Small Elite Skimmer
$419.99
Medium Elite Skimmer
$599.99
PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA!
Medium Elite Skimmer – PB1137
• Weir Opening: 10"
• Dimensions: 28.25"D × 19.25"W × 23.75"H
• Maximum Pump Flow: 10,000 GPH
• Recommended Flow: 5,000–7,500 GPH
• Maximum Pond Size: Up to 550 sq. ft. (approximately 21' × 26')
• Single or Double Pump Configuration
• Natural Landscape Lid Included
• Pump Sold Separately
Lifetime Warranty – Skimmer Components
Medium Elite Skimmer – PB1137
• Weir Opening: 10"
• Dimensions: 28.25"D × 19.25"W × 23.75"H
• Maximum Pump Flow: 10,000 GPH
• Recommended Flow: 5,000–7,500 GPH
• Maximum Pond Size: Up to 550 sq. ft. (approximately 21' × 26')
• Single or Double Pump Configuration
• Natural Landscape Lid Included
• Pump Sold Separately
Lifetime Warranty – Skimmer Components
Blue Thumb Elite Series | Made in the USA
Medium Elite Skimmer – 10" Professional Pond Skimmer
Keep leaves and floating debris from settling on the bottom of your pond with our Medium Elite Skimmer. Designed for water gardens and fish ponds, this contractor-grade mechanical skimmer collects debris before it reaches the pump while keeping the pump and plumbing discreetly positioned outside the main pond.
The reinforced housing features a 10-inch skimmer opening, removable filtration components, and two pump-discharge locations. An included natural-looking landscape lid helps conceal the skimmer along the pond's edge.
10" Weir opening
5,000–7,500 Recommended GPH
10,000 GPH Maximum pump flow
550 sq. ft. Maximum recommended pond surface area
Built for Reliable Pond Skimming
Two-Stage Mechanical Filtration
The included mesh debris net collects larger leaves and twigs, while the green Matala filter mat captures smaller suspended debris before water reaches the pump chamber.
Contractor-Grade Construction
Our Elite Series uses a reinforced housing with molded ribs and gussets designed to resist distortion after proper installation and backfilling.
Flexible Plumbing and Water Management
Two discharge locations accommodate single- or dual-pump configurations. Built-in overflow plumbing and an optional automatic water-fill connection add installation flexibility.
Is the Medium Elite Skimmer Right for Your Pond?
The Medium Elite Skimmer is intended for ponds with a surface area of up to approximately 550 square feet, comparable to a pond measuring 21' × 26'. Its recommended operating range is 5,000–7,500 GPH, with a maximum pump-flow rating of 10,000 GPH.
Check Your Pump and Installation Space Before Ordering
Exterior skimmer dimensions: 28.25" D × 19.25" W × 23.75" H
Interior pump area: 7.5" D × 14" W × 22.5" H
The interior pump area is smaller than the outside dimensions. Confirm that your selected pump, discharge assembly, and plumbing will fit inside the available chamber.
The skimmer also requires excavation beyond its exterior footprint. Use our installation instructions to plan the opening, waterline, plumbing, and access for future maintenance.
Choosing your lid: Select either the Sandstone or Gray natural landscape lid using the product options above before adding the skimmer to your cart.
Important: This is a standalone mechanical skimmer, not a complete pond filtration kit. Your pump and other pond-system components are selected separately.
What's Included with the Medium Elite Skimmer?
Skimmer and Filtration Components
- Medium Elite Skimmer housing (PB1137)
- Detachable snout and floating skimmer door
- Natural landscape lid in your selected color
- Green Matala mechanical filter mat
- Stainless steel mat holder
- Mesh debris collection net
Plumbing and Installation Components
- Two rubber UniSeals for 2" discharge connections
- Overflow plumbing fittings
- Pre-plumbed automatic-fill connection with plug
- Stainless steel mounting screws and screw caps
- Liner mounting clips and installation hardware
- Black silicone and installation instructions
What Is Not Included?
A submersible pump, pump discharge assembly, external plumbing, pond liner, biological waterfall filter, and automatic water-fill assembly are not included with this standalone skimmer.
The automatic-fill connection is built into the skimmer, but the actual automatic-fill kit must be purchased separately if you want that feature.
Medium Elite Skimmer Technical Specifications
Model / SKU: PB1137
UPC: 897570001137
Weir opening: 10"
Exterior dimensions: 28.25" D × 19.25" W × 23.75" H
Interior pump area: 7.5" D × 14" W × 22.5" H
Recommended flow: 5,000–7,500 GPH
Maximum pump flow: 10,000 GPH
Maximum pond area: Approximately 550 sq. ft.
Pump configuration: Single or double
Discharge connections: Two locations with 2" UniSeals
Lid options: Sandstone or Gray
Manufactured in: USA
Skimmer warranty: Lifetime manufacturer warranty on qualifying engineered plastic components
Compare Blue Thumb Pond Skimmer Sizes
Use this comparison to evaluate available skimmer sizes before choosing your filtration components. Each model has different dimensions, pump space, flow capacity, and pond coverage.
| Specification | DIY 90 | DIY 180 | Small Elite | Medium Elite | Large Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weir Opening | 7.5" | 7.5" | 8" | 10" | 15" |
| Exterior 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
Max pond area: 90 sq. ft.
DIY Pond Skimmer 180
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
Max 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
Max pond area: 180 sq. ft.
Medium Elite Skimmer – Current Product
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
Max 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
Max pond area: 900 sq. ft.
Need a different capacity? Compare our Small Elite Skimmer or Large Elite Skimmer.
Installation Planning and Setup
Proper positioning, liner attachment, plumbing, and backfilling are important for dependable skimmer operation. Review the complete Elite Skimmer Installation Manual before beginning construction.
Choose the Location
Position the skimmer at the pond's edge, preferably opposite the waterfall, to help circulate water through the pond. Excavate a few inches beyond the skimmer's outside dimensions.
Our installation manual specifies positioning the top of the skimmer approximately 5" above the intended pond water level.
Prepare the Connections
Install the overflow assembly and rubber UniSeals. If using one pump discharge, close the unused discharge opening as instructed in the manual.
If adding the optional automatic-fill system, install its assembly according to the supplied instructions. Otherwise, keep the automatic-fill connection plugged.
Level, Backfill, and Attach the Liner
Set the skimmer on a compacted base and confirm it is level from front to back and side to side. Backfill carefully without distorting the housing.
Secure the pond liner to the skimmer face using the included silicone, snout, screws, and installation hardware as directed in the manual.
Install the Pump and Filtration
Position the separately purchased submersible pump in the rear chamber. Connect the pump discharge to your plumbing and route the power cord through the designated notch.
Install the Matala mat and debris net, position the landscape lid, and inspect the system during startup.
Installation Tip: Plan the Waterline Carefully
Correct skimmer elevation helps the floating door draw surface water into the unit. The installation guide specifies an operating waterline approximately 1" below the upper edge of the snout opening.
Follow the official installation diagrams for the skimmer's exact positioning and overflow adjustment.
Replacement Filtration Components
The removable net and filter mat are designed for routine cleaning and can be replaced separately when necessary. Match replacement components to the 10-inch Elite Skimmer before ordering.
- Replacement Matala Filter Mat: Select the 10" Elite Skimmer variation, item MT10GR, from our Replacement Matala for Elite Skimmer page.
- Replacement Mesh Debris Net: Select item NET10SK for the Medium 10" Elite Skimmer from our Replacement Skimmer Mesh Debris Nets page.
- Replacement Mat Holder: See our Stainless Mat Holder for Elite Skimmer and choose the compatible size.
Maintenance and Seasonal Care
Routine Cleaning
Remove collected leaves and debris from the mesh net and rinse the Matala mat when necessary. A noticeably lower water level in the pump chamber compared with the pond can indicate that the filtration components need cleaning.
Our installation manual identifies approximately 10–14 days as a typical cleaning interval, although ponds with heavy leaf accumulation or greater debris loads may require more frequent attention.
Water-Level Management
Check the pond's water level regularly, especially during hot or dry weather. Replace evaporated water as necessary or consider adding the optional automatic-fill assembly. Use appropriate dechlorination when adding chlorinated water to a pond containing fish.
Winter Preparation
In climates with prolonged freezing, follow the pump manufacturer's winter-storage instructions. Our Elite Skimmer manual recommends removing the pump and storing it in a bucket of water where it cannot freeze. Rinse the skimmer mat and debris net and store them for winter.
During spring startup, reinstall the filtration components, inspect the skimmer and plumbing, and reconnect the pump according to the equipment instructions.
Product Resources and Installation Guides
Keep these official resources available when planning, installing, maintaining, or winterizing your pond. The Elite Pond Water Garden guide covers complete pond systems and includes components sold separately from this individual skimmer.
Elite Skimmer Installation Video
Watch our Elite Skimmer installation overview for a visual introduction to positioning, plumbing, and installing the skimmer.
Official Blue Thumb video. Covers the Elite Skimmer product family; refer to the PB1137 specifications and installation manual for your exact model. Pumps and other pond-system components shown may be sold separately.
Need Help Selecting the Right Skimmer or Pump?
Our Sales/Tech Team can help you review your pond's dimensions, required water flow, pump compatibility, and installation layout before you order.
Have your pond dimensions and planned pump information available so we can help you choose the right components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pond is the Medium Elite Skimmer designed for?
Our Medium Elite Skimmer is rated for ponds with a surface area of up to approximately 550 square feet, comparable to a 21' × 26' pond. Pump requirements also depend on pond volume, waterfall design, and the complete filtration system.
Does the Medium Elite Skimmer include a pump?
No. This is a standalone skimmer assembly. A submersible pump and its discharge plumbing must be selected separately. Confirm the pump's dimensions and intended operating flow before purchasing.
Can I install two pumps in this skimmer?
Yes. The Medium Elite Skimmer supports single- or double-pump configurations and provides two discharge locations. Confirm the combined system flow remains within the skimmer's rated maximum and that both pumps and plumbing assemblies fit inside the chamber.
Does the skimmer include an automatic water-fill system?
The skimmer includes a pre-plumbed automatic-fill connection with a plug, but the automatic water-fill assembly is sold separately. The included overflow fittings also allow you to route excess pond water to a suitable drainage location.
How often should I clean the skimmer filter mat and net?
Our installation manual gives approximately 10–14 days as a typical interval, but actual cleaning frequency depends on leaves, debris, fish load, and pond conditions. Check more frequently during fall leaf season or after storms.
Can I choose the color of the landscape lid?
Yes. Select either the Sandstone or Gray lid option before placing your order. One selected natural landscape lid is included with the skimmer.
Which replacement filter mat and debris net fit this model?
The 10" Elite Skimmer uses the MT10GR replacement Matala mat and the NET10SK mesh debris net. Select the correct variation on the corresponding replacement-component product page.
What warranty comes with the Medium Elite Skimmer?
Our Blue Thumb branded engineered plastic skimmer components carry a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects for the original purchaser, subject to the terms and limitations in our official warranty document. Proper installation according to the applicable manual is required. Pumps purchased separately carry their own product-specific warranties.
Related Products
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Large Elite Skimmer
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Stainless Mat Holder for Elite Skimmer
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