Expert Pool & Spa, Inc.
"ASK THE EXPERTS!"
Omaha Nebraska
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Expert Pool & Spa, Inc.
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Swimming Pool Vacuuming is a common maintenance task which should be performed at least once a week. Some pool owners who have Automatic Pool Cleaners rarely need to manually vacuum the pool. As a result, when they do need to manually vacuum the pool they are not quite sure how to do it. This list is generalized and each individual swimming pool and filtration system varies from pool to pool. If you are not sure, please send us a Email or call us at 402-596-1171 for further help. Select the desired method from the links to the left. OVERVIEW:Vacuuming a pool simply removes leaves, dirt and debris from the floor of the pool. There are two methods to vacuum a pool. The first is to vacuum the pool and discharge the water to waste, and the second method is to vacuum the pool and have the water travel through the filter to catch the debris and then return to the pool. Vacuuming to waste is usually done when the pool is first opened and the debris load is very heavy. Vacuuming through the pool filter is usually performed when the pool is in normal operation and the debris load is minimal. There are a few things to keep in mind to successfully vacuum a swimming pool. First you need to make sure there is adequate water in the pool. If you are vacuuming to waste, you will be taking water out of the pool at a relatively fast rate so it would be a good idea to add water to the pool before you begin and monitor the water level as you are vacuuming. If the water level falls below the skimmer opening, the pump will draw air into the system and the pump may loose it's prime. You can sometimes put a garden hose into the skimmer well to help compensate for this if the pool water level is too low. If you are vacuuming the pool through the pool filter, you will not be taking water from the pool but recirculating it back to the pool. This method collects the fine debris in the pool filter and reduces the flow eventually. Sometimes you may need to stop in the middle of vacuuming and Backwash the pool filter to clean the debris out and restore adequate water flow (Suction) to continue vacuuming. Keep in mind that you are taking water out of the pool when you backwash so be sure to check the water level when you are done. With either method, the larger debris and leaves are collected in the pump basket, resulting in decreased suction, and will require cleaning as well. Depending on the debris load and the size and type of debris, you might want to use a device called a "Skim-Vac". This is a special fitting that fits in the end of the vacuum hose opposite of the vacuum head and fits over the top of the skimmer basket. This device allows the skimmer basket to collect the larger debris first. The skimmer basket is usually much larger than the pump basket and will require less frequent cleaning before suction is obstructed. If you are vacuuming a large amount of sticks, gravel, rocks or other larger debris, it is highly recommended to use a Skim-Vac. This will prevent any debris from getting stuck in the underground plumbing between the skimmer and the pump which would not be good. If a Skim-Vac is not used then the skimmer basket is removed and the vacuum hose will be connected directly to the hole in the bottom of the skimmer. Depending on the type of pool you have will determine what type of vacuum head you will need. A concrete pool vacuum head typically has wheels on it and is rectangular in shape. A vinyl pool requires a different style of head to prevent damage to the liner. A vinyl head is either triangle shaped or half moon shaped and does not have any sharp edges. Vinyl vacuum heads use brushes instead of wheels to make contact with the pool surface which also helps to scrub the liner while vacuuming. It is important to prevent the vacuum head from getting "Stuck" to the vinyl liner. If this does happen you should stop vacuuming and turn the pool pump off to allow the vacuum head to release. If you try to pull the stuck vacuum head off the floor, it can cause the liner to wrinkle and that would require draining of the pool to repair. Vinyl vac heads do not normally get stuck but it can happen where the shallow end of the pool meets the slope of the deep end. Use caution in this area. If a concrete vacuum head gets stuck, it will not damage the surface but you still may need to turn off the pump to free it up. Some concrete pools have a safety ledge around the pool floor level which can cause this to occur. Typically, the heaver the vacuum head, the easier the job will be. The extra weight helps keep the vacuum head on the pool surface and helps the scrubbing action. Take your time when vacuuming the pool. If you go too fast the debris may be stirred up and not collected by the vacuum head. If the pool is really dirty or if water clarity is poor, you should start the process in the deep end and finish in the shallow end so if you do stir up and cloud the water you can still see what you are doing. Use your pool brush when you are finished vacuuming to clean around the edges of stairs, ladders, wall fittings, pool lights and anywhere you might have missed. Be sure to clean the pump basket and backwash the pool filter when you are finished. Keep in mind that the pool pump will not tolerate a large amount of air in the system before it loses the prime. Do not allow the vacuum head or the swivel hose connection at the vacuum head to come out of the water or the system will loose the prime. The top step on the pool stairs should be brushed off before you begin vacuuming to allow that debris to settle to a lower point in the water. If the water level falls below the skimmer opening, the system will suck air around the hose connection and loose the prime. Generally you will want to use the skimmer which is closest to the pool pump to connect the vacuum hose to. This location will provide the best suction (least resistance). Equipment Needed to Vacuum the Swimming Pool:
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