"Wayne" wrote in message m...
Nedra, I have a small 220 gallon preform pond and I rake my leaves out. I
just reach out to the middle, drag my fan rake gently along the bottom until
it reaches the edge and then I carefully pull it up along the side of the
pond, being careful not to let the leaves slip between the end of the rake
and the pond edge. The water neatly drains out through the leaves and fan
rake blades and then I just dump the leaves into a bucket. If you do it
slowly, you won't make much of a disturbance in the water and the fish
always seem to get out of the way.
The rake approach works good on areas that you can reach. I wouldn't think
that it would hurt a pond liner, especially if you use a plastic rake...

"Nedra" wrote in message
ink.net...
I'm wondering how to remove a small pile of small pieces of
leaves and general gunk that has collected right next to the
in pond filter...

Wayne, the "rake" idea sounds great. I have never done this but just
an added thought or two.

For small areas they make a smaller plastic version called a shrub
rake, which might do well in tight spots. These do have shorter
handles so one may need to extend the handle with another piece of
pole to reach some areas.

Also, Nedra I'd like to improvise on Wayne's rake idea. Cut a piece
of soft window screening to fit the rake shape attatching it with
something like fishing line or heavy coat thread to the underside of
the rake. I think now smaller pieces would not slip through the
tines. This might be a way to get the broken smaller pieces you
mentioned out. Water would still drain through the mesh and rake.
I've never done this but I bet it could work.

Of course if you have shelves along the edges of your pond all bets
are off )

Sue W