How to Operate a Pool Vacuum

Keep your pool looking good with a vacuum.

Properly maintained swimming pools ensure swimmers have a safe environment. Algae, body waste, and other debris frequently assail a pool. One tool used to combat these contaminants is a pool vacuum. Pool vacuums use your pool's filter system to suck debris out of the pool. Vacuums consist of a pool pole, vacuum hose and head, and a vacuum plate. A pool vacuum uses the pull of your filter to create suction and pass contaminants through the filter, removing them from the water. Vacuums take some skill to operate.

Things You'll Need

• Pool pole
• Vacuum head
• Vacuum hose
• Vacuum plate

Instructions

1. Assemble the pool vacuum. Insert the pool pole onto the vacuum head handle. Press in the two nipples on the side of the handle to ensure the pole snaps into place. Push the free-swiveling vacuum hose end firmly down onto the large nipple on the top of the vacuum head. Place the vacuum plate into your skimmer and lock it into place.

2. Prime the vacuum. Lower the vacuum head into the pool and let it sink to the pool bottom. Take the unattached hose end and hold it over one of your pool's jets. Keep the hose end over the jet until the vacuum head rises to the surface of the pool and sinks back to the bottom.

3. Place your hand over the hose end by the jet to create a seal. Move to the skimmer and place the hose end into the opening of the vacuum plate. Turn the vacuum head over underwater near the surface of the pool and feel the opening on the underside for suction.

4. Run the vacuum slowly over the bottom and sides of the pool until all debris are removed.

Tips & Warnings

• When priming the vacuum, use the jet nearest the skimmer to reduce the distance you must travel with the hose in your hand.

• Do not allow the vacuum head to come above water while vacuuming. This will cause the vacuum to suck air, which can damage your pool motor.

References

• Pool Center: How Do I Vacuum My Pool?

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish