Keeps ponds, water gardens, and water features free of debris
*
Vacuums hard to remove pond sludge for a clean and healthy pond environment
Showcase a picture-perfect water garden. Compact pond vacuum ideal for "touchups" and routine pond maintenance. Great for preformed ponds. Removes sludge, debris, unsightly algae, and prevents accumulation of waste materials, allowing your filtration system to work more efficiently. Auto fill-and-drain feature senses when vacuum basin is full and automatically shuts off, drains, and turns back on. Unidirectional check valve prevents sludge from returning to pond. Removes particles up to 3/8". 2-year manufacturer's warranty.
Includes: 13 ft intake hose, 76" 4-pc rigid extension (one transparent/clear extension to monitor operation), 6-1/2 ft discharge hose, 13 ft cable, 3 nozzle attachments, filter bag, and discharge net. 7-gallon capacity.
Please click on "More Information" for installation, maintenance, and cleaning instructions.
Intended Use
The WaterGarden Outfitters Pond Vacuum XPV (External Pond
Vacuum), as termed in the following text, is a sludge suction unit
for the removal of pond sludge. This unit is intended for use under
proper supervision by qualified persons, as stated in Safety
Information section, below. Never allow the unit to operate unattended.
The unit can also be used as a dry vacuum cleaner.
Note: Personal injuries can result from this unit if it is not used
in accordance with its intended use and in the event of misuse.
Warranty and operating permit will become null and void if used
for purposes other than its stated intended use.
Safety
PfG (Pontec manufacturer) has manufactured this unit in accordance
with current state-of-the-art standards and valid safety regulations. However,
despite the above, injuries to persons and assets can result from
this unit if it is used in an improper manner, or not in accordance with its
intended use, or if the safety information is ignored.
For safety reasons, children
under 16 years of age as well as
persons who cannot recognize
possible danger or who are not
familiar with these operating
instructions are not permitted to
use the unit.
Please keep these operating instructions
in a safe place. Also,
hand over the operating instructions
when passing the unit onto
a new owner.
Ensure that maintenance and
cleaning work on this unit is carried
out in strict accordance with
these instructions.
The combination of water and
electricity can lead to serious
injuries if the unit is incorrectly
connected or misused. Operate
the unit only if no persons are
in the water. Always disconnect
the power supply to all electrical
equipment used in the water
before reaching into the water.
Compare the electrical values
of the power supply with those
on the type plate on the packaging
or on the unit itself. Make
sure the unit is fused for a rated
residual current of 30 mA (max.)
via a residual current-operating
system. Only operate the unit
if it is plugged into a properly
fitted socket.
Keep the power plug and all connection
points dry. Do not operate
or leave the unit in the rain.
To avoid damage, protect the
connection cable when burying.
Only use cables approved for
outdoor use. Do not carry or pull
the unit by the connection cable.
Never operate the unit if the cable
or housing is defective. Electrical
installations at garden ponds must
meet valid national and international
regulations for installers.
Never open the unit housing or
its attendant components, unless
this is explicitly mentioned in the
operating instructions. Never carry
out technical changes to the unit.
Only use original spare parts and
accessories for the unit. Only allow
authorized customer service
outlets to perform repairs.
Never use the unit to vacuum
flammable or toxic substances
(e.g., benzene, asbestos, asbestos
dust, toner for copying machines)
or volatile substances, acids, hot
or burning ashes, dust, sand or
similar dirt. Never use the unit in
the vicinity of explosive fluids or
vapors.
The unit is not explosion protected.
For your own safety, consult
a qualified electrician when you
have questions or encounter
problems.
Installation
Place the unit at water level at a minimum distance of 2 m (6.5 ft) from
the pond. Make sure the unit stands safely and is stable.
Step 1 – Unlock the Container
Locking System, remove Motor
Housing.
Step 2 – Remove all additional
parts from the Collection
Container.
Step 3 – Refit and lock
Motor Housing.
Step 4 – Push the end of the Intake
Hose into the Inlet Opening of the
Collection Container. Attach Extension
Tubes as needed. Fit one of the
supplied Nozzles or set the Adjustable
Bottom Nozzle to the situation your
pond presents:
– Nozzle fully open (10 mm): Pond liner
with no gravel on the bottom and a
thick layer of sludge.
– Nozzle closed (2 mm): Pond liner with
gravel on the bottom and a thick layer
of sludge.
Step 5 – Push the open end of the
Drain Hose into the rear Drain Opening
of the Collection Container. If possible,
lay the Drain Hose flat to allow
gravity to assist draining of the sludge
water during automatic emptying. If
necessary, affix the Sludge Collection
Bag to the end of the Drain Hose.
Use as Sludge Remover Attention: Never operate the
unit without foam filter.
Connect the assembled unit to the
power supply and press Switch
to the "ON" position. Place the
Adjustable Bottom Nozzle at the
bottom of the pond.
Remove sludge by moving the Nozzle
in a slow and uniform fashion.
For optimum sludge removal or to
remove thin layers of sludge, turn
the Adjustable Bottom Nozzle 180°,
so the blue side is facing down.
An internal Float Switch automatically switches off the suction operation
when the container has reached its maximum filling level. The
Stop Valve at the Drain Opening can now open to drain the sludge
water out of the Collection Container. The suction operation restarts
automatically after 25 seconds.
Switch the unit off with switch when no longer in use.
Use as a Dry Vacuum Cleaner Attention: Only use the unit as a dry vacuum cleaner
with the enclosed filter bag.
Make sure the unit stands safely and is stable. Turn the unit off and
remove the cord from the power source.
Unlock the Container Locking System and remove Motor
Housing.
Securely place the enclosed Filter Bag over the Suction Socket inside
the Collection Container.
Refit and lock Motor Housing.
Connect the unit to the power supply and turn on with the Switch.
Select a suitable Nozzle. At end of work, turn unit off using the Switch.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Turn the unit off and remove the cord from the power source.
Remove all Hoses and the Motor Housing.
Thoroughly rinse the Collection Container.
Remove the Foam Filter and clean it with clear water.
Check the Foam Filter and, if damaged, replace it with an authentic
PfG foam filter.
Check Sealing Rings for damage and completeness. If necessary,
change the rubber seal in the Drain Valve. Only use authentic PfG
Filter Bags.
Storage
Empty out the Collection Container and thoroughly clean the unit. Store
in a dry, frost protected room, inaccessible to children.
Disposal
Dispose of the unit in accordance with the national legal regulations.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
Problem
Cause
Remedy
The unit does not perform its
suction function.
Drain Hose incorrectly fitted.
Be sure the unidirectional check
valve is located at the free end of
the Drain Hose.
Excessive height difference between
water level and unit.
Place the unit at a height identical to
the water level.
The unit does not reach its full
capacity.
Dirt has accumulated in the foam
filter, in the suction tube, or in the
suction hose.
Remove dirt.
Dirt has accumulated in the area
of the unidirectional check valve at
the Drain Hose, preventing it from
properly closing.
Remove dirt.
The collection container does not
drain.
The collection container is unable
to drain.
Lay the drain hose, making sure
there are no kinks. Provide a slight
incline for the drain hose to allow
gravity to help with drainage.
Collection container and drain hose
are soiled.
Remove dirt.
Low suction capacity.
Reduced suction due to resistance,
i.e. steep angle of intake tube or too
many extension tubes are used.
Position the intake tube as flat as
possible or reduce the number of
extensions to improve suction.
Testimonial By:
Testimonial:
Kenn E Conroe, TX
This vacuum is fantastic. Works easily and effectively. Easy to set up, easy to operate, and even the cleanup was easy. I think every pond owner should own one. The price was the best I found and I've been looking for 3 years.
This is the "best" vacuum item for pond usage. I recommend this on the top of the list, as it is better than any other item that I have attempted to use before in my outdoor pond. This vacuum has a number of parts and equipment that efficiently accommodates any specific work that you need to do.
This vacuum is fabulous! It turned a two day chore into a one day cleaning. The clear tubing allows you to see when you get into a pocket of needles and leaves. It was so much easier to clean my 2500 gallon pond and I wish I had it 16 years ago when the pond was put in. Thanks.
My wife and I are extemely satisfied with the price and performance of this Vacuum!! If you are hesitating, do your back a favor and get this working in your pond now!! We appreciate the cleaning power of this vacuum. Pond cleaning that once took hours is completed in minutes now! It is nice to use this "Work Saver" tool that actually performs as advertised. This is definitely a quality outfit!! Thanks Drs. Foster and Smith.
Well! I got this for my husband last week as he hates the annual 'clean out the pond' ordeal. He used it this morning, and has raved ever since. He loved it! Every time he sat down, he would say "You know, I'm really impressed with ----" and there were numerous features he was impressed with....the ease, the great job it did; he loved seeing the muck go out the hose. It would have been nice if he had read the instructions first and let the water go back in the pond, but once I reminded him he wasn't supposed to be watering the poppies, that the whole idea was that the water was to go back in the pond, then he started doing it correctly. He thinks this is one extremely well designed pond vac and is one happy man! Clean up was even easy! He wishes we had bought this years ago! Thanks!
I am extremely pleased with my pond vacuum. It is so easy to use, lightweight, automatic shut off and restart, all I have to do is move the nozzle around the bottom of the pond. I have been looking for over 5 years, and this was the best product and the best price I have ever found. If you have a pond, you need this vacuum. My pond is only 1000 gallons, and what an improvement after just 2 weeks of usage.
Use this easy pond maintenance guide for simplified pond care all year round. From pond filter maintenance and spring algae control to summer koi care.
For many of us, the summer water gardening season is fleeting and the changing leaves mark the approach of winter. Prepare and condition your water garden for the coming winter. Learn how in this article.
As winter approaches, you will want to make sure your pond system is clean and operating at 100% efficiency. You will also want to make sure that the water quality is as good as it can be. Use this article to learn how.
Please note: Return of electrical equipment to Foster & Smith Aquatics for exchange or refund is limited to 60 days from the date of purchase. Beyond 60 days, please contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement as covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
 "WaterGarden Outfitters<sup>®</sup> Pond Vacuum XPV")
Showcase a picture-perfect water garden. Compact pond vacuum ideal for "touchups" and routine pond maintenance. Great for preformed ponds. Removes sludge, debris, unsightly algae, and prevents accumulation of waste materials, allowing your filtration system to work more efficiently. Auto fill-and-drain feature senses when vacuum basin is full and automatically shuts off, drains, and turns back on. Unidirectional check valve prevents sludge from returning to pond. Removes particles up to 3/8". 2-year manufacturer's warranty.
