GUIDE / SWIMMING POOLS
How to manually vacuum your pool in 3 steps
Vacuuming is a great way to keep your pool clean and free of dirt and debris. Sure, it’s a bit of work, but the benefits of vacuuming are worth it: you’ll spend less time fighting algae, your pool water will stay balanced, and your chemicals will work more efficiently. Your pool will also look better.
By the end of this blog you’ll know:
- How to vacuum manually
- All the tools you need to do the job right
- Why you should invest in an automatic pool cleaner
Pool vacuum heads are designed to hang on the end of telescopic pool handles.
However, it is best to buy a model that is as heavy as possible, so that the sweeper does not try to float, as the cleaning will not be done as it should. You will also need to consider the surface of your pool, as some types of vacuum heads are specifically designed for vinyl and others are not.
These telescopic handles are universal and will connect to your well, brush and pool hook.
Just make sure it’s long enough!
You just want to make sure you buy one long enough to reach all areas of your pool.
4. Skim vac (vacuum plate)
This allows you to use the skimmer basket instead of the pump’s strainer basket, eliminating the need to turn the pool pump on and off.
How to vacuum manually
Step 1. Prime the sweeper
The first thing to do is to remove air from your vacuum system.
Air pockets can cause your unit to lose suction, so take the time to prime it the right way.
To do this, simply assemble the hose and telescopic wand onto the vacuum head. Then, lower the whole thing quietly to the bottom of your pool.
Then, simply stick the other end of the hose against a jet and allow it to push all the air out of the hose.
You’ll see air bubbles floating up, telling you that the air in the hose is being pushed out.
When there are no more bubbles, the hose is free of air and you are ready to begin.
Step 2. Connect to the pump (suction)
Your system will work by attaching it to a skimmer suction.
Remove the basket from the skimmer and connect the hose to the female part at the bottom of the skimmer.
Step Three. Let’s vacuum
Now simply move the vacuum head back and forth over the pool surface until it is clean.
If you lose suction, you will need to repeat steps 1 and 2.
Tip: If you have a sand filter, use primarily the Waste/Drain function, not the Filter function.
Why it’s worth investing in an automatic cleaner
You may think that a good filtration system is all you need, and believe me, it’s important!
It will reduce your sanitizer (chlorine and bromine) usage and help you maintain normal PH levels, making your maintenance easier.
But even the best filters can only do so much.
To keep your pool clean and clear, you’ll need to use an additional cleaning method at least once a week.
After a few weeks of manual cleaning, you’ll probably agree that an automatic cleaner is a worthwhile investment that will free you up to enjoy your pool of water.
One of the best purchases you can make is the Pentair Prowler automatic cleaners. This is probably the fastest and most efficient type of unit, but it can be a bit pricey.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that pool maintenance takes some work, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be a pro in no time!
