Charles Austen FS38B Pond Skimmer

Charles Austen FS38B Pond Skimmer

Charles Austen FS38B Pond Skimmer is a pond surface skimmer intended for ponds with up to 30 m² of surface area. Its published maximum output is 2900 L/hour. This page identifies the exact model, duty figures and selection limits so it can be compared accurately with the other products in the range.

Charles Austen is both the product brand and supplier. The figures below come from the current 2026 supplier catalogue, supported by manufacturer guidance where a current technical page is available. Maximum figures are not the same as guaranteed installed performance: pipework, depth, pressure, media loading and maintenance all affect the result.

Who is the FS38B best suited to?

This model is best considered for ponds with up to 30 m² of surface area. It sits 1 of 2 when the range is ordered by nominal output/capacity. That makes it easier to judge whether it is a compact entry model, a mid-range choice or one of the higher-output options before comparing price alone.

Key product features

• Removes floating leaves, dust and pollen before they sink
• Published surface-area limit for model selection
• Helps reduce debris loading on the main pond filter
• Flow rating stated where the model includes powered circulation
• Exact SKU and manufacturer part number: FS38B.
• Supplied through Charles Austen and linked to compatible models for easier range comparison.

Technical specification

Technical figures are nominal supplier ratings. The calculated 24-hour energy figure, where shown, is rated wattage × 24 hours and does not include tariffs or intermittent thermostat operation.

Understanding the published specification

Skimmer selection is governed primarily by surface area and debris load. The 30 m² (published maximum pond surface area) limit assumes suitable positioning and circulation. Wind direction, nearby trees and pond shape can make a smaller pond more demanding than a larger open pond. This model is associated with a published flow of 2900 L/hour.

The catalogue specification for this exact model is 2900 L/hour; 30 m² maximum pond surface area. Where the page includes a calculated daily-energy figure, it is provided only to make continuous-running products easier to compare; it is not an electricity-cost estimate and does not replace the rated power shown above.

How to size this model correctly

Surface area, wind exposure and the quantity of falling leaves matter more than pond volume. Position the skimmer where prevailing water movement carries debris towards it.

For critical livestock, treatment or commercial systems, allow spare capacity and consider redundancy. If the required duty is close to the model’s maximum, moving to the next size normally provides a more useful operating margin than running a smaller unit continuously at its limit.

Installation and commissioning

Installation format: Pond installation with free access to the water surface. Keep access available for cleaning and servicing, use appropriately sized hoses or airline, and avoid unnecessary bends or restrictions. Aquatic electrical equipment should be protected by a suitable RCD and installed in accordance with the supplied instructions.

Observe floating debris from several positions and adjust the skimmer location or surrounding circulation if material bypasses it. Check that the collection basket is easy to remove, because frequent emptying is essential during leaf fall.

Commission the complete system by checking actual flow, pressure, water level or temperature at the point of use rather than assuming the headline maximum will be achieved. Recheck after filters, diffusers or pipework have had time to accumulate normal fouling.

Compatible system components

Place the skimmer where the prevailing surface current carries leaves, pollen and dust towards the intake. It should complement the main bottom circulation and filtration rather than draw all water from one area. Maintain safe water levels so the unit does not run dry or trap livestock.

Compatibility should be confirmed from the complete installation: connection size, hose or airline bore, voltage, control method, permitted flow and future servicing access can all affect whether two individually suitable products work correctly together.

Maintenance and service life

Empty the collection basket frequently during leaf fall, keep the intake unobstructed and check that fish cannot become trapped. Clean any integrated pump as flow declines.

Record the installation date and normal operating performance. A visible reduction in output, increasing noise, rising temperature or repeated tripping should be investigated rather than compensated for by restricting or altering other parts of the system.

Performance checks and fault finding

Poor skimming is usually caused by an incorrect water level, blocked basket, restricted pump, poor placement or competing surface currents. Clear the basket before adjusting the pump. If fish approach the intake, fit or confirm the appropriate guard and reduce entrapment risk.

Compare any suspected fault with the clean, newly commissioned condition. Changes across every outlet or return normally point to the main unit or a shared restriction; a problem affecting one branch is more likely to be local pipework, airline, a valve, diffuser or connected accessory.

Compare similar pond skimmers

The table below links to five nearby models so the buyer and search crawler can move through the range without returning to a search page.

Model	Key published duty	Product type
FS40	18000 L/hour · 40 m² (published maximum pond surface area)	Pond Skimmer
UVC18	2800 L/hour · 18 W total consumption	Pond UV Clarifier
UVC24	3700 L/hour · 24 W total consumption	Pond UV Clarifier
UVC36	5600 L/hour · 36 W total consumption	Pond UV Clarifier
G-A5000	3000 L/hour · 9 W · 6,000 litres (published maximum pond size)	Pond Filter

Complete the system and explore the range

The supplier and customer-facing brand for this listing is Charles Austen. The links below connect this model to its dedicated range, relevant system components and the wider Charles Austen catalogue.

• Browse the Charles Austen FS Series
• Browse all Charles Austen products
• Pond skimmers
• Pond cleaning equipment

Technical information sources

Core model figures were checked against the current 2026 Charles Austen supplier catalogue. Family features, installation points and application guidance were cross-checked against current manufacturer technical material where available.