How To Diagnose a Pool Vacuum That's Not Working

Ensure the bottom of your pool stays clean by properly using your pool vacuum.

Pool vacuums are a cleaning tool used to pick up dirt, debris, algae and other particles that sink and settle on the pool floor. Pool vacuums consist of a pool hose long enough to reach all parts of the pool, a pole to steer the vacuum, and a vacuum head that suctions the bottom of the pool. As you are cleaning your swimming pool, you may think your vacuum is working but it may just be pushing dirt around. It’s important to know how to check, diagnose and fix your pool vacuum to ensure a clean pool.

Things You'll Need

• Pool vacuum

Instructions

1. Lift the head of the vacuum toward you, and while keeping it submerged in water, place your hand under the head. If you feel no suction, or very little suction, the vacuum has air in the line and is not working properly.

2. Turn the pool pump's power switch to “off”. Inspect the pool vacuum hose for any holes or damage. If there are holes or damage present, replace the hose.

3. Check the vacuum to ensure it’s properly connected. Make sure the vacuum hose is tightly connected to the vacuum head and the pool skimmer. The pool skimmer is located on the sidewall of the pool. The pool pump sucks the water from the skimmer, creating the suction within the vacuum. The pool vacuum hose should be inserted into the bottom of the pool skimmer.

4. Purge the air from the vacuum hose line. Pull the hose end out of the skimmer. Restore power to the pool pump. Hold the open end of the hose up to the return jet valve on the sidewall of the pool. Water will begin to flow through the vacuum hose. Continue to allow water to flow through the hose until you notice water coming out of the head of the vacuum. The vacuum head will move a bit and drift up when water begins to come out.

5. Move the hose away from the return jet valve while keeping the hose submerged completely in water. Reinsert the hose end into the pool skimmer per the vacuum manufacturer's instructions.

References

• ParPool and Spa: Vacuuming your Swimming Pool
• Pool and Spa Warehouse: Pool Vacuum Information