How to Buy a Pool Vacuum

Getting the right equipment makes the time-consuming job of manually vacuuming a pool a little easier. Most pool vacuums consist of an inexpensive vacuum head that attaches to a telescopic pole. A hose also attaches to the vacuum head that routes debris through the skimmer or a filter bag where it is trapped. A handheld vacuum works well for cleaning spas and other areas with corners. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a vacuum head that is suitable for your pool surface. Vacuum heads with brushes are made for vinyl liners and heads with wheels are for granite or fiberglass pools.

2. Buy a flexible vacuum head for an in-ground pool. They are normally rectangle in shape and 14 inches wide. The flexible head allows it to curve up the pool wall while still hugging the bottom of the pool.

3. Pay a little more for a weighted vacuum head to keep it hugging the bottom of the pool. Either lead or sand is used to weight the vacuum head.

4. Look for vacuum head with a swivel adapter where the pole snaps in. This makes it easier to steer the vacuum around the pool and do spot cleaning.

5. Get a leaf bagger to clean up leaves in your pool. It attaches to a telescopic pole and garden hose. The leaves are pulled into the attached bag. It works on concrete and vinyl pools.

6. Clean your spa, steps and benches with a rechargeable handheld vacuum. Debris often settles in these areas, but it's difficult to maneuver a vacuum head on a telescopic pole around corners. Dirt, sand and other debris is captured in a filter bag that is emptied and reused.