I opted for the single tank 'Suction Stop Type' pond vacuum, and it's proven to be an excellent choice for my needs. Choosing the right pond vacuum was initially challenging, but the Suction Stop Type stands out as the ideal solution for me. This seemed to be a challenge for others so - Here’s how it functions: you start the vacuum to remove leaves and debris, and when the tank fills up, the suction automatically stops. This triggers the one-way valve on the drain hose, opening a flapper that allows the tank to empty. Impressively, this process occurs without needing to switch the vacuum off—simply turn it on, let it vacuum until it stops and drains, and then it restarts automatically. This feature is particularly handy when working in the pond, as it allows continuous cleaning without manual intervention.
Features:
Cord Length: The cord is sufficiently long for general tasks.
Suction Power: The vacuum provides decent suction for brinh mid-sized.
Accessories: It comes with various accessories, including a flat squeegee ideal for flat-bottomed water features and a brush that is handy for scrubbing.
Hoses: The hoses are of a good length, but the design of the flapper valve on the drain hose limits flexibility since it requires a specific hose for operation. An integrated flapper valve directly in the tank would offer more versatility, allowing the use of any hose - if any designers are reading this.
Considerations:
Drain Hose: The drain hose is somewhat short, which wasn't a significant issue for me but might be for others.
Water Recycling: If you plan to recycle the vacuumed water back into the pond, it will need filtering. I used a simple setup
involving a 5-gallon bucket with a filter and drainage holes, which effectively returned clean water to my pond.
Additional Notes:
Wheels: The vacuum comes with wheels that I didn’t use, but they could be useful for other applications.
Filter Bag: I did not use the filter bag since I was cleaning a pond.
Overall, this vacuum is a fantastic tool for anyone with a water feature that regularly collects debris. Its automatic draining system significantly eases the cleaning process, making it an ideal choice for maintaining ponds.