Which Is The Right Skimmer For The Job?
Calculate your skimmer size below for the best fit for your site
Sediment Basin Skimmer Calculators:
Engineer Tool: Calculate Faircloth Skimmer® Size & Print Detail Drawing
Use the following calculator to create a detail drawing in PDF or PNG format. You can then print or save the document/image and easily add it to your plan set. Note: You can calculate multiple skimmer basins with this tool! — simply click “Add Row” to add a basin to the detail.
Click here to access the Sediment Skimmer Downloads page, where you can download helpful flow rate data and HydroCAD files.
Simple Faircloth Skimmer Sizing Calculator
Basin Volume Calculator
If you do not know the basin’s volume but you do know the approximate dimensions and depth of a square or rectangular basin, use this calculator to estimate the volume. Note: this is total volume, not required volume
Important To Note
The skimmer sizing calculator is a useful tool—but it does not replace sound engineering judgment or common sense.
For example, if the volume entered exceeds the maximum calculated capacity of a given skimmer by even one cubic foot, the calculator will automatically recommend the next larger size. In many cases, however, the smaller skimmer may still be sufficient, depending on site-specific conditions and reasonable design assumptions.
It’s important to remember:
- The calculator assumes the basin fills completely during every rain event, which is rarely the case.
- It assumes inflow stops once the basin is full, though inflow often continues and can extend the drain time.
- It does not account for the possibility of multiple rain events before the basin has fully drained.
Because of these variables, we recommend using the calculator alongside the flow capacity chart and applying professional judgment to determine the most appropriate skimmer size.
Note: All flow rates tested and confirmed by the Stormwater Research Facility at Auburn University. Click Here to read more.