Vacuuming your pool or as some call it “vacuum pool” can make a big difference in the cleanliness of your pool and your swimming experience. If you want to learn how to vacuum your pool properly, this guide is for you. We will go over the necessary pool equipment, step by step process and pool maintenance tips to get you a sparkling clean pool.
Equipment Needed for Pool Vacuuming
Cleaning your pool starts with the right tools. A pool vacuum is a must have equipment for both indoor and outdoor pools to keep them clean and hygienic. The following are the key components you’ll need for pool vacuuming:
- Vacuum hose
- Vacuum head
- Telescopic pole
- Vacuum plate
Vacuum Hose
The vacuum hose is the bridge between the vacuum head and the pool’s filtration system. It’s key to debris removal. These hoses come in different lengths and should be heavy duty and flexible. Make sure your vacuum hose is long enough to reach the farthest part of your pool from the skimmer.
Vacuum Head
Vacuum heads come in different types for different pool surfaces. Here are some:
- Vacuum head with wheels: For concrete pools to prevent scratching.
- Deluxe models with air relief valves: For different cleaning needs.
- Soft brush heads: For vinyl pool liners to prevent damage.
A weighted vacuum head is easier to keep on the pool floor during cleaning.
Telescopic Pole
A telescopic pole is an extendable tool that allows you to guide the vacuum head across all areas of your pool, including deep ends and corners.
Its extendibility allows you to reach every corner of the pool, making it a must have for pool vacuuming.
Vacuum Plate
A vacuum plate fits over the skimmer basket and creates a seal so suction can go through the vacuum hose. This prevents debris from clogging your pool’s pump strainer basket and filter system making vacuuming more efficient and less wear and tear on your equipment.
To ensure proper suction attach the vacuum plate to the end of the hose using a hose clamp and make a good seal.
Before You Start Vacuuming
Before you begin vacuuming your pool you need to prepare your pool. This means checking the pool pump and filter system, removing large debris and making sure the water is balanced.
Check Pool Pump and Filter System
First check that your pool pump is plugged in and all electrical connections are secure. Check the pump lid and O-rings for debris or damage to make sure it’s sealed properly. Make sure the impeller is clear of debris and empty the skimmer basket and pump basket of any large debris.
Adjust the filter valve to the type of vacuuming you’ll be doing; Filter for light vacuuming and Waste for heavy vacuuming.
Remove Large Debris
Use a skimmer net or pole rake to remove any large debris on the pool surface before you start vacuuming. Heavy duty pool leaf nets are great for this job so larger leaves and debris don’t clog your vacuum hose. This makes vacuuming easier and more efficient.
Water Quality Check
Test your pool water for pH, chlorine and alkalinity levels before you start vacuuming. Clean and safe pool water requires these levels to be balanced.
If needed shock your pool to remove contaminants and improve water quality before vacuuming.
Manual Pool Vacuuming Guide
Manual vacuuming may seem intimidating but it’s easy with the right approach. Follow these steps to get your pool clean.
Attach Vacuum Head and Hose to Telescopic Pole
Make sure the vacuum head is attached to the telescopic pole before you start. This will make the cleaning process stable and efficient. Check twice to make sure it’s attached securely so it doesn’t come loose during use.
Once all connections are secure put the telescopic pole with the vacuum head into the pool.
Fill the Vacuum Hose with Water
Now follow these steps to remove air from the vacuum hose:
- Submerge the vacuum hose completely underwater.
- Hold the hose against one of your pool’s return jets.
- Hold it until you no longer see air bubbles coming out of the hose.
This will ensure the vacuum hose works properly during vacuuming as it’s connected to the vacuum inlet.
Attach Hose to Skimmer Inlet
If not using a vacuum plate remove the skimmer basket and insert the hose into the suction hole of the skimmer. If using a vacuum plate attach the end of the vacuum hose to the skim vac plate and make sure it’s sealed tight to ensure proper suction.
Vacuum the Pool Floor
Once everything is attached follow these steps to vacuum your pool:
- Turn on the pool pump.
- Start at the deep end of the pool and work your way to the shallow end.
- Use slow, straight passes with the vacuum head to not stir up debris and get a good clean.
- Overlap each pass slightly so you don’t miss any areas.
The Easy Way
If manual vacuuming sounds like too much work consider getting an automatic pool cleaner or pool vacuum. These devices including robotic, pressure-side and suction-side cleaners are a convenient alternative to cleaning your pool manually.
Robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners use scanning software and navigation programming to clean your pool. Models like the Dolphin Premier can clean floors, walls and even scrub past the waterline. These cleaners work independently using electricity to power their movement and features.
Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners
Pressure-side pool cleaners use the water pressure from the pool’s filter system to move and clean the pool. They attach to the return side of the filtration system and can collect larger debris in an attached bag without straining the main filtration system. This makes them great for bigger debris.
Suction-Side Pool Cleaners
Suction-side pool cleaners are the affordable option for budget conscious pool owners. These cleaners:
- Attach to your pool’s suction line
- Use the vacuum power of the pool pump to collect debris and dirt into the pool’s filter system
- Are generally less expensive than robotic or pressure-side cleaners so they’re a popular choice.
Post Vacuuming Pool Maintenance
Post vacuuming maintenance is important to keep your pool in top shape after vacuuming. This includes:
- Disconnecting and cleaning your equipment
- Brushing the pool
- Testing the water
- Storing your equipment properly
Disconnect and Clean Equipment
Once you’ve finished vacuuming follow these steps:
- Remove the vacuum head from the telescopic pole and hose.
- Rinse off any debris from the vacuum head, pole and hose so they’re clean.
- Let all parts dry before storing.
Brush and Test Pool Water
Attach a brush to the telescoping pole and brush the pool floor and walls to get any remaining dirt and debris.
Testing the pool water after vacuuming helps to keep the water balanced and safe for swimming.
Store Equipment
Check the vacuum hose for any cracks or damage and store it coiled to prevent kinks. Store the vacuum hose out of direct sunlight to prevent the material from becoming brittle.
To prevent mould and mildew make sure all the air is out of the vacuum head and telescopic pole and store them in a clean dry place.
Conclusion
Cleaning your pool doesn’t have to be a drag. With the right equipment and preparation and a step by step guide you can keep your pool sparkling. Whether you manual vacuum or invest in an automatic cleaner the key is consistency. Follow these tips and your pool will always be ready for a dip.
FAQs
How long should my vacuum hose be?
Make sure your vacuum hose is long enough to reach the farthest part of your pool from the skimmer so you can clean effectively.
How often should I vacuum my pool?
You should vacuum your pool once a week or more often if it’s heavily used or gets a lot of debris.
What’s the difference between robotic and suction-side pool cleaners?
The main difference between robotic and suction-side pool cleaners is that robotic cleaners use advanced technology and electricity for cleaning and suction-side cleaners are more affordable and attach to the pool’s suction line. Ultimately it’s up to your budget and preference for technology.
How do I know if my pool water is balanced?
To know if your pool water is balanced test it for pH, chlorine and alkalinity levels. Balanced water should have a pH of 7.2-7.6, free chlorine of 1-3 ppm and total alkalinity of 80-120 ppm.
What if my vacuum head gets stuck?
If your vacuum head gets stuck turn off the pump for a few seconds to release the vacuum pressure. This should free the stuck head without damaging it.