A Solo Contractors Secret Weapon: The WaterVac

As a sole proprietor with no employees, tackling pond cleanouts, especially those larger than a few thousand gallons, can be an intimidating task. Over time, I’ve developed strategies to make the process more manageable. One of the most impactful tools I’ve added to my routine is the WaterVac.

When maintaining a pond, balancing aquatic health with water conservation is essential. The WaterVac, an innovative pond cleaning system, not only helps keep water features clean but also prioritizes fish safety and contractor well-being. With its efficient design and practical functionality, this tool has reshaped how I approach cleanouts—especially when I’m working alone.

Why Regular Pond Cleaning Matters

Ponds and fountains are more than just beautiful landscape features; they’re living ecosystems. These water bodies naturally accumulate debris, algae and organic waste, which can negatively impact both their appearance and the health of their aquatic inhabitants.

Routine cleaning is vital—not only for visual clarity but also for the well-being of the fish and plants that rely on a balanced environment. Traditional cleaning methods can be disruptive, often involving full drainage, which stresses fish and risks water waste. For solo operators like myself, the risk of fish loss or injury during these jobs can also carry professional consequences.

Poor water quality can lead to cloudy ponds, string algae blooms, and even disease outbreaks among koi and goldfish. As a contractor, it’s part of our responsibility to educate clients on the importance of routine maintenance and to ensure that we have the right tools to do it safely and effectively.

How the WaterVac Works

The WaterVac uses a high-powered vacuum system specifically designed for pond environments. What sets it apart is its ability to clean without fully draining the pond. It draws in up to 3,000 gallons per hour and filters particles down to 200–300 microns, depending on the selected filter. The cleaned water is then returned directly to the pond.

The system works continuously, separating solids while maintaining water levels. This means I can complete a full cleanout without ever having to displace the fish or reduce water volume to unsafe levels.

For customers who value sustainability or have sensitive fish, this is a major selling point.

This not only conserves water but also allows me to clean large ponds without having to constantly climb in and out with buckets—a significant advantage when you’re the only one on the job.

It’s a safer, more efficient way to work, and it lets me take on larger projects that I wouldn’t have been able to handle solo just a few years ago.

Key Benefits of The WaterVac

• Water Conservation: The WaterVac dramatically reduces water loss compared to traditional drain-and-clean methods. This is especially important in regions with drought conditions, water use restrictions or eco-conscious clients. It also helps contractors keep costs down by reducing time spent refilling ponds and treating water after the fact.
  
• Fish Safety: Because the pond remains full during cleaning, fish and other aquatic life experience minimal disruption. There’s no need for temporary holding tanks or stressful fish captures. This significantly lowers the risk of loss and helps maintain a healthy, balanced ecosystem throughout the cleaning process.
  
• Contractor Safety and Efficiency:  For solo contractors, the physical demands of a cleanout can be overwhelming. The WaterVac reduces the need for repeated heavy lifting, deep wading and awkward movement, minimizing the risk of injury and fatigue. It also allows for a faster, cleaner process, which means I can book more jobs in a day—and do so with confidence.
  
• Enhanced Visual Appeal: Clean ponds make happy customers. Regular use of the WaterVac keeps water features looking clear and vibrant, ensuring that customers see real, lasting results from professional service. It also builds trust and repeat business.

An Innovative Way to Clean

In an era where water conservation and workplace safety are more important than ever, tools like the WaterVac offer a smart, sustainable solution. Whether you’re a one-person business or part of a larger team, adopting equipment that makes your job easier while protecting the environment and the pond’s inhabitants is a win all around.

For me, the WaterVac has become more than just a tool—it’s a key part of my business model. It allows me to take on bigger projects with less risk, deliver better results to my clients and protect my own health in the process.

If you’re working alone and looking for a way to grow your pond service business, I highly recommend giving this technology a try.

With the right equipment and a bit of strategy, even the biggest ponds can be cleaned safely, efficiently and sustainably regardless of team size.

About the Author

Sean Cudmore founded Pond Creations by Sean in 2010 after the 2008 construction downturn. Based in Massachussetts, the company builds full-service, often “impossible” water features.