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A garden pond filled with beautiful fish and aquatic plants is a wonderful addition to any home, but ponds need maintenance to keep them healthy and looking good, just like indoor fish tanks.

A pond vacuum can make the cleaning process both simpler and quicker, leaving you with more time to sit and enjoy your pond with a cool drink on a warm summer’s evening.

But there are so many pond vacuums on the market to choose from; how can you be sure you’ve picked the best one for your needs? Well, we’ve done the legwork for you!

Read on to find out which pond vacuum will work best for you!

The Best Pond Vacuum Cleaners

Here are reviews of five of our favorite pond vacuum cleaners that are currently available on the market.

Oase PondoVac 4 Pond Vacuum

• Max; Suction Depth: 7 Ft
• Suction Hose Length: 16 Ft
• Discharge Hose Length: 8 Ft, Max; Flow Rate: 1300 Gph
• Power Consumption: 1800W; Power Requirement: 110-120V/60Hz

The PondoVac 4 Pond Vacuum cleaner by Oase is a powerful 2-chamber handheld unit.

The unit is simple to operate and clean. When one vacuum chamber is full, you can use the valve to empty that chamber without the vacuum stopping, so you can get the job done in one sitting without interruption.

What we like:

• A 2-chamber system that’s great for larger ponds
• 1800 Watt motor
• Bend-resistant aluminum suction hoses
• Two different hose lengths

Room for improvement:

• The unit is quite heavy
• The motor sometimes overheats with extended use
• Quite expensive

PoolWhale Portable Pool Vacuum

• Pool spa pond mini jet vac vacuum cleaner
• Produces suction to collect leaves from the bottom of the pond
• A deluxe underwater vacuum cleaner including six sections, a 56.5″ pole, and brushes

If you’re working on a budget, the PoolWhale Portable Pool Vacuum is a great option for you!

This water-pressure-powered vacuum is powered by a garden hose, creating suction to pull debris from the pond into a mesh collection bag.

What we like:

• Extremely affordable
• Easy to use
• No outlet needed
• Highly effective at picking up pond debris

Room for improvement:

• Not great quality
• Hose adapters are poorly designed
• Collection bag mesh isn’t fine enough to hold sand

Intex 28620EP Rechargeable Handheld Vacuum

• Suitable for use with all pure spas and above-ground ponds up to 18′ in diameter
• Highly efficient vacuum cleaner
• The unit must be submerged to operate properly

The Intex rechargeable handheld vacuum is ideal for smaller ponds 18 feet in diameter or less. The unit comes with two brush heads to that you can easily get right into the corners of your pond for a thorough clean.

What we like:

• 40-minute run time with a rechargeable battery
• Inexpensive
• The unit includes an aluminum telescopic wand

Room for improvement:

• Not suitable for large or very deep ponds
• The unit takes 6 to 8 hours to charge fully
• The unit is unsuitable for shallow ponds since the vacuum head must be fully submerged to function

OASE PondoVac Classic

• Suction hose length: 13 ft
• Operating voltage: 110-120 Volt / 60Hz. Power consumption: 1200-1400w
• Power cable length: 13 ft
• Limited Warranty: 2 years

The PondoVac Classic from Oase has been a favorite vacuum cleaner with pond owners for many years and for several very good reasons!

This is a compact unit that’s absolutely perfect for use in small or medium ponds. The vacuum changes from suction to discharge every 15 seconds, which means you don’t have to stop working.

What we like:

• Compact and inexpensive unit
• Automatic, time-saving discharge function
• Comes with multiple nozzle attachments
• Two-year manufacturer’s warranty

Room for improvement:

• The filter bag can easily clog
• Some of the dirty water goes back into the pond when the motor changes to discharge mode

Robelle Jet Vac

• No filter system required
• Quick-disconnect fitting for use with a garden hose
• Includes reusable leaf bag
• Suitable for use in above-ground pools, spas, and small water features
• Includes a 5-foot pole

The Robelle Jet Pond Cleaner Vacuum is a small handheld vacuum that can be used with your garden hose. It’s a compact, lightweight unit that weighs just 1 pound, making it perfect for use with small above-ground pools and ponds, spas, and small water features.

What we like:

• A small and lightweight unit that’s easy to handle and convenient to store
• The unit comes with a leaf collection bag
• Inexpensive so budget-friendly
• No power source is necessary; simply attach it to your garden hose

Room for improvement:

• Less debris collection due to the unit’s small size
• Too small for large, deep ponds
• Flimsy hose connection

How Do Pond Vacuums Work?

Pond vacuum cleaners work in a similar way to regular indoor carpet vacuums.

The cleaner has a motor that creates suction to draw the water from the pond through the hose into the vacuum. The dirty water then passes through a filter, where any organic matter and debris are caught.

Then, clean water is cycled directly back into your pond.

What Are the Different Types of Pond Vacuums?

The two most common types of pond vacuums are hand-pumped and electric.

Hand-pumped Vacuums

If you go for a hand-pumped pond vacuum, you’ll need to be fit and ready to put some effort into cleaning your garden pond! How so? To create suction, you need to pump the vacuum cleaner manually.

The main advantages to this style of vacuum cleaner are that they’re small, affordable, and tend to be longer-lasting and less problematic than an electric cleaner with a motor.

On the downside, these pumps are not suitable for anything larger than a small pond, can tire you out easily, and tend to clog.

Electric Vacuums

Electric vacuums use an electric motor to create the suction you need to suck up debris from your pond.

This type of pond vacuum is the most common type, the most powerful, and is suitable for use in any size of pond. Electric vacuum cleaners cut out all that tiring manual labor and offer more suction power than the hand-powered equivalent.

Which Type of Pond Vacuum Is Best for You?

The type of pond vacuum that’s best for you depends on the pond size you have and your budget.

If you have a medium-large sized pond, it’s probably worth getting an electric vacuum because pumping a hand-powered vacuum can be tiring in anything other than a very small pond.

If you have a small pond, your decision really comes down to affordability. While an electric vacuum is convenient, you can save quite a lot of money by opting for a hand-powered vacuum.

Hose Length

When choosing a vacuum, you need to consider the size of your pond, including its depth. Basically, the vacuum hose must be long enough to reach the deepest part of your pond and clean it efficiently.

If the hose is too short, all the gunk and muck you want to remove to clean the pond will finish up being left in there, which totally defeats the object of cleaning it!

Suction Depth

Pond vacuums also have a maximum suction depth, and the depth of your pond should be less than the maximum suction depth of the vacuum you choose to ensure it cleans right down to the bottom of your pond.

However, if you have a small pond, hose length and suction depth are probably not a concern.

Suction Power

The suction power the vacuum needs for your pond depends on the size of your pond and how quickly it gets dirty.

For example, a large pond typically accumulates debris quicker, while smaller ponds won’t need as much suction power. So, choosing a vacuum cleaner that gives you more suction power than you need will give you the flexibility to clean a dirtier pond.

A higher flow rate vacuum will generally offer more suction power. However, as shown above, many electric vacuums use 1,000 or more Watts of power, making them expensive to run for long periods. For that reason, it’s better to get a vacuum cleaner with enough suction to get the job done as quickly as possible to reduce expensive running time.

Chambers

Pond vacuums usually have one or two chambers, and that can make a big difference in the effectiveness of the vacuum.

For example, single-chamber vacuums suck up water and release it into the pond continuously, although they usually generate a smaller amount of suction power than double-chamber vacuums and also work slower. This type of vacuum cleaner is a good fit for small or medium ponds and is more affordable than larger, double-chamber models.

Double-chamber vacuums work by suctioning water and discharging it continuously from two separate chambers, making them more powerful than single-chamber units. The main downside to double chamber models is that they are usually more expensive.

Weight and Portability

Most electric vacuums have wheels that give them better portability, which is just as well since they can be very heavy, especially when filled with debris.

Small hand-pumped vacuums are lighter and easier to move around than electric vacuums, so they don’t need wheels.

Vacuum Attachments

Many pond vacuums have multiple attachments for various purposes:

• A standard wide vacuum head is typically used to clean most of the pond
• A narrow head is useful for getting into tight spaces and corners
• Bristle attachments can help to scrape away grime and algae buildup

Again, if you have a very small pond, you don’t need a vacuum cleaner with a range of different cleaning heads.

Capacity and Discharge

The capacity of your pond vacuum is a very important consideration, depending on how much debris you have in your pond. A vacuum with a larger holding capacity will enable you to remove more volume or debris more quickly and with less effort.

However, vacuums with a smaller capacity need to be discharged more often, slowing the job down and requiring more input from you.

In addition, there are different types of discharge also to consider. Some vacuums have automatic discharge options, whereas others discharge into a drain or back into the water, and some simply have a chamber that you must empty manually.

How To Choose the Right Vacuum for You

When it’s time to choose a pond vacuum cleaner that’s right for you, your decision will ultimately come down to your budget, the size of your pond, unit dependability, and the other key factors we’ve mentioned above.

How To Use Your Pond Vacuum

Before you start, read the manufacturer’s operating instructions thoroughly so that you understand how to use your new machine.

Check the unit’s maximum suction and depth requirements and understand how often you need to empty debris if your vacuum doesn’t do that automatically.

The best time to clean your pond is during the spring and early summer months when the water temperature is around 55o F. If the water is too cold, you could harm the plants and animals in the pond.

It’s also best to clean the pond before the pond comes alive during the new growing season for plants and spawning time for fish and amphibians.

Caring for Fish While Cleaning

Never clean your pond while the fish are still in there! That will stress your fish and potentially harm them.

Instead, put your fish in a container, pool, or small aquarium to keep them happy and healthy while you clean their pond. Remember to cover the container with a window screen or similar to prevent your fish from jumping out.

FAQs

Q: Can I Use a Pool Vacuum To Clean My Pond?

Yes, you can use a pool vacuum for your pond since pond vacuums and pool vacuums run similarly, having motors and hoses to create suction.

However, if you want to use a pool vacuum, you will need to attach a bag to the outlet hose to catch any debris you remove from the pond.

Q: What Benefits Does My Pond Get From Vacuuming?

Vacuuming your pond has many benefits!

Healthier Inhabitants

Vacuuming keeps the pond and its inhabitants healthy. When a pond isn’t cleaned, it can cause ammonia buildup, disrupt oxygen levels, as well as create sludge and murky water.

Cleans Difficult Areas

Pond vacuums make cleaning small crevices and hard-to-reach areas much easier to prevent sludge and debris from accumulating.

Makes the Job Easier

Cleaning your pond without a vacuum can be a lengthy, backbreaking task involving lots of manual scrubbing and grunt work. Vacuums make the job faster and easier than cleaning your pond manually.

Creates Clearer Water

When algae grow in your pond, the water can become cloudy. Pond vacuums help reduce algae growth and keep the water in your pond crystal clear so you can see your fishy friends and other residents.

Keeps Your Pond Healthy

Water health is critically important for any pond. Like an aquarium, small amounts of water must be cleaned and replaced regularly to prevent nitrates from building up. Pond vacuums help to remove 10 to 15 percent of the water from the pond to maintain healthy, clean water conditions for your fish.

Removes Harmful Toxins

When pond debris breaks down, toxins and parasites can pollute your pond. Pond vacuums prevent that by removing harmful toxins and parasites from the pond water.

Q: Is a Pond Vacuum Safe for Pond Inhabitants?

The most important factor is that pond vacuums are safe for your pond’s inhabitants. Removing the aquatic life from your pond can ensure your pets remain safe, but they typically steer clear of pond vacuums anyway, so if any fish or frogs are left behind in the pond, they shouldn’t come to any harm.

Q: How Often Should I Vacuum My Pond?

We recommend carrying out a full cleaning of your pond once every year, usually during the spring or early summer.

Q: How Often Should I Clean My Pond Filter?

You should clean your biological pond filters at least three times yearly. If these components clog, you will have to clean them more frequently, although that doesn’t happen often. Skimmer filters should be cleaned once a week.

Q: Can I Vacuum Algae Out of a Pond?

You can vacuum algae out of a pond, especially by using the scrubbing attachments and proper tools that come with many high-quality pond vacuum cleaners.

Q: How Much Will a Pond Vacuum Cost To Run?

With a $0.10 per kWh national average cost, you can easily determine how much a specific vacuum will cost to run.

For example, a 1200W vacuum would cost $0.12 per hour to run, a 1600W vacuum would cost $0.16 per hour, and an 1800W vacuum would cost $0.18 per hour.

Wrap Up

I hope you enjoyed our guide to the best pond vacuum cleaner. If you did, please remember to hit the share button before you go!

Overall, we recommend the Oase PondoVac 4 Pond Vacuum as our favorite unit on the market at this time. This powerful two-chamber vacuum is great for ponds of all sizes and has an automatic dispensing system, enabling you to get the job done quickly and efficiently with little effort.

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