How to Prime a Pool Vacuum

Maintain your pool to keep it running properly.

Pools are cool, no doubt about it. But if you have one of your own, you know what a chore it is to maintain the pool and keep it clean. There are chemicals to add, Ph balances to check and debris to be removed. You can use a simple screen to skim leaves, bugs and other debris off the top, but when it sinks to the bottom, you have to use a vacuum. If your vacuum struggles to pick up dirt and debris, it could be that you simply haven't primed the hose properly. Follow these simple instructions to get a full prime on the hose and clean your pool like a professional.

Things You'll Need

• Pool vacuum

Instructions

1. Connect the vacuum head to the telescopic vacuum pole.

2. Connect the swivel end of the vacuum hose to the vacuum head.

3. Place the vacuum head on the floor of the pool. Lower it slowly so you do not form any air pockets in the hose that is connected. The air in the vacuum head will be forced out as you lower it to the bottom of the pool, and the hose will start to fill up with water. Rest the vacuum head at the bottom in a position that will keep it from rolling or moving.

4. Slowly lower the rest of the hose into the pool a few inches at a time so that no air pockets form. Do this until you reach the end. This is priming the vacuum hose.

5. Attach a vacuum skimmer disk to the open end of the hose that you just finished lowering into the water, and then place the skimmer disk in the skimmer. The water and debris will be pulled from the bottom of the pool where the vacuum head is located. If it doesn't fit, try using a threaded hose adapter. This will screw onto the hose, creating the right size fit to connect it to the skimmer hole.

6. Remove debris from the basket as it fills up. Stop the pump to do this.

7. When done vacuuming, stop the pump and remove the vacuum equipment. Turn the pump to the backwash setting and run it until the glass at the filter shows clear water running through. Return the pump to filter when done.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not let the vacuum head end surface or it will allow air to get into into the hose, which will stop the suction that makes the vacuum work. It might also bring air into the pump causing it to fail as well.

References

• Pool Center: Pool Janitor FAQ