EHEIM BEASTER 180e pressure washer for ponds and patios

Nine accessories come with the machine, and each has its own use. The high-pressure nozzle concentrates the jet into a narrow line, for a joint or a stubborn mark. The turbo nozzle spins that same jet, covering a wider area without losing force. The eco nozzle cuts water consumption on large surfaces. The detergent nozzle automatically draws the product from the built-in 600 millilitre reservoir. Two brushes complete the set, one stiff and one rotary, for scrubbing as you rinse. The water inlet fitting has its own filter, which protects the pump from a grain of sand coming through the pipe.

The water supply is through a reinforced hose of 5 to 25 metres, with a diameter of at least 13 mm (1/2 inch). The tap must supply at least twice the machine's flow rate, at an inlet pressure of no more than 10 bar. On the mains drinking water supply, a non-return valve is required between the tap and the machine. To start up, connect the high-pressure hose to the handle, open the tap fully, switch on, then squeeze the trigger for no more than one minute, until the water comes out without air bubbles.

The socket that powers the machine must be protected by a 30 mA residual current device. The 7.5-metre cable means you will most often not need an extension lead. If you do use one, it must be rated for outdoor use and waterproof, and its plug must stay at least 6 cm above the ground. Its cross-section is 1.5 mm² up to 20 metres in length, and 2.5 mm² between 20 and 50 metres, on a 16 A circuit. The tank takes a neutral shampoo based on biodegradable surfactants, the one recommended in the instruction manual, because any other chemical product can compromise the safety of the machine.

A filter foam becomes loaded with sludge throughout its thickness, and rinsing it in a bucket only removes what sits on the surface. Lay it on the ground, run the hose on medium pressure from one edge to the other, and you will see brown water coming out long after the foam looks clean. Then rinse it in pond water before putting it back, rather than in tap water, to preserve the share of bacterial flora that remains in it. Finally, restart the filter the same day, so that water starts flowing again through masses that are still damp.

The handle has a child safety lock, and the machine has a second one on its body. The automatic shut-off stops the pump as soon as you release the trigger, which prevents it from running dry while you move a pot; even so, do not leave the machine on standby for more than 5 minutes. A maintenance display indicates the servicing required, and a standby signal tells you that the machine is powered on but not working. While it is in use, no person or animal should be within 5 metres of the running machine.

The machine needs no routine maintenance, but two steps keep it in good condition. The filter in the water inlet fitting should be rinsed as soon as the flow weakens, and a nozzle whose pressure becomes uneven can be cleared with a needle from the front, then rinsed with water. Always unplug it before working on it, and clean the outside with a dry cloth, never spraying the machine with water. For winter, store it dry, in a frost-free room. Spare parts remain available for 10 years.

You receive the machine fully assembled, with its hose reel and accessory holder. Also included are the trigger gun, the quick-change lance, the 8-metre high-pressure hose, the stiff brush, the rotary brush, the high-pressure nozzle, the turbo nozzle, the detergent nozzle, the eco nozzle and the water inlet fitting with its filter. The manufacturer's warranty runs for 2 years. The article on pond algae in summer explains why the surrounding areas get dirty again every season.