Large Elite Skimmer [PB1144]

Large Elite Skimmer

Blue Thumb Elite Series | Made in the USA

Keep floating leaves, twigs and other surface debris from collecting in your pond with our Large Elite Pond Skimmer. Designed for larger water gardens and professional pond installations, this contractor-grade skimmer combines a wide 15-inch intake, two-stage mechanical filtration and an enclosed pump chamber in one durable unit.

The PB1144 accommodates single- or double-pump configurations and includes your choice of a natural sandstone or gray faux-rock lid. The pump and other pond-system equipment are sold separately.

The wide intake draws floating material into a removable mesh debris net. A green Matala filtration mat provides a second stage of mechanical filtration before water reaches the pump chamber.

Our contractor-grade Elite Series features reinforced, molded construction with structural ribs and gussets. The enclosed chamber provides dedicated space for the pump while keeping filtration components accessible.

The skimmer supports single- or double-pump setups and includes fittings for the rear overflow and 2-inch discharge connections. An integrated autofill connection accepts an optional automatic water fill assembly.

The Large Elite Skimmer is rated for ponds up to approximately 30' × 30', or 900 square feet, with a recommended pump flow of 7,500–10,000 GPH and a listed maximum flow capacity of 20,000 GPH.

These ratings are selection guidelines, not a guarantee of performance for every pond. Pond shape, fish load, debris exposure, plumbing restrictions and the actual operating flow of your pump should all be considered.

Important: This is a mechanical pond skimmer, not a complete pond filtration system or pond kit. A compatible pump, discharge plumbing, pond liner and other required system components must be selected separately.

Each Large Elite Skimmer includes the primary skimmer assembly, mechanical filtration components and the listed installation hardware.

Large Elite Skimmer body — PB1144

Detachable faceplate snout and weir door

One natural faux-rock lid in your selected color

Green Matala mechanical filter mat

Stainless steel Matala mat holder

Stainless-frame mesh debris net

Two rubber UniSeal fittings for 2" discharge points

Overflow plumbing fittings

Pre-plumbed autofill spinweld with plug

Stainless steel self-tapping screws

Screw caps and liner mounting clips

Black silicone sealant

Installation instructions

Select either Sandstone or Gray using the product options above before adding the skimmer to your cart. One matching natural faux-rock lid is included.

Need to review the lid options? View our Natural Sandstone Faux Skimmer Lid or Natural Gray Faux Skimmer Lid replacement-product pages.

The replacement lid model for the Large Elite is LID15 in sandstone or LID15G in gray. These linked pages sell lids separately; you do not need to purchase another lid with this skimmer.

Dimensions are the published skimmer-box dimensions, not excavation dimensions. Allow additional installation space for plumbing, liner attachment, backfilling and service access.

Blue Thumb offers several mechanical skimmer sizes. Compare the opening width, installation dimensions, pump-chamber space and maximum flow ratings before choosing the right model.

Weir: 7.5"

Dimensions (D × W × H): 16.25" × 13.25" × 14.75"

Pump area (D × W × H): 6.25" × 11.25" × 14"

Maximum flow: 2,000 GPH

Maximum pond area: 90 sq. ft.

Dimensions (D × W × H): 22" × 14.5" × 19.5"

Pump area (D × W × H): 7.5" × 10" × 19"

Maximum flow: 4,500 GPH

Maximum pond area: 180 sq. ft.

Weir: 8"

Dimensions (D × W × H): 26.25" × 15.25" × 19.75"

Pump area (D × W × H): 7.5" × 11.75" × 19"

Maximum flow: 5,500 GPH

Weir: 10"

Dimensions (D × W × H): 28.25" × 19.25" × 23.75"

Pump area (D × W × H): 7.5" × 14" × 22.5"

Maximum flow: 10,000 GPH

Maximum pond area: 550 sq. ft.

Weir: 15"

Dimensions (D × W × H): 30.75" × 23.5" × 26"

Pump area (D × W × H): 10" × 18.5" × 25"

Maximum flow: 20,000 GPH

Maximum pond area: 900 sq. ft.

Need a smaller Elite model? Compare the Medium 10" Elite Skimmer or the Small 8" Elite Skimmer .

Maintain your skimmer with components designed for the Large 15" Elite model. When ordering from a replacement-product page with multiple sizes, select the 15-inch Elite variation.

Replacement Mesh Debris Net — Select NET15SK.

Replacement Green Matala Filter Mat — Select MT15GR.

Stainless Mat Holder — Select SS15SKS.

The debris net, mat and holder are included with a new PB1144 skimmer. These links are for future replacements.

The skimmer includes an autofill spinweld connection with a plug, but the automatic fill valve assembly is not included.

The kit accepts a 1/2-inch water supply and has a maximum listed water pressure of 30 PSI. Review the fill-kit instructions and water supply requirements before installation.

A mechanical skimmer is one part of a complete water garden. The PB1144 captures floating debris before water travels through the pump and returns to the pond.

Depending on your pond design, the remaining system may include a compatible pond pump , biological waterfall filter , flexible PVC plumbing, check valve components, pond liner and protective underlayment.

These components are sold separately unless purchased as part of a complete pond kit. Rocks and gravel are recommended to complete the pond but are not included with this skimmer.

When selecting a pump, account for total dynamic head, tubing diameter, pipe length, fittings and the desired waterfall flow. Confirm that the chosen pump and plumbing fit inside the skimmer's available pump chamber.

Proper placement, excavation, leveling and liner attachment are essential to reliable skimmer operation. Review the complete installation manual before excavation.

Position the skimmer at the pond edge, preferably opposite the waterfall, to encourage circulation across the pond. Confirm access for plumbing and routine removal of the lid and filtration media.

Allow several additional inches around the skimmer body for installation and backfilling. The installation guide positions the top of the skimmer approximately 5 inches above the desired pond water level. Compact and level the base before proceeding.

Install the supplied UniSeal fittings, connect the pump discharge plumbing and configure the rear overflow assembly. The adjustable overflow elbow helps establish the maximum pond water level. Plug unused connections as directed.

Follow the manufacturer's sealing procedure using the supplied silicone, faceplate, screws and mounting hardware. Clean the mating surfaces, maintain appropriate liner slack and complete the seal before final trimming.

Place your separately purchased submersible pump in the rear chamber. Route the power cord through the provided notch, then position the Matala mat, stainless holder and mesh debris net as shown in the manual.

Fill the pond, inspect the liner connection, check the overflow and confirm that water moves through the skimmer without restricting the pump supply. Complete surrounding landscaping after testing the system.

The published 30.75" × 23.5" × 26" measurement describes the skimmer body. It does not include additional excavation clearance, discharge plumbing, overflow routing or the space needed to access the unit for maintenance.

Locate underground utilities before digging, and follow the Blue Thumb installation guide for the complete placement and backfilling procedure.

Lift out and empty the mesh debris net as needed. Inspect and rinse the Matala filter mat when buildup begins to restrict water movement. Our Elite skimmer instructions describe a typical cleaning interval of 10–14 days, although leaf fall, storms and pond conditions may require more frequent attention.

If the water level inside the pump chamber drops noticeably below the surrounding pond level, inspect the debris net and filter mat for restrictions before continuing operation. Avoid running the pump without adequate water.

In climates with prolonged freezing, follow the equipment-specific winterization instructions. Our skimmer guide directs owners to remove and properly store the pump, rinse the net and filter media, and store the media for winter. Pump storage requirements depend on the manufacturer's instructions.

See the spring and fall pond-care guides below for additional seasonal preparation information.

The Large Elite Skimmer's Blue Thumb engineered-plastic construction is covered by our lifetime limited manufacturer warranty against manufacturing defects for the original purchaser.

Proper installation in accordance with the applicable Blue Thumb installation manual is required. Post-purchase modifications void warranty coverage. Warranty compensation is limited to eligible merchandise replacement or value and does not include associated labor or freight costs.

View Blue Thumb's Official Warranty Information (PDF)

Note: A pump is not included. Any separately purchased pump has its own applicable manufacturer warranty.

Use these official Blue Thumb resources to plan your installation, understand the complete pond system and maintain your water feature.

The Elite Pond Water Garden System Guide covers complete pond kits and their associated components. The contents listed for those kits are not included with this standalone skimmer.

Watch our installation overview for guidance on skimmer placement, plumbing and setup. This official video demonstrates the Elite Skimmer family; follow the current installation manual for your exact model.

Video: Elite Skimmer Box Installation — Blue Thumb. Installation procedures are shown for the Elite Skimmer product family.

Choosing equipment for a larger pond? Our Sales/Tech Team can help you review the skimmer size, pump requirements, plumbing configuration and components needed for your installation.

The PB1144 is listed for ponds up to approximately 30' × 30', or 900 square feet. The best choice also depends on pond shape, debris exposure, fish load and the flow needed for your complete system.

No. The skimmer includes its housing, lid, mechanical filtration components and listed installation hardware. Select a compatible pump separately based on your desired operating flow, total dynamic head, plumbing and available pump-chamber space.

We list 7,500–10,000 GPH as the recommended operating flow range and 20,000 GPH as the maximum skimmer flow rating. The maximum rating is a capacity limit, not the flow every installation needs. Actual pump output depends on the selected pump and system restrictions.

Yes. The Large Elite supports single- or double-pump configurations. The installation provides two discharge locations using the included UniSeal fittings. Confirm the physical fit of the selected pumps and plumbing, and ensure the combined operating flow stays within the skimmer's applicable limits.

Yes. One natural faux-rock lid is included. Choose sandstone or gray using the product's lid-color option before ordering. Replacement lids are available separately if needed later.

Our Elite skimmer instructions give a typical interval of 10–14 days, but actual cleaning frequency varies. Check the debris net and filter mat more frequently during heavy leaf fall, after storms or whenever water flow appears restricted.

In areas with prolonged freezing, follow the Blue Thumb seasonal-care instructions and the requirements for your specific pump. The skimmer guide calls for rinsing and storing the net and filter mat for winter, along with proper pump removal and storage. The complete procedure depends on your pond system and local climate.