Best Pond Vacuums – Why You Need One And Which One To Pick
A good pond vacuum is an absolute necessity for keeping your pond clean and healthy. But if you’ve looked online for a new one, you’ll know there are lots of choices – many of which seem to overlap in price and features. Finding the best pond vacuum can be a challenge without a bit of background knowledge.
When selecting the best pond vacuum, look for one with lots of suction power, preferably dual chambers, and an ability to filter and drain waste water continuously as the inner chambers fill up.
Powered discharge is another important feature for large ponds because it lets you pump waste water up and over obstacles to a drain or garden. Likewise, simpler hand powered pond vacuums are more appropriate for smaller ponds at a lower price.
Here are my picks for the best pond vacuums:
#1
Most Versatile: This pond vacuum is a sturdy workhorse that allows for high-powered, continuous vacuuming at all times.
#2
Most Powerful: The Power-Cyclone has a secondary pump for powered discharge letting you vacuum from above or below the water level.
Bottom line: I like the PondoVac 4 best because it works great, isn’t too expensive and is widely available in most regions. However, the Matala Power-Cyclone is an incredible pond vacuum as well with amazing suction and powered discharge. If that’s important to you, get the Power-Cyclone if it’s in stock, otherwise most people should go for the PondoVac 4.
Other Great Pond Vacuums:
- PondoVac Classic
- PondoVac 3
- Matala Pond Vacuum II “Muck Buster”
- PondXpert Aquavac (small ponds, hand pumped)
- Python Ulti-Vac (best for small ponds or fountains)
Why Use A Pond Vacuum?
Put simply, a pond vacuum is the best and easiest way to clean your pond of muck, algae and other debris that builds up over time. When ponds are not cleaned regularly, the build up of bacteria and debris can throw off its delicate ecosystem and lead to nasty effects like “turn over” which can quickly kill off all life within the pond.
Related Post: How To Tell If A Pond Has Turned Over
Of course, your pond should be set up to self-regulate as much as possible. This involves doing things like making sure the pond is properly aerated and has adequate water flow, using pumps and filters, to keep the water as clean and oxygenated as possible.
Other things like plants and fish also play a role in keeping the water clean and clear. For example, fish are great at eating up small bits of organic debris that would otherwise decay and release carbon dioxide. Likewise, aquatic plants are a fantastic (and beautiful) way to suck up excess carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the water that fish and other aquatic organisms need to live.
However, unless your pond has a perfectly balanced ecosystem (and most ponds don’t), you will likely still have a build up of muck and gunk on the bottom of your pond as well as some debris floating on top. Fish can only eat up so much debris before they get full and plants can only absorb so much carbon dioxide. When this happens, your pond will start to become unhealthy and the life within it will stagnate.
Thankfully, the easiest and most effective way to clean your pond is with the use of an effective pond vacuum. Pond vacuums are easy to use, highly effective and aren’t too expensive, either.
Related Posts: Why Is A Backyard Pond An Ecosystem?, How Often Should I Clean My Backyard Pond?
How Does A Pond Vacuum Work?
Pond vacuums, like most kinds of vacuums, work primarily by suctioning up water and debris and depositing it into a holding chamber within the main part of the vacuum unit itself.
When the chamber fills up, a trigger is set off within the vacuum that stops the suction and starts the discharge process. The water is discharged from the pond vacuum chambers either by gravity or, in more expensive units, a secondary powered discharge pump that pumps water and waste out of the unit and into a drainage hose.
However, before the water leaves the unit it, passes through a set of filters, or even just a mesh bag, that traps gunk and debris and lets the clean water continue to drain on through. The leftover water can either be discharged back into the pond (minus the muck) or disposed of entirely down a drain.
Tip: The pond sludge and algae that collects in your pond vacuum are a great source of nitrogen for your garden. This is one of the amazing side benefits of owning a pond vacuum, so be sure to save some for your garden beds and shrubs.
When To Use A Pond Vacuum
The best time to use your pond vacuum is in the spring or fall months after most of the sludge and algae from the previous seasons has built up. Ideally, it’s good to get your pond as clean as possible before winter because when the water freezes over this prevents gas exchange and will exacerbate any problems that are already present.
In a well maintained and properly designed pond, you shouldn’t have to vacuum your pond more than a once every couple of years. As good as it is to keep your pond clean, vacuuming, while generally safe, can disturb the delicate balance of nature and animals that live within the pond and possibly throw off its ecosystem temporarily if done too often.
This is why it’s best to incorporate your pond vacuum into a general plan for keeping your pond clean. This plan should include proper filtration and aeration systems, a health balance of fish and plants, as well as regularly skimming the water’s surface to remove floating debris and algae.
Pond Vacuum vs Shop-Vac
Many people are confused about the differences between a shop-vac and a pond vacuum, as well as why a shop-vac can’t be used in place of a pond vacuum since they are often much less expensive.
The main difference between a shop vacuum and a pond vacuum is that a pond vacuum has multiple chambers that alternate between filling and draining. This allows you to continuously vacuum your pond for longer periods of time before needing to discharge out the waste water.
By contrast, a shop vacuum will technically work to drain water from your pond and into a filter but you’ll need to stop vacuuming and drain the chamber every few minutes. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to get a pond vacuum if your intention is to clean a pond.
The extra money spent on a pond vacuum is absolutely worth it and the results will show!
Pond Vacuum Alternatives
If you don’t have a pond vacuum, or the money to purchase one, there are some alternative measures you can take.
The best way to clean your pond without a pond vacuum is with a brush and a pool skimmer net. Simply scrub the bottom of the pond with a brush to dislodge any algae other other gunk then scoop it up with the skimmer net.
Of course, a brush and skimmer net isn’t nearly as efficient as using a pond vacuum but with some patience you should be able to get the job done. However, be warned that as you get scrubbing the bottom of the pond, your pond’s water will become cloudy until you skim up the big pieces of algae and the finer silt and sand settles.
Also, depending on the design of your pond, particularly the bottom, you should brush gently to avoid pushing around any rocks or gravel and puncturing your pond liner. Instead, brush your pond with a soft and gentle motion, similar to if you were brushing your own teeth.
- Scrub Brush with Long Handle – Check Price
- Pond Skimmer Net – Check Price
What To Look For In A Pond Vacuum
The first thing to consider when looking for a pond vacuum is where you intend to use it. If it’s a small pond, you can get away with smaller and less expensive options. If it’s a large or deep pond, you may need to purchase a more advanced unit to get the job done efficiently.
Look for these features when purchasing a pond vacuum:
- Dual chambers – for continuous vacuuming and discharging
- Powered Discharge – for quick removal of waste water pumped at any angle
- Sturdy Design – to increase the durability and lifespan of the unit and its parts
- Adequate Length – to reach hard to get at areas of deep ponds and pools
- Various Nozzles – to get the job done no matter how small the surface
- Portability – to get the pond vacuum where it needs to be without a fuss
The Best Pond Vacuums
OASE PondoVac 4
If you’ve looked into pond vacuums recently you’ve no doubt come across the PondoVac 4 by OASE. This pond vacuum is one of the most widely used pond vacuums and also one of the most widely available, and for good reasons.
The PondoVac 4 by OASE is one of the most sturdy and versatile pond vacuums on the market. Perhaps the PondoVac 4’s best selling feature is its dual chambers which allow it to vacuum and drain at the same time for continuous use. Other pond vacuums with single chambers can only vacuum or drain one at a time which makes the job take much longer.
Another selling point of the PondoVac 4 is its solid construction. Unlike its very capable predecessor, the PondoVac 4 is made using heavier duty materials and with hose extensions made entirely of aluminum. This is especially nice when using several extensions together to reach the bottom of a deep pond without fear or damaging the unit.
| Net weight | 33.5 lbs. |
| Tank volume | 5.5 gal |
| Suction depth, max. | 7.9 ft. |
| Max. flow rate | 1300 gph |
OASE Pondovac 4 Pond Vacuum
PondXpert Aquavac Manual Fish Pond Cleaner
The PondXpert by Aquavac might just be the best solution for those dealing with very small ponds and fountains.
The PondXpert is a manual pond vacuum, meaning it works on suction similar to the way a bicycle pump does. Simply place the nozzle of the vacuum in the water and suck up whatever algae or other debris you see floating around in there. The water is then filtered through a fine mesh bag and drained back into the pond.
This solution probably isn’t appropriate for those with large, deep ponds that need scubbing and vacuuming, but for a small pond or fountain with minimal algae to clean up, the PondXpert by Aquavac is perfect.
| Net weight | >2.2kg |
| Tank volume | N/A |
| Suction depth, max. | 62 inches |
| Max. flow rate | N/A (manual) |
PondXpert Aquavac Manual Fish Pond Cleaner
Summary
The PondXpert Aquavac is a very simple, bicycle pump style pond vacuum that is perfect for smaller ponds, fountains and swimming pools. This pump works manually and filters water through a trough bag that catches any debris such as silt, algae or weeds. With no power necessary to operate, this pump gets the job done at a very reasonable price.
OASE PondoVac 3 Pond Vacuum
The PondoVac 3 by OASE is the less expensive and lighter weight predecessor of the PondoVac 4.
The PondoVac 3 has most of what the PondoVac 4 has , including dual chamber continuous vacuuming capabilities.
However, unlike the PondoVac 4, the PondoVac 3 is made of mostly plastic components and is much lighter as a result. This can reduce durability somewhat but with the benefit of being noticeably lighter weight when handling.
The PondoVac 3 comes with many different nozzle varieties making it great at getting most jobs done.
Be advised, though, that the PondoVac 3, as with the PondoVac 4, have gravity-fed discharge systems, so the unit must be placed higher than the drain or pond for the waste water to flow.
| Net weight | 27.8 lbs |
| Tank volume | 5.5 gallons |
| Suction depth, max. | 7 feet |
| Max. flow rate | 1050 gph |
OASE PondoVac 3 Pond Vacuum
Summary
The PondoVac 3 is the very similar but slightly less capable predecessor to the OASE PondoVac 4. But don’t let that fool you into thinking the PondoVac 3 is inferior to the PondoVac 4 as they will do the same job. This pond vacuum is great for large or small ponds as its continuous suction allows for non stop vacuuming of your pond.
Matala Power-Cyclone Pond Vacuum
The Power-Cyclone pond vacuum by Matala is a unique pond vacuum due to its secondary pump which provides a powered discharge to the unit.
This powered discharge makes the Power-Cyclone incredibly powerful in a way that no other pond vacuum on this list is.
Nearly all of the other pond vacuums available on the market use a gravity fed discharge system. This means waste water is discharged from the chamber by simply falling out through the discharge hose.
With the Power-Cyclone, waste water is discharged out of the chamber using a secondary powered pump. With this system, you can discharge the waste water at any angle, even over a fence and into your garden, as it doesn’t rely on gravity to work.
If powered-discharge is an important feature for you, the Power-Cyclone is your best option.
Matala Power-Cyclone Pond Vacuum
Summary
The Matala Power-Cyclone Pond Vacuum is a unique pond vacuum with a few features that set it apart from its competition. For starters, the Power-Cyclone has a powered discharge system which expels waste from the vacuum at any height or angle, unlike other systems which simply use gravity and can only flow downwards. The Matala Power-Cyclone Pond Vacuum also has quite long suction and discharge hosing which makes it perfect cleaning large ponds and draining the waste into a drain at long distances.
Matala Pond Vacuum II Muck Buster
The Pond Vacuum II “Muck Buster” by Matala is a solid, good all-around pond vacuum that offers great value for the money.
With its single chamber, the “Muck Buster” will need to pause vacuuming every so often to discharge waste water because, unlike 2 chamber pond vacuums, this unit doesn’t offer continuous vacuuming and discharging at the same time.
But that doesn’t mean the “Muck Buster” doesn’t do an excellent job at what it’s doing, it just takes longer.
If you’re looking for a good quality budget pond vacuum and you’re not in a hurry to get the job done, the Muck Buster is a great option.
Matala Pond Vacuum II Muck Buster
Summary
Matala Pond Vacuum II “Muck Buster” is designed for removing muck and sludge from small ponds up to 3000 gallons and 4 feet deep. Unlike it’s bigger counterpart, the Matala Power-Cyclone, the “muck buster” is best suited for smaller applications where speed is not essential. The gravity fed discharge means waste water drainage will be slower than a powered discharge system and must be placed above
Oase Pondovac Classic Pond and Water Garden Muck Vacuum
The OASE PondoVac Classic has been on the market and high on people’s list of great pond vacuums for over 10 years now. And while subsequent PondoVac models have improved on the format over the years, this Classic edition is still going strong.
The PondoVac Classic is a workhorse of a pond vacuum but doesn’t have anything that makes it stand out above rest, except its lower price of course.
But its lack of defining features is fine for an over 10 year old vacuum model considering that it works well and works consistently over time.
The PondoVac classic has a single chamber and so takes some extra time to finish the job as it alternates between vacuuming and discharging, but as long as you’re willing to wait, it will get the job done.
For the price, the PondoVac Classic is a great pond vacuum that I recommend, particularly if you’re new to pond vacuums or not sure if you need one yet.
Oase Pondovac Classic Pond and Water Garden Muck Vacuum
Python Ulti-Vac Pond Vacuum
The Ulti-Vac pond vacuum by Python is another very unique pond vacuum system. This unit doesn’t not require electricity to operate but it isn’t hand powered like a pump either.
The Python Ulti-Vac is powered by the suction created by the water pressure of a common garden hose. Simply hook your garden hose right into the Ulti-Vac and the suction from the hose will create a vacuum that is great for sucking up bits of debris and algae floating around your pond.
Of course, a system like this isn’t suitable for large or deep ponds but for small ponds and fountains it’s a great option.
The Python Ulti-Vac is also perfect for on the spot cleaning of ponds in hard to reach places or out of range of the nearest power source.
Python Ulti-Vac Pond Aquarium Maintenance System Pond Vacuum
Summary
The Python Ulti-Vac is a very clever pond vacuum that doesn’t require power at all to run. All you have to do is connect it to your garden hose and the water pressure creates a vacuum that sucks up any muck or debris in your pond. This little vacuum is perfect for small pond or fountain scenarios, especially those far from an available power source.
Related Posts:
- 5 Best Pond Vacuums for Small Ponds: Effective & Affordable!
- How Often Should I Clean My Backyard Pond?
- Backyard Pond Cost Per Year – Maintenance & Cleaning Costs Breakdown
Related Questions:
Are Pond Vacuums Any Good?
A pond vacuum is a good investment for anyone with a pond or pool on their property. A pond vacuum is good because it helps you keep your pond clean easily which in turn keeps your pond’s water healthy and viable all year long.
How Do You Vacuum The Bottom Of A Pond?
To clean the bottom of a pond, use a pond vacuum to suck out the algae and muck. A pond vacuum works similar to the regular vacuum by sucking up debris and depositing it into a chamber inside the vacuum unit. When the chamber fills up, it filters the water of any debris then discharges it back into the pond.
Can I Use A Wet/Dry Vac For A Pond Vacuum?
A wet/dry vac can work in place of a pond vacuum but it isn’t recommended. This kind of vacuum isn’t designed to handle the volume of water coming out of a pond and so will need to be emptied very frequently. A wet/dry vac is much better suited to cleaning the bottom of a pond that has already been drained.
Do Pond Vacuums Harm Fish?
Pond vacuums are very unlikely to do harm to any fish living in your pond. Thankfully, pond fish do not like vacuums and will do their best to stay out of the way, and they’re usually too large to get sucked up or harmed in any case. If a small fish wish to get vacuumed up by a pond vacuum, you’d be able to remove it easily from the holding tank anyways.
