In the market of cleaners for ponds and pools, you can see the latest technological innovations that perform useful, necessary functions. These devices include a skimmer.

Purpose and function of the skimmer for the pond

Skimmer is used for complex water treatment. By itself, it is a plastic or metal, square or cylindrical tank, with a pipe for water intake. On the side there is a window that serves as a shutter. The device is used to clean water from dirt, to remove blockages (if any). In addition, the product absorbs waves, extinguishes the spread of chemicals.

Did you know? In order for the skimmer to work smoothly, a triangular hole needs to be cut in its receiving pipe. Thanks to this, it works better, responds to excitement and deliberate intervention at work, does not choke, even if it is drowned.

Principle of operation:

1. Through the side window, water enters the tank.
2. An internal damper separates fresh water from contaminated water.
3. Garbage is stored temporarily in the filter.
4. At the end, heating occurs and water is poured back.

Any skimmer consists of: a float, a skimvak, a basket, a filter, a cover, a front panel and gaskets. Component parts include: bottom discharge, nozzles, searchlight.

Types of Skimmers

Skimmers for the pond are plastic, bronze or made of stainless steel. The size of the neck is up to you: large, medium, small. Combined devices are divided into single (where only the skimmer) and combined (with gravy). There is a difference in the method of installation: hinged and built-in structures. Some models come with additional flange positions and gaskets. A floating skimmer is in demand. It is convenient to let it in the pond. Its modern models are equipped with solar panels, which makes it autonomous from electricity.

Important! Choose only high-quality equipment. Get models of popular brands with good customer reviews.

Skimmers for the pond are divided into:

• mechanical - remove waste, dirt and insoluble compounds;
• ultraviolet - remove bacteria and algae;
• biological - Reorganize non-decomposable waste into in-kind;
• superficial - clean the litter from the surface;
• universal - perform several functions simultaneously.

If the pond is small, then the bottom skimmer is suitable. It is mounted on a fixed bottom support and is covered with pebbles, pebbles, grass from above. Its height is adjustable. For large reservoirs, coastal skimmers are chosen, they are with ultraviolet, which also sterilizes. Practical and swimming skimmer, it is easy to attach and performs its functions well.

How to do it yourself

Spending on the purchase of the device can be reduced if you take up the work yourself. The idea will be bold, but feasible. To perform this task, you need to follow the assembly instructions of the skimmer and understand the drawings. In advance, you need to determine the type of device, prepare the necessary materials and tools.

Selection of tools and materials

First you need to decide what material to make the product from. Usually the choice is between plastic and stainless steel. Plastic is easy to install, resistant to chemistry. Steel - will last for many years, but will cost more.

Next, determine what type you will do: built-in or mounted. The first takes over its performance. But, if the volume for water treatment is small, then the mounted one is also suitable. Having dealt with this, the calculations begin. For this, it is important to remember that the device is able to clean 20–25 square meters. m of water. Based on this, calculate how much you need to make such skimmers.

To assemble the attachment, you need to purchase the following materials:

1. A container (or any prototype vessel).
2. Filter.
3. Hose.
4. Mesh for cleaning.
5. Dry Cleaning Containers.

Filter Housing Preparation

Now we need to tackle the tank. And more specifically: to make a funnel in its working capacity, which will allow water to enter inside. A cleaning grid is fixed on it (it is recommended to choose with small holes, because they will better retain small contaminants). In the middle of the skimmer part, it is important to put several pieces of tanks for pouring chemical composition at once (without a concrete ring).

Important! In order for the device to last a long time and work efficiently, it needs to be cleaned from time to time. This simple action will extend its cleaning performance.

Installation Rules

Next, you need to build in the purification filter (pump), which must also be mounted. It can be difficult to do, but you can buy ready-made or assembled on video instructions in YouTube. After in the tanks you need to drill holes, place a hose in them, and it is already connected to the circulation pump. Now everything complicated is behind, it remains only to fix it in the bowl of the pool or pond. Fasten usually only with stainless hardware.

Video: homemade skimmer for the pond

You can make another version of the device, which is suitable for the pond. It is useful in the manufacture of a box (except for cardboard) with a lid. About 22 inches in size. Then you need to find a basket (a cat’s toilet is ideal) for trash to fit snugly in a makeshift drawer. Molded plastic 8 mm thick, PVC plastic 4 mm, PVC film 1 mm shutter. First, the parts are cut on a milling machine and joined. Screening is done manually. The shutter itself is glued to the film with GRIFFON UNI-100 glue.

Did you know? The skimmer works by the principle of surface tension. He alone filters up to 25 square meters. m of water.

The remaining parts (so as not to fall) are attached to the film and the skimmer with screws and acrylic flanges. The float adheres to the flap side. Tube, polyethylene and crimp fittings are needed to connect equipment to the filter. A pipe with a diaphragm of 110 cm is inserted into it.

The pump is selected with a conductivity of 20,000 l / h. If everything worked out, then the skimmer will remain clean even in bad weather. Thus, you will save a lot of budget, because a decent skimmer costs from 4200 rubles.

A skimmer is a good thing to clean the pond and pool. If you have time, strength and desire, do it yourself, and if not, get it ready.