How to Vacuum a Swimming Pool

Backyard swimming pools are a lot of fun, but you'll want to maintain your investment so it will last far into the future. Keep your pool clean and it can be enjoyed for many swimming seasons.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum pool hose
• Pool pole
• Vacuum head attachments

1. Gather the following items: A vacuum pool hose long enough to reach from the inlet to the opposite side of the swimming pool. A pool pole that expands so it reaches the center of your pool from along the side. Vacuum head attachments with a brush or wheels and a skimmer basket vacuum attachment with leaf adapter.

2. Skim the top of the pool for floating debris. Sweep and collect any large or heavy items that may get stuck in your suction line while vacuuming.

3. Attach the vacuum head to the end of pole.

4. Place the vacuum adapter with a leaf bag into the skimmer/water outlet. The leaf attachment will stop large items from going into your pipes and pump. Connect the vacuum pool hose to the top of the vacuum head and submerge it in the water. This must stay under water through the entire process.

5. Prime the hose before you attach it to the suction line. Priming the vacuum hose means filling it with water so air does not go into your pump. You do this by holding it in front of the return valve until you don't see anymore air bubbles coming from the vacuum head.

6. Keeping the water in the hose, attach it to the skimmer basket attachment.

7. Hold the top end of the pole, slowly pass the swimming pool vacuum along the sides and bottom of the pool.

8. Clean up when you're done vacuuming by disconnecting the hose from the skimmer attachment first. Then drain and store all attachments and pieces of the vacuum.

Tips & Warnings

• Most swimming pool accessories are standard in size, so you can mix and match pieces that meet your needs.

• When attaching the hose to the skimmer you may hear the pump start to work a bit harder. This should stop in a couple of minutes while the excess air is being removed from the hose. If the noise doesn't stop, release the hose from the skimmer allowing water to circulate through the pump again. Re-prime and try step six again.

• You must always keep the vacuum head submerged under water while the other end of the hose is attached to the skimmer. You do not want the pool pump to get full of air.