Comments:

I have a 3,200 gal pond and have been using the PUV 4000 for nearly two years. It does a fine job when things aren't breaking. The problem is that all working parts are plastic except the metal band that secures the top to the tank and many parts aren’t well designed. So far I've had to replace two agitator handles due to breakage (plastic), the under-top agitator mechanism (plastic), the original UV power transformer, and the original glass UV sleeve that didn't seal correctly. The company I purchased it from has been great about taking care of the problems at no cost.

One word of caution: DO NOT remove the top unless absolutely necessary. The way the top attaches to the tank is a poor design and I've found it very difficult to get it back on without leaking. I've only had to remove the top three times, but all were a real challenge to replace the top without leaks. The first two times weren't too bad but the last time (when I had to replace the broken plastic agitator mechanism on the underside of the top), I worked for nearly three hours making sure all surfaces and the rubber o-ring seal were dry, but it continued to leak. I tried everything. I finally wrapped several layers of white Teflon tape around the lip of the tank over the o-ring to build up the sealing area where it meets the top and minimized the leakage but still leaked a bit, even with the metal securing band sufficiently tight. This band shouldn't be over or under-tightened. Using a rubber mallet, I tapped here and there while gently tightening the band and finally got the leaks to stop. Not fun.

Also, over time the glass UV sleeve can get stuck in the top and difficult to pry free without taking a chance on breaking the glass. So there's no choice but to remove the top and push/wiggle on the sleeve from the bottom to push it out. All UV glass sleeves need periodic cleaning inside and out, so be very careful removing the sleeve from the PUV 4000 if it's stuck. They’re not cheap.

Operationally, it does a great job of maintaining my pond when everything is working. The backflush feature works very well and you just need to be very careful and deliberate when moving the agitator handle back and forth. Also, the waste port valve sticks out quite a ways from the tank and could easily be run into if kids are playing by the pond or you're just not watching where you're going...and could damage the top. I've heard of this happening on more than one occasion where users have had to replace the whole top because someone ran into the valve and broke it off.

...

Overall, the PUV 4000 is great in theory but poor in design and construction.

DC
from Alabama

I've used this product for: under 3 years

Comments:

I echo DC's sentiment. I have the 4000 model. It keeps my pond's water crystal clear, that is when it is working.

The parts are highly inferior (all plastic except drum clamp.) I am experience leakage after I refit the cover. I tried every possible way to secure the cover tightly without success.

I will try DC's solution: use a mallet.

RR
from New York

Review this product.