You don't say how big your small pond is.You can get a pool vac at Wally world for under $20 but it is run with water from your hose so using it is going to give you a water change as you use it. It is adequate for 500 gallons, more difficult up to 1000, over 1000, impossible. Figure on getting a new one every year because it is really flimsy. If your debris is as you say it is, figure on using it at least once a week. If you intend to try to suck up mud, etc. it will just pass through the catch bag back into the pond. Python makes a more complex version that gives you the choice of sending the water outside the pond or back into the pond which is good if there is a bunch of mud such as you would have if a pot got knocked into the water. The big problem there is the plastic jar that is supposed to collect leaves and such is too large for anything but the largest hands. It is a wrestling match to empty it. Twigs quickly block the intake. I found it very clumsy to use. It runs about $70. I find a sump pump for dirty water does a decent job of pumping out mud that is in one place rather than mixed with the water but it doesn't handle debris very well. Your best option is to rebuild your pond with a bottom drain and a skimmer if you must put it under those oak trees. I understand the frustration since I have several 50 foot red oaks and sycamores and we get all the leaves from the neighbors, too. Even a net doesn't get all those twigs and small branches. You might be interested in Floyds pond vac if you are into DIY. But then it uses a vacuum, too. Sandy Here is a link that might be useful: Floyds Pond Vac

No, I find the DC34 comfortable and easy to use with no issues getting into corners or tight spaces. It's pretty well balanced. I home-roast our coffee, 3lbs every two weeks, and the chaff is a pain to clean up after. Out of out of pure luck, the long narrow DC34 attachment fits perfectly in between the cage and walls, and other nooks of the roaster, making it a little easier to keep most of the chaff contained. The powerful little Dyson has become an important tool in the roasting (cleanup) process, and dumping the collection bin is quick and easy. Probably not a reason for most people to buy one, but it is one reason why I'd buy another.

So many Sharks. I have the lift-away pet hair. Best vacuum I've ever had. I use the pet hair feature on upholstery and stairs. Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum, Bordeaux (NV752) Is it the lightest? Hmmm....no. maybe not. But it's very easy to push and maneuver. On hard floors I lift off the canister and use the hard floor attachment. Canister in one hand, pole in the other. That seems to work better than trying to push it like an upright due to the microfiber pad. The cord. What to say? It's a cord and so... But the thing I hate about cordless is either there's no power or it runs for a few minutes and dies. Lots of attachments. I have guests in 2 weeks and I was just doing baseboards and window sills in the 2 guest rooms. Easy. Anyway, good luck!

Late to this conversation but had to chime in. I have hardwood floors with area rugs on two levels, plus a cat and a dirty little dog. About a year ago my ancient Riccar was failing so I sent it to the basement where it's responsible for dealing with the cat litter situation. I decided to splurge and bought a Miele canister, thinking it would be easier to handle than an upright, but I was WRONG. I trip over the hose, the cord and hate dragging the darn thing around. The attachments keep falling off and it's ackward hauling it upstairs. Then miraculously someone on Nextdoor was offering a nearly new, bottom-of-the-line Riccar Supralite upright for $60 and I grabbed it. This baby is the real deal! It's VERY light weight, easy to maneuver and cleans better and faster than any vacuum I've ever owned. It's so light weight I just pick it up and vacuum the sofa! There are two downsides: it does only one thing -- vacuum. No brushes, crevice tools, uphostery attachments, etc. But it's a vacuuming beast! The other downside is it's loud because of all of that vacuuming power. I'm telling you, if you're looking for a powerful, lightweight, easy-to-use vacuum, check it out.