Blue Thumb PB1137 10" Elite Pond Skimmer Box with Natural Rock Lid – Koi Pond Surface Debris Filtration System
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Description
The Blue Thumb PB1137 Medium Elite Skimmer Box (10") is a contractor-grade pond skimmer engineered for ponds up to 21’×26’ (~550 sq. ft.) with pump flow rates up to 10,000 GPH (recommended 5,000–7,500 GPH). The Elite housing is 38% thicker than standard skimmer boxes, with structural ribs and gussets molded directly into the walls to prevent soil pressure distortion after installation. The 10-inch weir opening accepts single or double pump configurations. Two-stage mechanical filtration combines a Green Matala filtration mat with a stainless steel mesh leaf net to capture debris from coarse leaves down to fine particles. A buoyant floating door automatically adjusts to water level changes for consistent skimming performance. The rear of the skimmer includes a built-in overflow fitting to route excess rainwater away from the pond. A pre-plumbed autofill spinweld is included for easy water level management (autofill kit #PB1342 sold separately). Marine-grade stainless steel hardware throughout. Compatible with 45-mil EPDM pond liner. Lifetime Warranty. Made in the USA. Oversized shipping surcharge applies.
Why Choose the Blue Thumb Elite Skimmer?
- 38% thicker contractor-grade housing: The Elite Series housing wall is 38% thicker than standard skimmer boxes and reinforced with structural ribs and gussets molded throughout the body. After installation and backfilling, soil pressure cannot compress or distort the skimmer walls — maintaining the correct weir height and liner attachment geometry for the life of the pond.
- 10,000 GPH maximum pump capacity — single or double pump: At 10,000 GPH maximum, this skimmer accommodates high-flow single-pump systems and dual-pump configurations for larger ponds where redundancy or high turnover rates are required.
- Green Matala filtration mat — not a generic filter pad: The included Green Matala mat is a premium open-structure filtration medium that combines mechanical debris capture with biological surface area. Matala’s open-cell design resists compaction, maintains consistent flow rates even as the pond season progresses, and can be cleaned by hosing down rather than replaced as frequently as standard filter foam.
- Buoyant floating door: The weir door floats with the pond water level, maintaining consistent gap and suction regardless of seasonal water level changes, evaporation, or rainfall. No manual adjustment required.
- Rear overflow fitting: Built into the back wall, the overflow fitting routes excess water away from the pond during heavy rainfall events — preventing overfilling when paired with an autofill valve. An included plug allows the fitting to be capped if overflow routing is not needed.
- Pre-plumbed autofill spinweld: The skimmer body arrives with the autofill fitting pre-installed, eliminating field drilling. The optional Blue Thumb autofill kit (#PB1342, sold separately) attaches directly to this fitting for automatic water level maintenance.
- Marine-grade stainless steel hardware: All hardware — screws, mat holder, and screw caps — is stainless steel to resist rust and corrosion in permanent outdoor wet installations.
- Lifetime Warranty, Made in the USA: Blue Thumb manufactures all Elite Series skimmers in-house in the United States, backing every unit with a Lifetime Warranty.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | PB1137 |
| Weir Opening | 10 inches |
| Dimensions | 28.25”L × 19.25”W × 23.75”H |
| Max Pump Flow | 10,000 GPH |
| Recommended Pump Flow | 5,000–7,500 GPH |
| Max Pond Size | Up to 21’×26’ (~550 sq. ft.) |
| Pump Configuration | Single or double pump |
| Construction | Contractor-grade; 38% thicker than standard; structural ribs and gussets |
| Filtration | 2-stage: Green Matala filtration mat + stainless steel mesh leaf net |
| Weir Door | Buoyant floating door — auto-adjusts to water level |
| Autofill | Pre-plumbed autofill spinweld included (plug standard; kit #PB1342 sold separately) |
| Overflow | Rear overflow fitting included for heavy rain management |
| Liner Compatibility | 45-mil EPDM pond liner |
| Hardware | Marine-grade stainless steel throughout |
| Shipping | Oversized item |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
| Made in | USA (Blue Thumb in-house production) |
What's Included
- Blue Thumb Medium Elite Skimmer Box (10" weir)
- Detachable snout/door with buoyant floating door
- Natural faux-rock cover lid
- Stainless steel mat holder
- Green Matala filtration mat (premium open-structure filtration medium)
- Stainless steel mesh leaf net
- Marine-grade stainless screws + screw caps
- Liner clips
- Rubber uni-seals for 2” discharge outlets
- Plumbing fittings for overflow
- Black silicone
- Pre-plumbed autofill spinweld with plug (autofill kit #PB1342 sold separately)
- Full color installation instructions
Elite Skimmer Family — Choose by Pond Size
All Elite Skimmers share: contractor-grade housing (38% thicker), structural ribs and gussets, buoyant floating door, Green Matala mat, stainless steel mesh net + hardware, rear overflow fitting, pre-plumbed autofill spinweld, Lifetime Warranty, Made in USA.
| Model | SKU | Weir | Dimensions | Max Flow | Recommended | Max Pond |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Elite Skimmer | PB1199 | 8" | 26.25"×15.25"×19.75"H | 5,500 GPH | 2,500–3,500 GPH | 11'×16' |
| Medium Elite Skimmer (this) | PB1137 | 10" | 28.25"×19.25"×23.75"H | 10,000 GPH | 5,000–7,500 GPH | 21'×26' |
| Large Elite Skimmer | PB1144 | 15" | 30.75"×23.5"×26"H | 20,000 GPH | 7,500–10,000 GPH | 30'×30' |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum pond size and flow rate for the Medium Elite Skimmer?
The Blue Thumb PB1137 Medium Elite Skimmer is rated for ponds up to 21’×26’ (approximately 550 sq. ft. surface area). The maximum pump flow rate is 10,000 GPH, with a recommended operating range of 5,000–7,500 GPH for optimal skimming action.
For reference: the smaller 8” Elite Skimmer (PB1199) handles ponds up to 11’×16’ at 2,500–3,500 GPH. If your pond exceeds 21’×26’, the 15” Large Elite Skimmer (PB1144) handles ponds up to 30’×30’ at 7,500–10,000 GPH.
How does the Natural Lid improve my pond's appearance?
Every PB1137 kit includes a natural faux-rock cover lid that sits on top of the skimmer housing, visually disguising it as a natural rock formation at the pond edge. The lid maintains easy access to the pump chamber and filtration media for routine maintenance without requiring removal of surrounding landscaping.
The lid is designed to work with the skimmer’s snout/door height, maintaining consistent proportions whether installed flush with grade or slightly elevated. For additional concealment, surrounding edging rock, mulch, or plantings can be used alongside the lid.
What makes the Elite Series more durable than other skimmers?
Three engineering features set the Elite Series apart from entry-level skimmer boxes:
- 38% thicker walls: The housing material is 38% thicker than standard pond skimmer boxes, providing significantly greater resistance to soil pressure after backfilling.
- Structural ribs and gussets: Molded into every wall panel, these reinforcing elements prevent the gradual bowing and inward collapse that can occur in smooth-wall skimmer designs under sustained soil pressure, especially in freeze-thaw climates.
- Octagonal body design: The eight-sided shape distributes external pressure more evenly than rectangular alternatives, reducing stress concentrations at wall junctions.
Together, these features create a skimmer that Blue Thumb describes as “contractor grade” — rated for professional landscape pond installations where long-term structural integrity is non-negotiable.
What filtration media does this skimmer include?
The PB1137 includes a two-stage mechanical filtration system:
- Green Matala filtration mat: Matala is a premium open-structure filtration medium specifically designed for pond applications. Unlike compressed foam filter pads, Matala’s open-cell matrix resists compaction, maintains flow rates through extended use, and provides substantial surface area for beneficial bacteria colonization. It can be cleaned by simply hosing it down rather than replaced at the frequency of standard foam pads.
- Stainless steel mesh leaf net: Pre-filters large debris (leaves, twigs, seed pods) before they reach the Matala mat, extending mat cleaning intervals and protecting the pump.
Both media are supported by a stainless steel mat holder that keeps the mat positioned correctly as water flows through the skimmer chamber.
Can I install an auto-fill valve in this unit?
Yes. The PB1137 arrives with a pre-plumbed autofill spinweld fitting already installed in the skimmer body — no field drilling required. A standard plug is included if you don’t plan to use an autofill valve initially.
To add automatic water level control, connect the Blue Thumb Autofill Valve Kit #PB1342 (sold separately) directly to the pre-plumbed fitting. When paired with the rear overflow fitting (also included), the combination automatically maintains the correct water level year-round: the autofill valve adds water when the level drops from evaporation, and the overflow fitting drains excess water during heavy rain events.
How does the floating door work and why does it matter?
The PB1137 weir door is designed to float with the pond water level. As evaporation lowers the water level in summer, or as rainfall raises it, the door automatically repositions to maintain the correct gap between door and water surface — the gap that drives skimming action.
Fixed-height weir doors on entry-level skimmers can become less effective as water levels fluctuate: too low a door gap stops skimming; too high reduces suction. The buoyant floating door eliminates this issue passively, without any manual adjustment between seasons or weather events.
Why Buy Blue Thumb Products from Pond Pro Direct?
- Authentic Blue Thumb products with Lifetime Warranty and US-made quality
- Pond building expertise — call for pump sizing, skimmer placement guidance, and complete pond system design
- Price Match on identical products from authorized Blue Thumb retailers
Blue Thumb PB1137 Medium Elite Skimmer 10" — 10,000 GPH max | 5,000–7,500 GPH recommended | ponds to 21’×26’ (~550 sq. ft.) | 28.25"×19.25"×23.75"H | 38% thicker contractor grade | Green Matala mat | SS mesh net + SS hardware | floating door | overflow fitting | pre-plumbed autofill spinweld | 45-mil EPDM liner compatible | single or double pump | Lifetime Warranty | Made in USA. Oversized shipping.
Questions about pond sizing, pump matching, or Elite Skimmer selection? Call or text (765) 508-4352 — Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST.
Price Match
At Pond Pro Direct, we want you to shop with confidence, knowing you’re always getting a good deal.
We will match or beat the lowest online price on its products.
If you find a lower price for any products on our store, we will beat it by $50 for products listed over $2000. In order to be eligible, you must provide proof, whether a screenshot, invoice, email, etc. of the lower offer.
Please note that this does not apply to every product in the store, so reach out via email or chat for confirmation before purchasing.
For the policy to apply, simply send us a screenshot, link, or any other proof of the lower price.
For more information, please check out Price Match Policy Page
Shipping & Delivery
Order Processing
Orders are processed within 1–5 business days, depending on product type, brand, and fulfillment method. Products sold on Pond Pro Direct ship directly from manufacturers or authorized distribution partners and do not ship from a single centralized warehouse.
Processing times may vary by brand, item type, fulfillment method, and whether an item is made to order or ships via freight.
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Once your order is received, we contact the manufacturer or distribution partner to confirm availability and fulfillment timelines.
- If an item is unavailable or on backorder, we will notify you by email and void the pre-authorization.
- If the item is available, the payment will be processed and the order submitted for shipment.
Order Shipment
If your order is in stock and payment is processed, it will typically ship within 6–13 business days. Once your order ships, tracking information (when available) will be sent to the email address provided at checkout.
If you do not receive shipping confirmation within 6 business days, please contact us at support@pondprodirect.com.
Shipping Destinations
At this time, we primarily ship within the United States. Some products may be available for shipment to Canada. If the website allows checkout and accepts your shipping address, the product is eligible for delivery to that location.
Changing Your Shipping Address
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Shipping Times
All shipping times are estimates only and not guarantees.
- Typical handling time: 1–5 business days
- Typical transit time after shipment: 5–8 business days
- Estimated delivery window: 6–13 business days
Delivery timelines may vary based on brand, item type, production status, freight requirements, and carrier availability.
If an order is cancelled after it has been processed or shipped, the customer may be responsible for applicable shipping charges, freight fees, carrier return fees, and warehouse handling costs, where applicable.
Shipping Options
Available shipping options vary by product and location.
Our standard Curbside Delivery option is provided at no additional cost where applicable and delivers the item to the curbside or driveway of the delivery address.
Additional options, such as Threshold Delivery or White Glove Delivery, may be available for select products and locations.
For full details regarding freight delivery, inspection requirements, liftgate service, returns, and customer responsibilities, please review our full Shipping Policy page.
Returns & Refunds
Cancellations & Refunds
Orders may be canceled free of charge before shipment, unless the item is classified as Custom or Made-to-Order (see below).
If you have questions about your order, please contact us at support@pondprodirect.com or call (765) 508-4352 during business hours.
Cancellations (Before Order Ships)
If you need to cancel an order before it ships, please contact us as soon as possible. Orders canceled prior to shipment are eligible for a full refund.
You can reach our team by phone at (765) 508-4352, via live chat on our website, or by email at support@pondprodirect.com.
Cancellations (After Order Ships)
Once an order has shipped or entered fulfillment, it may no longer be eligible for cancellation. If you no longer wish to keep the item, you must wait until delivery and then request a return.
A Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) is required before returning any item.
Custom or Made-to-Order Items
Custom or made-to-order products are produced specifically for your order and cannot be canceled or refunded once production has begun, except in cases of defect or error.
Product pages will clearly indicate when an item is custom or made-to-order. If you are unsure whether an item falls into this category, please contact us before placing your order.
Returns & Refunds
Returns are subject to the following conditions:
- Customers have 30 days from delivery to request a return, unless otherwise stated on the product page or by manufacturer policy
- Items must be unused, uninstalled, and in original packaging
- An RMA is required prior to returning any item
Because we ship products directly from manufacturers, return eligibility may vary by brand. If a manufacturer does not permit returns on a specific product, we may be unable to accept the return. Please contact us if you would like confirmation of return eligibility for a specific item.
Fees & Shipping Costs
- Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the item is defective or shipped in error
- Freight / LTL shipments may incur higher return shipping costs due to carrier fees
- Approved returns of non-defective items may be subject to a restocking fee of up to 25%
- Original outbound shipping charges are non-refundable
If you are exchanging an item rather than returning it outright, we may be able to assist with some costs depending on the product and manufacturer.
For full details, including freight deliveries, damage reporting requirements, and manufacturer-specific terms, please review our complete Return and Refund Policy
