If you own a pool, you know that it’s not all fun and games. Murky water and unwanted debris can quickly dampen the excitement. I know how frustrating that can be.
From skimming and brushing the walls to vacuuming, I’ll walk you through the most effective approaches for vacuuming your pool to make it inviting once again.
Gather Your Supplies
Here are the tools and materials you need:
- Pool skimmer net
- Telescoping pole
- Pool brush (stiff bristle for plaster or concrete pools and soft bristle for vinyl or fiberglass pools)
- Algaecide (if dealing with algae)
- Vacuum plate (optional, but recommended)
- Pool flocculant (optional)
- Garden hose
- Pool water test kit
Skim the Pool
Skimming your swimming pool before vacuuming can make a world of difference. By removing debris from the surface, you prevent it from clogging up your vacuum and the pool’s filtration system.
Start skimming from the edges of the pool and slowly work your way towards the center. Glide the pool cleaning net smoothly on the surface, and focus on areas where debris tends to accumulate, such as corners, steps, and along the side of the pool.
Brush the Pool Walls and Floor
Vacuuming alone won’t remove particles that are stuck to the pool surfaces, especially if they’re embedded or have been sitting for a while. Brushing beforehand makes it easier for the vacuum to pick up the loose particles.
This step is especially important if your pool hasn’t been vacuumed in a while or if there’s visible algae growth.
- For plaster or concrete pools, use a brush with stiff nylon or stainless steel bristles. A soft bristle brush works for vinyl and fiberglass pools.
- Start brushing at the top of the pool walls and work your way down, making sure to scrub thoroughly around the waterline and any other areas where debris tends to accumulate.
- Then, move on to the bottom of your pool, working in a back-and-forth pattern to cover every inch.
If your pool has algae, treat it with an appropriate algaecide 24 to 48 hours before vacuuming. Dead algae are easier to vacuum up than live algae.
Check the Pool Water Level
The water should be at or slightly above the midpoint of the pool skimmer opening. If the pool water level is too high, the vacuum’s suction power will drop. If it’s too low, your pool’s pump may run dry, potentially damaging it.
Adjust the Filter Valve
Adjusting your pool’s filter valve before vacuuming prevents clogs and ensures efficient filtration. This is especially true if you have a sand filter because they are more susceptible to clogging when dealing with larger debris.
Here’s how:
- Turn off your pump before making any adjustments to be safe.
- Locate the multiport valve on your filter and take note of its current setting.
- If your pool is really dirty with a lot of debris, switch the valve to the “waste” setting. It lets you bypass the filter entirely, sending the vacuumed debris directly out of the pool and preventing any clogs.
- If your pool is relatively clean, setting the filter valve to “filter” is enough. It lets the filter do its job of trapping smaller particles while you vacuum.
Using the “waste” setting also removes a significant amount of water from your pool, so you’ll need to refill it afterward.
Attach the Vacuum Head and Telescoping Pole
Connect your vacuum head securely to the telescopic pole. Different pool surfaces require different types of vacuum heads. Brushes are generally better for vinyl, while wheels are ideal for concrete or tiled pools.
If it’s a windy day, skip vacuuming and wait till the conditions become favorable. Strong winds can blow debris back into the pool and make the process more difficult.
Prime the Vacuum Hose
Priming removes air bubbles from the vacuum hose and fills it with water. Not priming the hose can reduce suction power, impede cleaning, and even damage to the pump impeller.
Here’s how to prime the hose:
- Turn off the pool pump.
- Attach one end of the vacuum hose to the vacuum head.
- Submerge the vacuum head and hose into the pool.
- Position the open end of the hose over a pool return jet to fill it with water and remove air.
- Once filled, quickly move to the next step to maintain the prime.
Connect the Hose to Your Skimmer
- Locate the skimmer on your pool’s wall. It’s usually a rectangular opening that draws in water from the top of the pool and sends it through the filter system.
- Remove the skimmer’s basket to access the suction port.
- Insert the free end of your telescopic hose into the skimmer suction hole, or attach it to a vacuum plate if you’re using one.
I recommend using a skimmer or vacuum plate that fits over the skimmer basket. It helps the basket stay in place and catches larger debris before it reaches the pump, extending the life of your pump and making cleaning easier.
Begin Vacuuming
Turn on the pool pump to start vacuuming. Check that the vacuum head sticks to the bottom of the pool. That indicates you have got good suction. Follow these steps to vacuum your pool:
- Start at the shallow end of the pool.
- Move the vacuum head slowly in a systematic pattern, overlapping each pass to ensure no area is left untouched.
- Gradually work your way towards the deeper end of the pool, making sure to cover the entire pool.
I recommend using a pool flocculant if your pool has a lot of fine, suspended particles that the filter can’t catch. This chemical clumps fine debris together, making it easier to vacuum.
Monitor Filter Pressure and Pump Strainer
As you continue to vacuum, keep an eye on the pressure gauge on your pool’s filter system. The pressure gauge is typically located on the top or side of the filter tank. It shows the pressure inside the filter and gives you an indication of how well the system is functioning.
While vacuuming, the pressure may increase as more dirt and debris is collected in the filter. This is normal. However, if the pressure rises too much or reaches the upper limit indicated on the gauge, you need to clean the filter.
To clean it, you need to turn off the pool pump and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific filter type. This may involve backwashing the filter, rinsing it, or manually cleaning the filter cartridges.
Also, check the pump strainer for any clogs or debris that might have bypassed the skimmer. Clean it out if necessary.
Turn Off the Pump and Disconnect Your Vacuum
Once you’ve finished, shut off the pool pump, disconnect the hose from the skimmer, and rinse the vacuum with a hose to remove any chlorine or other chemicals. And if your skimmer basket is filled with debris, empty it out and give it a quick rinse as well.
Test the Water After Vacuuming
Vacuuming can stir up chemicals and affect your pool’s chemical balance, so it’s important to test the water afterward. Check pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels, and rebalance if necessary. This helps ensure the water is clean and healthy for swimming.
FAQs: Vacuuming a Pool
You should vacuum your pool at least once a week to prevent debris from settling on the pool surface or sinking to the bottom. However, if you have a lot of trees or plants near your pool, you’ll need to vacuum more frequently. Check out our article on how often to vacuum your pool for more information.
Yes, you can vacuum your pool after adding chemicals. In fact, it’s a good practice to vacuum your pool a day or two after adding chemicals. This allows the chemicals to fully circulate and disperse throughout the water. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the chemicals you’re using, and always test the water for proper chemical levels before swimming.
When to Hire a Professional
Vacuuming your pool is a straightforward DIY task, but if you have let dirt build up or you’re restoring an old pool, it’s best to call in a professional. They have the tools and experience to ensure every corner of your pool gets the attention it needs.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handyman and leave the rest to us.
Main Image Credit: bignai / Adobe Stock
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