Skimmer alternative
Pond vacuum cleaner alternative

Skimmer alternative

Discover the sustainable alternative for a clean and clear pond without a skimmer

Skimmer

Skimmers

Looking for a skimmer for a clean pond? View our range of skimmers

Simon van der Velde

Important to know:

  • A skimmer removes leaves and other debris from the surface of the water.
  • Regular cleaning prevents clogging and keeps the skimmer effective.
  • Skimmers are especially effective when combined with other pond equipment.
  • Continuous use helps prevent algae formation and dirt build-up.

Simon van der VeldePond specialist and aquatic plant breeder

Soil Dirt Pond Removal Package: The better alternative to a pond skimmer

A skimmer requires constant maintenance and regular emptying, which is time-consuming. Bacta Clear and Insta Clean naturally break down organic matter, keep the water clear and clean the pond floor, without constant manual intervention. As a result, you create a self-regulating ecosystem that requires much less maintenance than a skimmer.

Best skimmers: premium quality and energy efficient

If you do want to use a pond skimmer, we've tested the 3 best options for you. That way we keep it organized and you don't have to choose from an overwhelmingly large assortment of skimmers.

Oase Skimmer Swimskim 50 Pond Skimmer

- Energy efficient
- Additional functions: aeration and priming function
- Improved performance through valve technology

 304,95

In stock

Oase Skimmer Swimskim 25 Pond Skimmer

- Maximum surface area: 25 m²
- Self-contained with internal pump
- Capacity: 2500 liters/hour

 149,95

In stock

Skimmer SkimMax Pond Skimmer with Fountain

- Suitable for ponds up to 30 m²
- Function as skimmer and fountain
- Removable sump tray for easy cleaning

 129,95

In stock

Skimmer alternative: Bottom Dirt Pond Removal Package

- For 1,000 to 10,000 L
- Cleans up bottom mud and stabilizes KH, GH and PH
- 100% eco: quickly clear water, safe for humans, plants and animals

Original price was: 55.00.Current price is: 49.95.

In stock

Skimmer

Our natural alternative to a skimmer: plant filter

Buying a skimmer? Don't!

A Skimmer catches dirt that ends up in the pond so it doesn't sink to the bottom. But is this really the only way to keep your pond clean? We suggest a natural solution!

What is a skimmer?

A skimmer is a device that captures debris before it sinks to the bottom of the pond, the skimmer prevents bottom silt from forming. Did you know there is a natural alternative that eliminates the need for a skimmer?

Plants can do this too!

In a properly designed pond, snails and mussels can replace a skimmer. Snails clean up debris from the bottom and clams filter the water, as much as 10 gallons per hour per clam. Also, a bottle of pond bacteria from Bacta Clear helps prevent and clean up algae. This natural way keeps your pond clean and healthy without machines.

Simon van der Velde

My vision is to let nature do its work in your pond. You don't need to buy all kinds of measuring equipment and water improvers. If the fish are swimming nicely and the plants are growing well, you know the water is of good quality.

Simon van der VeldePond specialist and aquatic plant breeder

Skimmer vs. pond bacteria

A skimmer is unnecessary provided the pond is properly decorated. A properly designed pond includes pond bacteria, but also pond plants and pond substrate. A naturally designed pond with pond bacteria offers many advantages over a pond that is designed with mechanical aids such as a skimmer. A skimmer and pond bacteria are contrasted below.

Skimmer

pond bacteria

❌ Regularly ✅ Minimum
❌ 5 years ✅ Long-term
❌ No ✅ Yes
❌ Minimum ✅ Promotes the
❌ Higher (energy consumption) ✅ Low to no cost
✅ Yes ✅ Yes, effectively
❌ Limited ✅ Effective
❌ Energy consumption ✅ Environmentally friendly
✅ Yes ❌ No

This is what our customers say!

Excellent customer review vdvelde.com 200+ reviews at

Where do you connect the skimmer?

The skimmer in a pond must be connected correctly to function optimally. First, choose the right location for your skimmer. Ideally, you should place the skimmer on the side of the pond where the most common wind direction blows. That way, floating debris will be pushed to the skimmer by the wind. Dig a hole at the desired location, keeping in mind the size and depth of the skimmer. The skimmer should be flush with the surface of the water for best performance. If your pond is equipped with a pond liner, make an opening for the skimmer and attach it securely to the skimmer using special glue or other suitable method to prevent leaks. Connect the skimmer to the pond pump. Water is drawn from the pond through the skimmer and then pumped through the pump. Generally, a flexible hose is used for this purpose. This hose runs from the skimmer to the inlet of the pump.

Why a skimmer?

People who do not want to add plants to the pond opt for mechanical equipment such as skimmers, pumps and filters. A skimmer has several functions.

  • Removal of floating debris: The primary function of a skimmer is to automatically collect and remove floating debris such as leaves, branches, blossoms and other organic material before they sink to the bottom.
  • Improved water quality: Removing organic waste can improve water quality in the pond. This waste, when it breaks down, can release nutrients into the water that promote algae blooms.
  • Reduced maintenance needs: With a skimmer, you need to manually scoop floating debris out of your pond less often, reducing maintenance.
  • Prevention of pond bottom saturation: By removing floating debris before it sinks to the bottom, a skimmer prevents the bottom of the pond from becoming saturated with organic material, which can lead to a buildup of silt and potentially water quality problems.

Do you need a skimmer?

People often have the general idea that ponds always need a skimmer or other mechanical means to balance the water values, but this is not the case, when the pond is set up according to our step-by-step plan, use of mechanical or chemical means is not necessary. Skimmers can, just like a properly set up pond with: substrate, pond bacteria and different types of aquatic plants keep the pond in balance, only this is not in a natural way.

Buy Skimmer

When buying a skimmer, it is important to consider its capacity, type and ease of installation. A good skimmer helps remove surface debris such as leaves, pollen and twigs, keeping your pond or pool clean and clear. Choose a model that fits the size of your water surface and your specific needs. By investing in a quality skimmer, you'll save time and effort when maintaining your pond or pool.

Ordering skimmers online

Ordering a skimmer online offers convenience and a wide selection of models and brands. Before purchasing a skimmer, it is wise to read product descriptions and customer reviews. Online stores often offer detailed information and reviews that can help you make an informed choice. Benefit from fast delivery and often advantageous prices by ordering your skimmer online from reliable online shops.

Types of skimmers and their applications

There are several types of skimmers, each with its own applications and advantages. Floating skimmers are ideal for ponds and pools with varying water levels, while wall-mounted models are suitable for fixed installations. Some skimmers are specially designed for use in specific water environments such as swimming ponds or koi-ponds. Choose the skimmer that best suits the size and type of your water surface to get the most out of your purchase.

Buy floating skimmer

When buying a floating skimmer, it is important to consider capacity, type and ease of installation. A good floating skimmer effectively removes surface debris such as leaves, pollen and twigs, keeping your pond or pool clean and clear. Choose a model that fits the size of your water surface and your specific needs. Investing in a quality floating skimmer will save you time and effort in maintaining your pond or pool.

Ordering floating skimmers online

Ordering a floating skimmer online offers convenience and a wide selection of models and brands. Read product descriptions and customer reviews before purchasing a floating skimmer. Online stores often provide detailed information and reviews that can help you make an informed choice. Benefit from fast delivery and often advantageous prices by ordering your floating skimmer online from reliable online shops.

Types of floating skimmers and their applications

There are several types of floating skimmers, each with their own applications and benefits. Floating skimmers are ideal for ponds and pools with varying water levels. Some skimmers are specially designed for use in specific water environments such as swimming ponds or koi-ponds. Choose the floating skimmer that best fits the size and type of your water surface to get the most out of your purchase.

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