Learning how to make a pond vacuum will give you the ability to keep your pond clean. All pond owners should do their best to maintain clean ponds with budding ecosystems. And a top-tier vacuum cleaner can help you maintain a clean environment.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Making any type of pond vacuum can be an involved process but if you follow directions carefully, you should build your very own.
- Whether you have a garden pond or want to look after your local wildlife ponds, a pond vacuum can mean the difference between slow decay and a thriving ecosystem.
- Deeper ponds will almost always need a professional system to keep them clean since there is far more pond debris to cleanout.
How to Make a Pond Vacuum
The steps to figure out how to make a pond vacuum can seem complicated. This process is a bit similar to making a vacuum cleaner and a little different than building a leaf vacuum. There are quite a few supplies to gather, as well. The simple pond vacuum you’re going to learn to make today will save you money, however.
Insider Tip
Learning how to make a pond vacuum will give you the ability to keep your pond clean.
1. Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need quite a few things to build your pond vac:
- PCV Piping
- Water-Resistant Glue
- Conduit Piece
- Marker
- Power Drill
- Garden Hose or pool hose
- Bottle Cap
- Pool Leaf Bag
- Rubber Band
2. Get the PVC Pipe Prepped
First, you’re going to prep your PVC piping. Take the marker and put a small dot around three-and-a-half inches up from the base of the PVC conduit.
3. Treat the PVC Piping
From here, you’re going to slit the PVC pipe up the side and gently pry it open. Treat the inside with the glue, and then grab your half-inch PVC to slide inside of it so that you have a “collar” created. Let the glue dry completely before moving to the next step.
4. Drill Holes in the Pipe
You’ll now want to put that power drill to good use. You’re going to make take the marker and put small dots down about 1 and a half inches up from the base. Take the drill and use the dots to create small holes.
5. Place and Glue the Cap
Take the bottle cap and place it under the conduit’s bolts, using the glue to secure it in place. Allow to dry and then make three holes right in the center of the glued-on cap.
6. Put Everything Together
Lastly, take the pool hose and attach it to the end of the PVC pipe. Place the pool leaf bag over the collar and use a rubber band to keep it in place. From here, you’ll be able to use your homemade pond vacuum. Maintaining a pond is as important as keeping a pool clean from algae. You can keep your pool clean if you know how to remove algae from a pool without a vacuum. It’s a skill worth learning if you have a pool.
Warning
The steps to figure out how to make a pond vacuum can seem complicated.
F.A.Q.
How Do Pond Vacuums Work?
Pond vacuums work very similarly to pool vacuums or wet steamer vacuums. Essentially, they use negative pressure to pull in water, which is filtered through their system. Pond vacuums pump back out fresh, clean water suitable for the pond’s ecosystem.
Do I need to drain my pond water to clean efficiently?
No, and you can do a lot of damage to the ecosystem of your pond if you do. Even if your water seems to be dirty, it can be handled in various other ways. Avoid draining a pond at all costs.
How to Winterize Pond Skimmers
There are pond skimmers for sale that are winterized. However, if you don’t want to make that investment, you can make a few adjustments to your current equipment.
When is the best time to clean a fish pond?
Right before winter is your best bet since it’ll help the ecosystem prepare for what’s coming. It’s much harder to clean your pond in the winter, so it’ll be your last chance for a while.
STAT: This would also allow me to put 100% of the water into the box to stir it up if it starts to clog and slow. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://www.caryinstitute.org/sites/default/files/public/downloads/curriculum-project/1B3_pond_ecosystem_reading.pdf
- https://www.scribd.com/document/457171176/pond-ecosystem
- https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Pond#:~:text=To%20clean%20a%20pond%2C%20fish,by%20pumping%20out%20the%20waterr
- https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Your-Pond
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pond
