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Dirty pond stressing you out? This pond vacuum cleaners buyers guide for 2021 has all the information needed to speed up the removal of muck and algae to get your lagoon crystal clear in record time! The best thing is that you don’t need to disturb the fish whilst you clean their aquatic sanctuary.

It’s amazing to think that manufacturers have modified the conventional vacuum cleaner so that it can clean out the watering hole in your backyard. A pond vacuum is a handy appliance that saves you the hassle of draining out your entire lagoon just so that you clean it. You can remove sludge, algae, leaves and dirt whilst the body of water remains where it is.

Pond vacuums are versatile machines capable of cleaning small and large ponds, fish ponds and green ponds. The leading appliances are powerful enough to cope with most situations and will remove built-up debris effectively and thoroughly.

Just like a normal vacuum, a pond cleaner works in a similar manner and is very easy to operate. You should ensure that you buy a pond vacuum with the right tools for the job- most come with additional nozzles, extension cables, collection bags and transparent tubes for easier visibility.

What Should You Consider When Buying a Pond Vacuum Cleaner?

Installing a pond in your backyard is a great idea and adds to the garden’s appeal, however, owning a water feature means that you need to maintain it so that it remains looking at its best. It should be cleaned regularly to stop debris and muck from accumulating and contaminating the water.

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The cost of hiring a professional cleaner to purify your pond is not cheap especially when it’s a task that needs to be done often. The best affordable solution is to get your own pond vacuum that can be used when duty calls.

Before buying a pond vacuum you should consider the below factors to ensure that you get the most out of your new appliance:

Don’t waste your time looking at models from cheaper inferior brands. Stick to brands that specialise in pond cleaning units such as Oase or Matala.

Pond cleaning is better with a lightweight and portable machine to ensure that the task is carried quicker and with less effort. Make sure that you check the weight of the machine prior to purchase. Ideally, you want an appliance that weighs around 25 pounds or less. Always go for a machine with a longer cord to improve the cleaning range.

Don’t underestimate the importance of a nozzle. There are various types available including specially adapted nozzles that can get in between rocks and suck up hidden algae. Depending on the brand and model you go for, you should be supplied with a kit of accessories to deal with muck and sludge effectively.

How long are the handle and tube? Remember that you need them to be long enough to reach corners and the other end of the pond without you physically needing to get into the water.

What type of collection bag does the machine come with? You get the choice of a disposable or reusable bag or both. Disposable bags are quicker to use as you simply need to detach and throw them away whereas reusable bags need to be cleaned out when the job is done to stop dead leaves from rotting inside the bag.

Check the product description to ensure that your chosen model is the right one for your pond or pool. Some come with a 2-chamber design to improve suction power, other models are equipped with a dual pump system to run for extended times without pausing for a break.

How big is the collection bag? You want the biggest possible sized bag that doesn’t add bulk or compromise performance. A bigger bag reduces the frequency of dirt disposal.

Alway get a machine that doesn’t require a complicated setup. The recommended pond vacuums in our shortlist are all easy to get started and are a joy to use.

Using and Maintaining Your New Pond Vacuum

Owning or installing a pond or pool enhances the appeal of your home and often increases your estate’s worth. A water feature is a fun addition that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Regular maintenance of your beloved watering hole is vital in keeping it healthy and looking its best.

Investing in a pond vacuum cleaner will help you eliminate dirt such as dead leaves, sludge and muck that has settled at the bottom of the pond. It will remove hidden bacteria that can’t normally be spotted. The frequency of cleaning depends on the size of the pond- some users clean their watering holes monthly or weekly. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended maintenance intervals and best practices.

Below is a quick summary of handy suggestions of how to use your pond vacuum optimally-

Depending on the model you buy, you should be able to open the handle ring to widen the range of suction. If you’d prefer a higher rate of focused suction close the ring.

Always position the tank of the machine at a higher level than the hose to improve drainage. Ideally, you want the drainage hose to be positioned lower than the base of the tank.

For the best suction, you should always use a smaller cleaning head for better performance.

The drainage hose is equipped with a flapper valve which should be inspected often to ensure that it doesn’t get clogged up and any debris stuck in the valve should be removed.

Proper maintenance and care of your new pond cleaner will extend its life considerably. A well-maintained machine will always deliver the best possible results. Ensure that all parts are individually checked, cleaned and completely dry once the task is complete. Ideally, you want a dedicated space to store your pond cleaner after each use to ensure that all its parts are kept in one place and it’s easier to access.

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Even the best-kept ponds and pools are prone to muck and sludge accumulating down below. Cleaning them often will ensure that dirt and algae stay at bay. As mentioned earlier, cleaning your pond with a pond vacuum is a cost-effective solution to keep the water looking crystal clear but before you do this, you should learn how to get the most out of your machine during use. Here are a few tips:

Securely connect the cleaner head to the rigid tube. Usually, you will need to screw the accessory in place but that will depend on the model that you buy. Check the user guide for proper fitting instructions.

Similar to a conventional vacuum, the vacuum hose needs to be securely fitted to the vacuum head. It’s easy to do and will stop the hose from getting tangled during use.

To clean effectively, the cleaner head needs to be completely submerged whilst the handle stays out the water. There’s no need for you to get into the pond, you can remain completely dry whilst using the appliance.

The extension pole should not be submerged into the water.

Water will rush through the hose whilst the cleaner head simultaneously travels down to the base of the pond.

If you use the pond cleaner to clean your swimming pool, make sure that the filter is switched off whilst you operate the machine.

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The vacuum hose needs to be connected to the skimmer-basket adapter and positioned above it. Form a seal at the end of the hose by placing your hand over it and then attach the vacuum port at the end of the hose. The hose must remain submerged to ensure that it’s full of water.

After this stage, you can switch on your pool filter again.

A good cleaning technique is by starting along the sides of the pond and working your way towards the centre. Move the handle slowly so that the tube and cleaner head have enough time to pick up muck effectively.

When the job is complete, switch off the filter and detach the adapter of the skimmer basket, then take out the tube, hose and cleaner from the pond and leave them to dry out.

Inspect the skimmer basket for debris and clean it out carefully.

You can now switch on the pool filter again.

Pond Vacuum Cleaner FAQs

How do you eliminate algae effective from your pond?

Algae is unsightly and it grows in virtually every pond. Here are a few handy tips to keep it at bay-

Using your new pond vacuum to physically suck up algae is a great space to start.

The best way to deal with algae effectively is to use a two-fold approach. First, purify the water with natural chemicals that are kind to the fish and plant life residing in the pond then remove the remaining algae with the pond vacuum.

Place fresh plants into the pond to provide more oxygen. You should also remove dead plants that could promote the growth of algae.

If the algae are growing rapidly you should test the quality of the water to establish the cause.

Is it SAFE to use a Pond Vacuum in a pond with fish?

It is totally safe to use your new pond vacuum alongside the school of fish in your pond. The best technique to clean effectively is to use your pond vacuum combined with your pond pump for the best results. Mucky water will soon be crystal clear and free from debris and dirt.

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Be cautious when using your appliance near fish just in case one of them gets vacuumed into the hose. Make sure that the discharge hose is close by so that the fish can safely swim back out into the pond.

What is muck and how do you get rid of it properly?

Pond muck is an unpleasant smell at the base of the pond. It smells like gone-off eggs and is an indicator that the pond water is deprived of oxygen.

What can you do to remove muck? Your pond vacuum is well equipped to address this issue. It pumps fresh oxygen into the pond by suck up dirty water filtering it and pouring the clean oxygenated water back into the pool.

Removing muck from the pond is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a clean pond and it also helps to keep it smelling fresh. The absence of muck means that the water in your lagoon is healthy.

Conclusion

We’ve reached the end of our pond vacuum cleaners buyers guide for 2021. We’ve demonstrated the importance of regularly cleaning ponds and removing persistent algae and debris. Pond vacuum cleaners are your best weapon in the fight against unwanted debris in pond water.

A pond vacuum is a great investment and will actually save you money the long term. Why hire an expensive professional when you can do the job yourself?

Use the links provided in this article to access our shortlist of the best pond vacuum cleaners currently available to buy today. Our leading recommendations get the job of pond cleaning done effectively. The best bit about pond vacuums is that they are long-lasting and affordable, therefore, a popular choice among the community of pond and pool owners.

Are you considering buying a pond vacuum cleaner or do you already own one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear from you.