Connect your vacuum head to telescoping pole and hose, prime the system by submerging the hose underwater until bubbles stop, then attach to skimmer and systematically vacuum in overlapping strokes.
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To vacuum your pool, you'll need a vacuum head, telescoping pole, and vacuum hose. Connect everything together, prime the hose by submerging it completely underwater until air bubbles stop flowing from the vacuum end, then attach the hose to your skimmer or dedicated vacuum port. Move the vacuum head slowly across the pool bottom in overlapping strokes, working from shallow to deep end.
Before starting, gather these essential components:
Start by removing large debris with your leaf net. Brush the pool walls and floor to loosen any algae or stuck-on dirt - this prevents you from just stirring up debris while vacuuming. Check that your pool's circulation system is running and the skimmer basket is clean.
Attach the vacuum head firmly to your telescoping pole. The connection should be secure to prevent the head from detaching underwater. Next, connect one end of your vacuum hose to the vacuum head. Most hoses have universal fittings, but ensure a tight seal to maintain proper suction.
This is the most critical step that many pool owners skip. You must remove all air from the hose to create proper suction. Hold the vacuum head underwater in the shallow end, then gradually feed the entire hose underwater, allowing water to fill it completely. You'll see air bubbles escaping from the free end of the hose. Keep the hose submerged until the bubbles stop completely - this indicates the hose is fully primed.
While keeping the free end of the hose underwater (to prevent air from re-entering), quickly move it to your skimmer. If using a Skim-Vac plate, place it over your skimmer basket first, then connect your hose to the plate's center opening. For dedicated vacuum ports, simply connect the hose directly. You should immediately feel strong suction if properly primed.
Start in the shallow end and work systematically toward the deep end. This prevents debris from settling in areas you've already cleaned. Move the vacuum head slowly - about one foot per 10 seconds. Rapid movements will stir up debris faster than your system can capture it, creating a cloudy mess.
Use overlapping strokes like mowing a lawn. Each pass should overlap the previous one by 6 inches to ensure complete coverage. Pay special attention to areas where debris typically accumulates: around steps, behind ladders, and in corners where circulation is weaker.
For pools with significant leaf accumulation or algae patches, consider using the "waste" setting on your multiport valve if available. This bypasses your filter and sends debris directly to waste, preventing filter clogging. Remember to monitor your water level closely when using waste mode, as you'll need to add water to compensate.
If suction weakens during vacuuming, check these common issues:
While manual vacuuming provides thorough control, automatic cleaners offer convenience for regular maintenance. Suction-side cleaners like the Pentair Kreepy Krauly attach to your skimmer and move randomly around the pool. Pressure-side cleaners such as Polaris models use return water pressure and often include debris bags.
Robotic cleaners like Dolphin or Aquabot operate independently with their own filtration systems and programmable cycles. These premium options provide the most thorough cleaning but require higher initial investment.
After vacuuming, immediately clean your skimmer basket and backwash or clean your filter system. Debris captured during vacuuming can quickly clog filters and reduce circulation efficiency.
Test your water chemistry within 24 hours, as disturbed debris can affect pH and chlorine demand. Brush any areas where debris was heavily concentrated to prevent algae growth in those spots.
Pro tip: Vacuum weekly during swimming season to prevent debris buildup that requires more aggressive cleaning methods. Regular maintenance keeps your pool crystal clear and reduces chemical demands.
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