How To Use a Pool Vacuum
Pools need to be kept in proper order with regular maintenance. The chemicals must be checked, the filter skimmer basket emptied and any accumulated debris vacuumed from the floor. Vaccuming your pool isn't difficult. But, it is important because it removes debris which can become food sources for green algae blooms.
Supplies
- Pool vac head
- Telescoping pole
- Vacuum hose
These items can be obtained at most home improvement stores, which carry pool supplies, or pool supply speciality store.
- Put the pole vacuum together. The pole should be between six to twelve feet in length depending on the depth of your pool.
- Examine the vacuum head. It should contain several rows of bristles and be weighted. This is important for keeping it in place on the bottom of the pool.
- Check your hoses before beginning. Be sure you've got plenty of hose to run the vacuum. Use these calculations, the diameter of the pool plus four feet plus and additonal six feet for a round pool. For an oval pool use the length of the long side plus 10 feet.
- Make sure your pool pump is working properly. It is the power supply for your vacuum.
Getting Started Vacuuming
- Lock the vacuum head into your pole and attach one end of the hose to the vacuum head.
- Submerge the vacuum into the pool. While holding unattached hose end, lower it into the pool, filling the entire hose with water. This will prevent an air bubble in the hose while vacuuming. Install the vacuum plate with the opening on the top of the skimmer basket inside the skimmer. Put the unattached hose on the skimmer fitting.
- Switch on the pump to the filter.
- Use the pole to move the vacuum head slowly in a back and forward sweeping motion against the pool's floor.
- Monitor your filter pressure gage. If it reaches 10 pressure per inch (ppi) above the started setting, set the pump to the backwash. Let the water run until backwash is clear.
- Return the pump to the filter setting.
- Resume vacuuming until you have finished the entire pool.
- Remove the vacuuming system from the pool when finished. Clean off all of the tools with fresh water to remove any chlorine which may have accumulated. Also, any algae blooms will be removed reducing the risk of recontamination when the pool is cleaned again.
- Store your items with your pool supplies for easy access when you need them.