How To: Install a pond skimmer

Install a pond skimmerThe most critical steps to installing a skimmer are the water level and attaching the liner to the face plate with a water tight seal. The pond should be rocked in. The skimmer needs to be level from front to back and side to side. That's critical. Optimum water level is approximately 3/4 inch down from the top of the steel face. Use the level (tool) to determine the water level on the face plate. It's important to have the weir door work effectively. Prepare the area for attaching the liner to the face plate. Fold the underlay down. Create a bit of slack in the liner. Create a fold in front of the face plate to allow freedom to let the liner settle. Puncture a hole in the liner away from the double seam. Make sure there are no wrinkles in the liner to avoid leaks. Place the face plate against the liner, make a hole with a screwdriver, put a bolt, a screw and a nut. Do both perimeter spots on top. Clean the talcum powder off the liner. The silicon goes directly on the face plate of the skimmer over the top of where the holes are. Make a 3/4 inch bead. Pull the liner slowly and attach. Add washer and nut. Make sure there are no wrinkles. Attach all four corners. Puncture the remaining holes and tighten using a screwdriver and wrench. Cut the liner out of the face plate. Hide the skimmer using rocks around and on top of the skimmer.