Adding a pond to your property not only adds aesthetic value, but it also increases property values. In rural areas, adding a pond can increase the property value by up to 15 percent.
However, a poorly maintained pond can quickly become an eyesore. Water quality plays a big part in how healthy your pond is as well as how it looks.
The good news is that you can use a pond vacuum cleaner to clean up your pond. It's not as difficult as you might think. Learn more about how to use a pond vacuum and why it's important to do so.
What Is a Pond Vacuum and Why Would You Need One?
Over time, your pond accumulates debris such as leaves and bugs. Even with a good pond filter, ponds can amass decaying organic matter, algae, and other gunk. Not only is this unattractive, but it also creates an unpleasant odor.
Also, if you have fish in your pond, the accumulation of unwanted buildup can lead to nitrates forming. These nitrates are the result of fish waste and decaying organic matter, and they're toxic to fish.
Taking the time to clean the pond manually isn't always an option, and even if it is, that process tends to take forever.
Thankfully, you no longer have to break your back to clean your pond. Using pond vacuums, you can clean out your pond in far less time and with less effort.
First off, what is a pond vacuum?
A pond vacuum cleaner, much like how it sounds, is a machine that reduces pond maintenance time and effort by sucking out debris, sludge, algae, and more. While pond vacuums are undoubtedly useful, you also need to know how to choose the right one for your needs.
How to Choose the Right One
When it comes to choosing a pond vacuum that works, you'll need to consider a few things first. Budget and dependability are both key factors, but you also need to consider the size of your pond and the scope of the job.
Let's break down each element in detail.
- The Length of the Cord and Hose
How deep is your pond? Knowing how far you need the hose to go is critical when choosing a model. After all, you want to make sure your machine can reach the bottom of your pond to get all the gunk.
Cord length is also important to consider if you're worried about the distance between the machine and your outlet. Longer power cords come in handy when your pond is farther away from any available outlet.
- Suction Power
When it comes to suction systems, pond vacuums usually have a single or double chamber. A single chamber isn't as powerful, but it's often enough.
Single-chamber vacuums switch from suction to discharge. Single-chamber models slowly accumulate debris and once it's full, the machine turns off to discharge all the waste.
As you might expect, this style of vacuum is more time-consuming since you have to wait to use it again. Yet, they tend to cost less than double-chamber models.
Double-chamber pond vacuums have two chambers which means a continuous operation. For example, once the first chamber fills up with debris, the machine switches to chamber two as the first chamber empties out. This style is more expensive but better for bigger jobs and larger ponds.
- Attachments
Much like regular vacuum cleaners, the best pond vacuums come with different attachments. Each attachment serves a purpose such as removing a particular type of debris from the water. Some also include hose extensions, which is great if you need to reach a bit farther.
Other attachments make cleaning simple, such as brushes which make it easier to scrub the stones and areas around the water.
The Best Pond Vacuums on the Market
When it comes to reviews of the best pond vacuum cleaners, you'll see some of the same names pop up again and again. Here, we'll break down two popular pond vacuum brands for you to consider.
- Matala Power Cyclone
Need a powerful vacuum to handle big jobs? Look no further than the Matala Power Cyclone. This is a continuous-use vacuum with a suction power of up to 1500 gph.
A mesh net inside the machine collects debris while in use, allowing water to filter through. The suction hose reaches 26 feet and the discharge hose reaches 32 feet. The canister can hold a little over 13 gallons, too.
This machine is powerful and really cuts down on the amount of time needed to clean the pond.
- Oase Pondovac Classic
The Oase Pondovac Classic is a single-chamber vacuum with a great price for those on a budget. The unit switches between suction and discharge.
It's ideal for smaller ponds with a suction hose length of 13 feet and a discharge hose length of 7 feet. That said, if you have a deeper pond, it comes with an extension hose.
The Oase Pondovac Classic also comes with a two-year warranty and users have said it works well as a koi pond vacuum.
How to Use a Pond Vacuum Cleaner
The best time to clean the pond is around spring or summer. Once you buy a pond vacuum that works for the size of your pond, you can get started cleaning.
First, be sure to check the depth recommendation and max suction height. For best results, follow the manufacturer instructions included with the machine. Many companies have online videos or tutorials that walk you through setting the unit up and starting the process.
Make sure to follow all instructions concerning usage time and how to empty the debris bag.
A Note on Fish Care While Vacuuming
Before cleaning your pond you'll need to protect your fish. You don't want to stress or frighten your fish because they can panic and potentially injure themselves.
Place any fish in a pool or large enough container to hold them. Some ideas include kiddie pools or aquarium tanks.
Before use, make sure to clean the container and place it out of the sun while you clean. A window screen makes a good cover to prevent them from jumping out.
Ready to Clean Your Pond?
Now that you know more about the importance of pond maintenance and how you can use a pond vacuum cleaner to help, it's time to get cleaning.
Not sure which type of pond vacuum cleaner you need? Questions about cleaning a pond for the first time? Contact us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.