How do I Make a Waste Vacuum Using a Garden Hose Operated by a Vacuum?

Maintain water clarity with regular vacuuming.

Swimming pools need regular vacuuming to prevent the buildup of debris. Typically, pool vacuuming involves a pool pole with a specialized vacuum head and hose system attached. When these items are not available, a common garden hose can be substituted. Vacuuming pool water directly out of the pool onto the ground, or waste vacuuming, effectively eliminates debris and dirt in the pool, improving water quality. Waste vacuuming debris out of the pool onto the ground with a garden hose utilizes the principal of siphoning.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• Water faucet
• Clamp or plug

Instructions

1. Choose a drainage area that is lower than the pool. Waste vacuuming water directly out of the pool with a garden hose does not work unless gravity is able to pull water through the hose.

2. Attach the free end of the garden hose to the faucet and turn it on. Allow the hose to fill completely with water then shut off the faucet. Close off the other end of the garden hose with a plug or clamp.

3. Set the clamped or plugged hose end down into the pool. Unscrew the other hose end from the faucet and quickly plug or clamp it. Set the newly plugged or clamped end of the hose down in the area you want the water to drain to.

4. Unclamp or unplug the hose end currently in the pool. Ensure the hose end remains under water. Move to the other end of the hose and unclamp or unplug it. Water will begin to flow from the pool, through the hose, and into the drainage area, functioning as a waste vacuum. Move the hose end submersed in the water along the pool bottom to remove debris.

Tips & Warnings

• Vacuum your pool regularly to avoid cloudy or green water.

References

• Wet Head Media: How to Drain Any Pool