Pond Vac

There are many ways to vacuum the bottom of your pond. Ideally, the water flow in the pond should sweep everything on the bottom towards and into the bottom drain, where the crud will be taken to the solids removal section of your filter system.

But this is *real* life! There'll always be something that will manage to settle out on the bottom and just lie there. Well, it won't just "lie there," it will be very busy, growing all sorts of little nasties to cause trouble for your fish, and for you.

Commercially produced pond vacs run the range of "Very expensive and will pull the liner off the bottom," all the way to, "Really cheap and it Really Sucks! (meaning it doesn't!)"

A "gentleman" of the Nishikigoi International Magazine web board posted a picture of his DIY Pond Vac, dubbed, "The Freddy." Not a lot of detail was given, but not much should be required, as it is a rather simple design. Simple, but *effective*.



Here's some text from his post, and subsequent email:

First, I have a World Wide Patent on this masterpiece but I'm going to give you exclusive distribution rights for whatever state you live in for $1. For an extra $1 we'll call it the "Freddy." Here it is with all the components. The white canister is the filter cartridge and the blue vacuum head with hose. The filter is mounted on a Home Depot dolly with a Jandy valve so water can be directed to waste without going through the filter. By- pass the filter and use it for super aeration during some chemical treatments.

It does need to be primed but it's very easy and the entire setup and priming takes less than a minute. If I had a dollar for every time I've loaned this out, I'd be as rich as a koi dealer and could really retire. The "Zehnder" for almost $700 is shite compared to the "Freddy" - just my opinion.

XXX XXXXXXX

P.S. Does this qualify me for a DIY?

It's strange, I've posted that pond vacuum several times over the years but for some reason this time I've gotten over a dozen emails wanting more information. Steve Childers wasn't kidding that he knew *I* didn't actually build the thing. I freely admit I'm mechanically challenged. The concept and idea were mine and a handyman friend here in Phoenix built it for me almost six years ago. It really does work great. We/he has built a few more for friends here in Phoenix.

Yes, it is the Hayward swimming pool filter, I'll get you the model number when I get home today. Yes again, there is a leaf basket in front of the pump and that addresses any problems with large rocks, debris, etc., getting to the impellers. I can honestly say that in the 6 years I've used/loaned this out, I've not ever had a problem or repair of any kind. The actual pump is a 1 1/2 h.p. swimming pool type motor which makes it work so well. It's run for such short periods of time I wasn't worried about the large number of amps it draws. The Jandy valve is a nice touch also, as it allows you to bypass the filter and discharge directly to waste.

Another use is for PP treatments or other oxygen consuming chemicals when extra aeration is a must. Simply take the filter cartridge out and run the water through the empty filter canister. It really puts out the water and is the equivalent to a good sized waterfall.

I'll get back to you on the makes and models.

Have a nice day.

The filter is a Hayward "Star Clear" model # C-750. The pump is a "Maxi Glass." I would consider finding a used 1 1/2 h.p. pump as I said earlier, it's not like it's running all the time. The dolly is from Home Depot with a bracket/stand welded to the dolly for the filter to sit atop.

Good luck.

Mike, again: Now, the gentleman in question said he'd rather not have his name used, as he does value his privacy. But he *did* say I could post his email address, as he is quite well known for offering the benefit of his wealth of knowledge and experience to anyone who asks. So, if you can't quite figure out how to make the "Freddy," drop him a line and he should be able to clear things up for you. But if you want to manufacture this to sell, remember that the "world-wide patent" is going to cost you!

Direct questions on building this Pond Vac to: The Freddy.

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