CLEARMASTERS
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The basics
Why empty your pond or pool?
If you have a pond or swimming pool, you'll know how much work goes into keeping it looking good. Over time, leaves, silt and sediment build up, the water turns murky and the pond or pool becomes less pleasant to swim in or look at.
If you’re having trouble with surface water around the garden, see flood and groundwater removal and soakaway installations.
We do this work across Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and London, with tankers and engineers in each area most days.
Sometimes the best fix is to empty it completely, clean it out and start again with fresh water. You might also need it emptied to repair a leak, replace a liner or fill it in.
That's where our vacuum tankers come in. They suck up large volumes of water, silt and sludge quickly, and take it all away, leaving your pond or pool empty and ready for cleaning or repair.
Why a tanker
Why use a vacuum tanker?
It’s quick
A tanker can empty most garden ponds and pools in a matter of hours, depending on the size.
It takes the sludge too
Pumps struggle with silt and sludge. A vacuum tanker takes the lot, so you're left with a pond that's ready to clean.
The water goes somewhere suitable
Pool water treated with chlorine shouldn't go into a ditch, stream or surface water drain. We take it away to be disposed of properly.
Less mess
Everything goes into the tanker, so there's no pumping water across your garden or your neighbour's.
Before we start
Planning your pond or pool empty
A little planning makes the job go smoothly. We'll need to know roughly how big the pond or pool is, how deep, and how far it is from where the tanker can park, so we can bring enough hose and the right size of tanker.
If you have fish or other wildlife in the pond, you'll need to arrange to move them safely before we arrive. A specialist or your local aquatic centre can help with that.
Signs it’s time for an empty
- Murky or green water that won't clear
- Thick silt or sludge on the bottom
- Weed and algae taking over
- A leak or damaged liner that needs repairing
- Smells from the water
On the day
What happens when we empty your pond or pool
We quote and plan
Tell us the size, depth and access, or send photos, and we'll quote and send the right tanker.
We empty the water
We pump out the water and take it away in the tanker, so there's no flooding your garden.
We remove the silt
We vacuum out the silt and sludge from the bottom, leaving the pond or pool ready to clean or repair.
We take it away properly
The water and sludge go to a licensed facility, and you get a waste transfer note.
Why Clearmasters
Why choose Clearmasters?
Emptying a pond or pool is a quick, safe and cost-effective job with the right kit. We have the tankers and the experience to do it properly, and leave your garden as we found it.
Ask us a questionAlways on hand
Routine visits booked at a time that suits you, and 24/7 call-outs when something goes wrong.
Advice from people who know
Our office team can talk you through your system, your options and the rules, or simply get you booked in.
Trained, friendly engineers
Our engineers work with minimal disruption and are happy to answer any questions while they're with you.
Tankers for any size
From a small garden pond to a large pool or balancing pond, we'll send enough tanker capacity for the job.
What our customers say
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Questions answered
Pond and pool FAQs
How often should a pond be emptied and cleaned?
It depends on how much silt, leaves and weed build up. Many garden ponds only need a full empty and clean every few years. Balancing ponds and commercial ponds should be inspected regularly and have silt removed when it starts to reduce their capacity.
What are the signs my pond or pool needs emptying?
Water that stays murky or green, weed and algae taking over, a thick layer of sludge on the bottom, smells, blocked inlets or outlets, and damage to the liner or walls are all signs it's time.
What does your pond and pool emptying service include?
We pump out the water, remove the silt and sludge from the bottom and take everything away in the tanker to a licensed facility, leaving the pond or pool empty and ready for cleaning, repair or refilling.
Can I just pump my pool water down the drain?
Be careful. Pool water treated with chlorine or other chemicals shouldn't go into a surface water drain, ditch or stream, as it can harm wildlife. Draining to a foul sewer usually needs your water company's permission. Taking it away by tanker avoids the problem.
What happens to the fish?
You'll need to arrange for fish and other wildlife to be moved safely before we arrive. A specialist or your local aquatic centre can help. Let us know if there's wildlife in the pond when you book.
What should I prepare before you arrive?
Please make sure the tanker can get as close as possible, tell us about any tight access or long distances to the pond or pool, and move any fish or wildlife beforehand.
Got a different question? Call 03333 233566 or send us a message.
Related services
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