
Important to know:
- A pond vacuum cleaner cleans efficiently, but must be emptied regularly.
- Removal of too much organic waste can upset the biological balance.
- Some vacuum cleaners are only suitable for certain depths.
- Regular use can contribute to a cleaner pond and healthier water quality.
pond bacteria: The better alternative for a clean pond bottom
An underwater vacuum cleaner is often unnecessarily intensive for a pond. Removing debris this way disrupts the biological balance and takes away useful particles, such as nutrients for plants. With the right pond bacteria , you keep the soil clean and healthy without heavy intervention. These bacteria break down organic waste naturally, keeping your pond clear without wasting energy or disrupting the ecosystem.
Best pond vacuum cleaner: Premium quality and powerful suction power
If you do want to use a pond vacuum cleaner, we've tested the three best options for you. That way we keep it organized and you don't have to choose from an overwhelmingly large assortment of pond vacuums.
Oase Pond Vacuum PondoVac Classic Pond Vacuum Cleaner
- Vacuuming with interruption
- Suction power: Light
- Maximum suction depth: 2 m
Oase Pond Vacuum PondoVac 4 Pond Vacuum Cleaner
- Vacuum without interruption
- Suction power: Heavy
- Maximum suction depth: 2.5 m
Oase Pond Vacuum PondoVac 5 Pond Vacuum Cleaner
- Vacuum without interruption
- Suction power: Extra heavy
- Maximum suction depth: 2.5 m
Best cheap pond vacuum cleaner: Affordable and reliable
Are you looking for an inexpensive pond vacuum cleaner? Discover below the best cheap pond vacuum cleaner with the best value for money.
Pond Vacuum Cleaner Pontec PondoMatic Hydrogen Vacuum Cleaner Pond
- Vacuuming with interruption
- Suction power: Light
- Maximum suction depth: 2.0 m

Our natural alternative to a pond vacuum cleaner: Soil Dirt Pond Removal Package
Buying a pond vacuum cleaner? Don't do it!
With a hydrogen vacuum, you suck the bottom of the pond clean so there is no thick layer of bottom mud. But did you know that there is also a natural solution for this?
What does a pond vacuum do?
A pond vacuum, also known as a hydrogen vacuum, does not suck water but removes debris from your pond. This device helps keep the pond clean by sucking up unwanted particles and debris. However, using such a vacuum cleaner can disrupt the biological balance by also removing beneficial particles, such as oxygen plants. Moreover, it takes a lot of energy and effort.
Mussels and snails can do this too!
freshwater snails and mussels are natural water purifiers. For example, snails eat the silt layer of the bottom and mussels filter the pond water. Add a bottle of pond bacteria once every six months and your pond stays crisp and clear without any hassle. This is because the bacteria, snails and mussels work together to clean up and prevent algae.

My vision is to let nature do its work in your pond. You don't need to buy all kinds of measuring equipment, vacuum cleaners and water improvers. If the fish are swimming nicely and the plants are growing well, you know the water is of good quality.
Pond vacuum cleaner vs. freshwater mussels
Cleaning the pond floor with an underwater vacuum cleaner is not only an unnatural, but also labor-intensive and energy-consuming approach. This process disturbs the biological balance by removing valuable elements such as oxygen plants. For this reason, it is advisable to opt for a natural solution. Below we compare the advantages and disadvantages of an underwater vacuum cleaner and freshwater mussels to further clarify this choice.
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Hydrogen vacuum cleaner |
freshwater mussels |
|
❌ Regularly | ✅ Minimum | |
❌ | ✅ Long-term | |
❌ No | ✅ Yes | |
❌ Minimum | ✅ Promotes the | |
❌ Higher (energy consumption) | ✅ Low to no cost | |
✅ Yes | ✅ Very effective | |
❌ Limited | ✅ Effective | |
❌ Energy consumption | ✅ Environmentally friendly | |
✅ Yes | ❌ No |
This is what our customers say!
Excellent 200+ reviews at
Oxygenating plants and a bottle Bacta clear
Purchased: Pond clear package - M
My pond was quite murky, so after a good conversation with Simon, I decided to follow the advice: more oxygen plants and a bottle of bacteria. I ordered the recommended package, but after four days no improvement was visible. Full of disappointment, I contacted customer service. They advised me to be patient and give the process 2-3 weeks. Although I had my doubts about it, I decided to wait anyway. And what turned out? After two weeks, the water started to clear and I even saw frogs that I had never noticed before! Thanks team vdvelde, and apologies for my impatience!
Plants are growing much better now and water is crystal clear
Purchased: POND SUBSTRATE pond substrate - 40 liters
Last year I had a landscaper install a plant filter at my swimming pond, recommending lava and some plants from the local garden center. Unfortunately, things went completely wrong; the plants died one by one and I suffered an algae infestation. After contacting customer service, I was advised to replace the lava with pond substrate and order some more plants. Now, several months later, the plants are growing well, and my filter is finally free of algae.
My little city pond
Purchased: Complete Pond Package - S - Red
I had been dreaming of having a pond in my urban garden for some time, but it always seemed like such a hassle. Online I found a complete package and decided to take the gamble, although I was skeptical about the quality of plants sent through the mail. But to my surprise, everything was delivered neatly and well-packaged. Within no time I had my pond set up. To my delight, after only two months I saw the first water lily bloom, and as icing on the cake I discovered salamanders in my pond. No idea how they got there, but it only adds to the joy. Truly enjoying it!
A must for anyone with a pond (large or small)
Purchased: Simons Pond Advice Book
This book completely meets my expectations. A great guide with lots of great tips on pond construction, pond plants and design.
Highly recommended purchase on my part.
Great book!
Blue lily: beautiful!
Purchased: Hardy Blue Water Lily - Nymphaea Blue Queen
Thank you very much for the generous delivery of the swamp iris "Blue Lis".
The new plants have been planted and I am curious to see if they will bloom this year.
There is good news about the water lily "Blue Queen": It is also blooming here in blue - and how beautiful!
Removing soil sludge without a vacuum cleaner
Purchased: Soil Dirt Pond Removal Package - M
After years of accumulation by fish, quite a bit of silt had accumulated in my pond.
At first I thought about a pond vacuum cleaner, but after contacting customer service I opted for the bottom debris removal package. I was skeptical, especially because the water became murky the first week. But after a month, the silt has reduced considerably. No hassle with a vacuum cleaner, and great results!
I am a fan.
water lilies for more biodiversity
As lovers of greenery, we were looking for a sustainable addition to our project. Van der Velde's water lilies were a hit! With DROP & GROW, it was really simple: plant and enjoy. We asked for different varieties and this was no problem either. Delivery was perfect. Within a week we already saw leaves above water, and meanwhile there are several flowers blooming. Both we and our customer are very enthusiastic.
Oxygen plants save my fish
Purchased: Oxygen Plants Pond Package - L
My fish were gasping for air, so I was looking for an air pump. Then I read that oxygen plants could also solve this problem. I ordered the package that fit my pond, and now my fish are swimming around carefree again. Additional plus: my pond water is much clearer. Fish happy, me happy!
Very happy with my small pond
Purchased: Complete Pond Package - XS
This handy kit helped me set up my mini pond quickly. Everything you need is included! The service and advice were top notch, much better than at the garden center where no one really knows anything.
From maintenance to an organic swimming pond
Purchased: Complete Plant Filter Package - L
I was tired of constantly cleaning the pump, so I decided to convert my pond to an organic swimming pond. With the plant filter package from vdvelde.com, it worked out perfectly! Now I enjoy a beautiful, natural filter and lovely swimming water.
What is the best month to clean the pond?
The best month to clean the pond is early spring (March or April, depending on the climate in your area). There are a few reasons why early spring is ideal for pond maintenance: In early spring, water temperatures are still relatively low. As a result, many pond inhabitants, such as fish, are still in a dormant state and are less active. Cleaning the pond during this time is therefore less stressful for them. By cleaning the pond in early spring, you can remove dead plant debris and other organic material before new plant growth begins. This helps optimize water quality during the upcoming growing season.
How do you get silt out of the pond?
Sludge in the pond is an accumulation of organic material such as leaves, plant debris and dead algae. Removing silt is essential to maintaining a healthy pond, the best thing you can do is prevent silt. You do this by manually picking up remnants of leaves that have blown into the pond from the pond. This will prevent these leaf debris from forming a layer of silt at the bottom of the pond.
How do you clean the bottom of the pond?
By cleaning the bottom of the pond naturally, you avoid damaging the environment and make the pond more attractive to aquatic animals such as pond fish, frogs and even salamanders. Natural pond cleaning sounds like more work, but it only needs to be done once every five years, unlike pumps and filters that need to be cleaned every few months. Cleaning the pond floor naturally is how you do it....
Emptying the pond:
Ideally, do this in the fall or early spring. First, pump the pond to half empty. Move fish and aquatic plants to a separate container of original pond water for their safety.
Remove mud layer:
Carefully remove the mud from the bottom, being careful not to damage the foil. Remove the roots of aquatic plants from the mud. Consider replacing the pond liner , especially if it is older.
Setting up the pond:
Reintroduce your selected aquatic plants and possibly some old, still healthy plants. Choose plants with various functions to keep the water healthy, such as oxygen plants, marsh plants and water lilies.
Filling the pond:
Allow for evaporation, especially in hot summers. Fill the pond gradually over several days to maintain biological balance. Use ground or tap water.
Pond startup:
Add pond bacteria , essential for a healthy ecosystem and clear water. By following these steps, you will not only ensure a clear and clean pond bottom, but also contribute to an environmentally friendly and natural-looking pond.
Keeping the pond clear year round naturally
Many people believe that a hydrogen vacuum is essential for removing silt and debris from the bottom of the pond and keeping the water clear. This thought is understandable, as dirt often accumulates on the pond bottom, and using a hydrogen vacuum cleaner seems like a quick and immediate solution. However, what many do not realize is that a pond, if properly constructed and maintained, can also stay clear and free of excess silt and dirt naturally. Our roadmap will show you how to keep your pond crisp clear and healthy without the use of mechanical devices such as hydrogen vacuums:
- pond substrate: Establishing a good pond substrate provides a solid foundation. It provides a place for beneficial bacteria to settle and helps break down organic waste.
- Oxygen Plants: These plants are essential in any pond. They produce oxygen, which is essential for pond life, while helping to remove excess nutrients from the water, preventing the growth of algae.
- water lilies: Not only are they beautiful, but water lilies provides shade, which limits algae growth by reducing the amount of direct sunlight in the pond.
- Sumpfpflanzen: These plants, often placed at the edges or shallow areas of the pond, help filter the water and also provide habitat for beneficial insects and other animals.
- aquatic plants: Various aquatic plants absorb nutrients from the water that would otherwise feed algae. They act as a natural filter and contribute to pond biodiversity by attracting beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies to the plants.
- pond bacteria: Introducing specific pond bacteria helps break down organic matter and reduce algae blooms. They play an important role in maintaining natural balance of pond water.
Choose the environment, choose an all-natural pond that balances itself by following our step-by-step plan: Read the Roadmap here.
Buy Pond vacuum cleaner
When buying a pond vacuum cleaner, it is important to consider suction power, ease of use and the maximum depth the device can handle. A good pond vacuum cleaner will help remove leaves, algae and other debris, keeping your pond clean and healthy. Choose a model that fits the size of your pond and your specific needs. By investing in a quality pond vacuum cleaner, you will save time and effort when maintaining your pond.
Ordering pond vacuum cleaners online
Ordering a pond vacuum cleaner online offers convenience and a wide selection of models and brands. Before purchasing a pond vacuum cleaner, it is wise to read reviews and product descriptions. Online stores often offer detailed information and customer reviews that can help you make an informed choice. Benefit from fast delivery and often advantageous prices by ordering your pond vacuum cleaner online from reliable online shops.
Types of pond vacuums and their applications
There are different types of pond vacuums, each with their own applications and advantages. Manual pond vacuums are ideal for smaller ponds and occasional use, while automatic models are suitable for larger ponds and frequent maintenance. Some pond vacuums are specially designed to suck up both water and dirt, making them more versatile. Choose the pond vacuum that best suits the size and type of your pond to get the most out of your purchase.
Buy pond vacuum cleaner
When buying a hydrogen vacuum for your pond, it is important to pay attention to suction power, ease of use and the maximum depth the device can handle. A good hydrogen vacuum will effectively remove leaves, algae and other debris, keeping your pond clean and healthy. Choose a model that fits the size of your pond and your specific needs. Investing in a quality hydrogen vacuum cleaner will save you time and effort in maintaining your pond.
Ordering hydrogen vacuum cleaners online
Ordering a hydrogen vacuum cleaner online offers convenience and a wide selection of models and brands. Read reviews and product descriptions before purchasing a hydrogen vacuum cleaner. Online stores often provide detailed information and customer reviews that can help you make an informed choice. Take advantage of fast delivery and often advantageous prices by ordering your hydrogen vacuum cleaner online from reliable online stores.
Types of hydrogen vacuums and their applications
There are different types of hydrogen vacuums, each with their own applications and advantages. Manual hydrogen vacuums are ideal for smaller ponds and occasional use, while automatic models are suitable for larger ponds and frequent maintenance. Some hydrogen vacuums are specially designed to suck up both water and dirt, making them more versatile. Choose the hydrogen vacuum that best suits the size and type of your pond to get the most out of your purchase.