One of the best ways to clean your pool is by vacuuming it regularly. Sure, it can be a lot of work, but the benefits of vacuuming are far more worth the effort. For one, you’ll improve your pool’s shimmer and overall look, your chemicals will work more efficiently, and you’ll spend less time waging war on algae.
To vacuum your pool, turn on the pump and set the multiport valve to Filter or Waste, depending on how dirty the pool is. For skimmer vacuums, block the valve to the center drain in the pull so the pump pulls only from the skimmer, giving good suction. Next run the vacuum over the pool’s floor.
Learning how to set up a pool vacuum is an essential skill that you need to have in your arsenal. So let’s dive into the details, so you know how to hook up a vacuum and how to clean up after you’re done vacuuming your pool.
How to Setup a Pool Vacuum
Even if you own an automatic pool cleaner, you still need to have a manual pool vacuum for emergencies, like when the automatic one breaks down. Aside from owning both pool vacuums, you must also know how to hook them up correctly. Let’s look at how to do it.
Manual Pool Vacuum
You’ll need the following equipment to set up your manual pool vacuum:
- Telescoping pole
- Vacuum head
- Vacuum hose
- Vacuum plate/skim-vac
A kit like this one (on Amazon) will typically have all these pieces together for you already, but you can also choose to purchase them separately if, for instance, a piece breaks and you need to replace it. The connections are typically universal. Once you have them on hand, proceed with these steps:
- Attach the vacuum head to the end of the telescopic pole.
- Attach the hose to the vacuum.
- Attach the skim-vac to the other end of the hose.
- Switch off the pump.
- Fill the vacuum hose with water to remove all the air.
- Open the skimmer lid and place the skim-vac over the skimmer basket. Avoid putting the vacuum hose directly into the skimmer hole, as it may gradually destroy your pool’s plumbing.
Robotic Pool Cleaner
Installing the robotic cleaner is pretty simple. You just plug it in, drop it in your pool and let it do all the work as you relax. Of course, you must clear out its built-in filter bag once it’s done cleaning the pool.
Suction-side Pool Cleaner
- Start by turning the return line fittings on your pool floor downwards.
- Connect the hose to the main suction line and the skimmer using the dedicated ends. Remember to put the valves in place at the skimmer basket to regulate water flow.
- Completely submerge the hose, fill it with water, and connect the flow gauge.
- Submerge the suction cleaner and connect it to the end of the hose, then gently place it on the floor of your pool.
Your suction-side pool cleaner is now ready!
How to Vacuum a Pool
Now that you’ve got your manual pool vacuum set up, follow these steps to vacuum your pool:
- Skim the pool surface using a net to eliminate dirt and debris like leaves.
- Turn on the pool pump and ensure the water flows correctly through the filter.
- Next, set the multiport valve to Filter if your pool isn’t filthy. However, if your pool is highly filthy, set the filter system to Waste to help move the debris more easily down the drain.
- Start vacuuming your pool like you would a rug. Start at the shallow end as you slowly work your way up the pool floor to the deep end. Repeat the process as often as you want to remove all the debris from your pool.
When the pool is clean to your satisfaction, disconnect your vacuum head and hoses. Check your pump and filter valve settings and return them to normal. Additionally, if you use a DE or sand filter, backwash it.
In-Ground vs. Above-Ground
In-Ground Pool Vacuums
In-ground pool vacuums are specially made for cleaning in-ground pools. Your choice when getting this kind of vacuum will be based on the size, shape, and depth of your pool. You’ll also have to pick a long enough pole so the vacuum reaches every part of your pool. To use it:
- Slowly lower the vacuum head into the water until it touches the base of your pool.
- Keep the vacuum pole steady and ensure the head is in contact with the pool floor.
- Hold the free end of the vacuum hose in front of the water return outlet until it fills with water.
- Insert the open end of the hose into the vacuum plate and put the plate into your pool wall skimmer to commence the vacuuming process.
- Kicking off at the shallow end, slowly move the vacuum along the pool floor until it’s clean.
- If the vacuum gets stuck, switch off the pump, reposition the head and turn the pump back on.
- If you lose suction power while vacuuming, disconnect the hose from the vacuum plate and hold it over the water return outlet again.
Above-Ground Pool Vacuums
On the other hand, above-ground pool vacuums are designed for above-ground pools and are often made of metal. They usually come in different shapes like oval, round, or rectangle. Here’s how to use the vacuum:
- Lower the assembled vacuum into the water until its head reaches the bottom.
- Hold down the vacuum pole, ensuring the head stays in contact with the pool floor.
- Hold the free end of the vacuum hose in front of the water outlet and wait for it to fill with water.
- Insert the open end of the hose into the vacuum plate and put the plate into your pool wall skimmer just above the suction vent. This will start the vacuuming process.
- Slowly reel the vacuum head straight along your pool’s floor until it’s clean.
Cleaning After Vacuuming
Once you’re done vacuuming your entire pool, you need to clean up and get back to enjoying a nice time in your pool. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Remove the vacuum head from the telescoping pole and drain any water left in the vacuum hose.
- Attach your cleaning brush to the pole and scrub away any dirt, algae, and debris stuck on the sides of the pool.
- Clear any debris in your pump strainer basket and backwash the filter.
- If you vacuumed the pool on Waste, switch the valve back to Filter and add fresh water to your pool until you restore the average water level.
- After topping off your pool water, test it and adjust the alkalinity, pH, and chlorine as necessary.
- Finally, rinse all your equipment with fresh water, dry them and return them to storage. This helps keep them in optimal working condition and prevents wearing out and corrosion.
