supplied UniSeal fittings, connect the pump discharge plumbing and configure the rear overflow assembly. The adjustable overflow elbow helps establish the maximum pond water level. Plug unused connections as directed.

04

Attach the Pond Liner

Follow the manufacturer's sealing procedure using the supplied silicone, faceplate, screws and mounting hardware. Clean the mating surfaces, maintain appropriate liner slack and complete the seal before final trimming.

05

Install the Pump and Filtration

Place your separately purchased submersible pump in the rear chamber. Route the power cord through the provided notch, then position the Matala mat, stainless holder and mesh debris net as shown in the manual.

06

Test and Finish

Fill the pond, inspect the liner connection, check the overflow and confirm that water moves through the skimmer without restricting the pump supply. Complete surrounding landscaping after testing the system.

Installation Tip: Plan for the Actual Footprint

The published 30.75" × 23.5" × 26" measurement describes the skimmer body. It does not include additional excavation clearance, discharge plumbing, overflow routing or the space needed to access the unit for maintenance.

Locate underground utilities before digging, and follow the Blue Thumb installation guide for the complete placement and backfilling procedure.

Routine Maintenance and Seasonal Care

Keep the Net and Mat Clear

Lift out and empty the mesh debris net as needed. Inspect and rinse the Matala filter mat when buildup begins to restrict water movement. Our Elite skimmer instructions describe a typical cleaning interval of 10–14 days, although leaf fall, storms and pond conditions may require more frequent attention.

Watch the Pump Chamber Water Level

If the water level inside the pump chamber drops noticeably below the surrounding pond level, inspect the debris net and filter mat for restrictions before continuing operation. Avoid running the pump without adequate water.

Prepare for Winter

In climates with prolonged freezing, follow the equipment-specific winterization instructions. Our skimmer guide directs owners to remove and properly store the pump, rinse the net and filter media, and store the media for winter. Pump storage requirements depend on the manufacturer's instructions.

See the spring and fall pond-care guides below for additional seasonal preparation information.

Manufacturer Warranty

The Large Elite Skimmer's Blue Thumb engineered-plastic construction is covered by our lifetime limited manufacturer warranty against manufacturing defects for the original purchaser.

Proper installation in accordance with the applicable Blue Thumb installation manual is required. Post-purchase modifications void warranty coverage. Warranty compensation is limited to eligible merchandise replacement or value and does not include associated labor or freight costs.

View Blue Thumb's Official Warranty Information (PDF)

Note: A pump is not included. Any separately purchased pump has its own applicable manufacturer warranty.

Product Resources and Installation Guides

Use these official Blue Thumb resources to plan your installation, understand the complete pond system and maintain your water feature.

Elite Skimmer Installation Guide (PDF) Original Blue Thumb Skimmer Instructions (PDF) Elite Pond Water Garden System Guide (PDF) Pond Planning Guide (PDF) Pond Maintenance Guide (PDF) Spring Pond Care Guide (PDF) Fall and Winter Pond Care Guide (PDF) Manufacturer Warranty Information (PDF)

The Elite Pond Water Garden System Guide covers complete pond kits and their associated components. The contents listed for those kits are not included with this standalone skimmer.

Elite Skimmer Installation Video

Watch our installation overview for guidance on skimmer placement, plumbing and setup. This official video demonstrates the Elite Skimmer family; follow the current installation manual for your exact model.

Video: Elite Skimmer Box Installation — Blue Thumb. Installation procedures are shown for the Elite Skimmer product family.

Questions About Sizing or Installation?

Choosing equipment for a larger pond? Our Sales/Tech Team can help you review the skimmer size, pump requirements, plumbing configuration and components needed for your installation.

Call 888-619-3474 Email the Sales/Tech Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What size pond is the Large Elite Skimmer designed for?

The PB1144 is listed for ponds up to approximately 30' × 30', or 900 square feet. The best choice also depends on pond shape, debris exposure, fish load and the flow needed for your complete system.

Does the Large Elite Skimmer include a pump?

No. The skimmer includes its housing, lid, mechanical filtration components and listed installation hardware. Select a compatible pump separately based on your desired operating flow, total dynamic head, plumbing and available pump-chamber space.

What is the difference between recommended flow and maximum flow?

We list 7,500–10,000 GPH as the recommended operating flow range and 20,000 GPH as the maximum skimmer flow rating. The maximum rating is a capacity limit, not the flow every installation needs. Actual pump output depends on the selected pump and system restrictions.

Can this skimmer accommodate two pumps?

Yes. The Large Elite supports single- or double-pump configurations. The installation provides two discharge locations using the included UniSeal fittings. Confirm the physical fit of the selected pumps and plumbing, and ensure the combined operating flow stays within the skimmer's applicable limits.

Is a natural skimmer lid included?

Yes. One natural faux-rock lid is included. Choose sandstone or gray using the product's lid-color option before ordering. Replacement lids are available separately if needed later.

Does the skimmer automatically refill the pond?

Not by itself. The skimmer includes an integrated autofill connection with a plug. Our compatible Hudson Automatic Water Fill Kit, PB1342, is sold separately. The kit must be installed and connected to an appropriate water supply.

How often should I clean the skimmer?

Our Elite skimmer instructions give a typical interval of 10–14 days, but actual cleaning frequency varies. Check the debris net and filter mat more frequently during heavy leaf fall, after storms or whenever water flow appears restricted.

What maintenance is needed during freezing weather?

In areas with prolonged freezing, follow the Blue Thumb seasonal-care instructions and the requirements for your specific pump. The skimmer guide calls for rinsing and storing the net and filter mat for winter, along with proper pump removal and storage. The complete procedure depends on your pond system and local climate.