That's what I use when I drain mine. Just make sure it isn't sucking up a bunch of gunk that will clog the pump.

I just use a sump pump to get most of the water, then finish with a wet/dry vac. Never thought of using the pump. Good idea, though.

It worked pretty well. I just moved the hose around to different areas of the garden and used the pond water for my plants.

Now I have to clean this sucker... I don't have a wet dry vac, am I going to need one, or can I just use the net to remove the debris and water and scrubbers and pump the water out inbetween?