Keeping your pool sparkling clean starts with knowing how to vacuum above ground pool. It’s a simple task that makes a huge difference in your swimming experience. This guide will walk you through every step, from gathering your gear to putting everything away. You’ll learn the manual vacuum method, which works with any standard above ground pool filter system.
A clean pool is a healthy pool. Vacuuming removes dirt, sand, leaves, and algae that your skimmer and filter can’t catch on their own. Doing this regularly saves you money on chemicals and keeps your water perfectly balanced. Let’s get your pool looking its best.
How to Vacuum Above Ground Pool
The core process involves connecting your vacuum head and hose to your pool’s filtration system. You’ll then manually guide it across the floor and walls to suck up debris. It’s very straightforward once you understand the setup.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before you begin, collect all your equipment. Having everything at hand makes the job smoother and faster. Here’s your checklist:
* A telescopic pole. This adjusts to the right length for your pool.
* A vacuum head. Choose one for vinyl liners to avoid scratches.
* A flexible vacuum hose, long enough to reach the farthest point from your skimmer.
* Your pool’s skimmer plate or vacuum adapter. This is often included with your pool.
* Your pool’s filter system (sand, cartridge, or DE) must be running.
Step 1: Assemble Your Vacuum Gear
First, attach the vacuum head to the telescopic pole. Make sure it’s locked in securely. Next, connect one end of the vacuum hose to the opening on the vacuum head. It usually just twists or pushes on.
Now, here’s a crucial tip: you need to get all the air out of the hose before connecting it to the skimmer. An air-filled hose can cause an air lock in your pump, which might damage it.
Step 2: Prime the Vacuum Hose
To prime the hose, follow these easy steps:
1. Turn your pool filter pump on and ensure it’s running normally.
2. With the vacuum head still on the deck, drop the other end of the hose (the free end) into the pool, near a return jet.
3. Hold the hose so the return jet’s water flow goes directly into it. You’ll see air bubbles coming out of the vacuum head on the deck.
4. Wait until the hose is completely filled with water and no more bubbles appear. This means it’s primed and ready.
Step 3: Connect to the Skimmer
Locate your pool’s skimmer, which is usually built into the side wall. Remove the skimmer basket. Take the skimmer vacuum plate and place it into the skimmer opening. Now, take the primed, air-free end of your vacuum hose and connect it to the fitting on the skimmer plate. You should feel it snap or lock into place.
Lower the vacuum head into the pool, on the deep end if you have one. The suction from the pump should now be pulling water through the hose. You can feel it by placing your hand over the vacuum head.
Step 4: The Vacuuming Technique
With the pole in hand, slowly push the vacuum head across the pool floor. Use slow, overlapping strokes, just like you would vacuum a carpet. Moving too fast will stir up debris instead of sucking it up.
* For debris like leaves: Use slow, deliberate strokes.
* For fine dust or sand: You can use slightly faster, but still steady, movements.
* Don’t forget the walls and corners: Gently brush the vacuum head up the walls and into corners where gunk collects.
Work your way systematically from one end of the pool to the other. A pattern, like rows or spirals, ensures you don’t miss any spots.
Step 5: Disconnect and Clean Up
When you’re finished, or if the filter pressure rises too high, it’s time to stop. First, lift the vacuum head out of the water and rest it on the pool deck. Then, disconnect the hose from the skimmer plate. This breaks the suction.
Remove the skimmer plate from the skimmer and put your skimmer basket back in its place. Finally, remove the vacuum head and hose from the pool. Rinse everything off with clean water and let it dry before storing it away.
Choosing the Right Vacuum Head for Your Pool
Not all vacuum heads are the same. Using the wrong one can be inefficient or even damage your liner.
* Vinyl Liner Vacuum Heads: These have wide, soft wheels or rollers and a soft brush or foam strip around the bottom. They are gentle and prevent scratches on your pool’s vinyl floor.
* Hard Surface Heads: Made for concrete or fiberglass pools, these often have stiff bristles. Avoid these for above ground pools.
* Leaf Vacuum Heads: If you have lots of trees, a head with a large, bag-like collector can be a great extra tool. It prevents big leaves from clogging your hose or filter immediately.
For most above ground pool owners, a standard vinyl liner head is the perfect choice. It’s versatile and safe.
Connecting to Different Filter Types
The basic steps are the same, but your filter type requires slight adjustments.
For Sand Filters:
Sand filters are great for vacuuming. You can usually vacuum directly to “Filter” mode. If you have a lot of fine debris, using “Waste” mode is better. This sends the dirty water out of the pool, bypassing the filter so it doesn’t get clogged. Remember, you will need to add fresh water to the pool afterward to replace what was lost.
For Cartridge Filters:
Vacuum in “Filter” mode. Keep a close eye on your filter pressure gauge. Cartridge filters can clog quickly with heavy debris. If the pressure rises 8-10 PSI above the clean starting pressure, stop and clean your cartridge before continuing.
For Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters:
Similar to cartridge filters, vacuum in “Filter” mode. DE filters are excellent at catching fine particles, so they may need backwashing or recharging more frequently after vacuuming a dirty pool. Monitor that pressure gauge closely.
What to Do If You Lose Suction
Losing suction halfway through is frustrating but common. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
1. Check the pump basket. It might be full of debris, blocking water flow. Turn the pump off, open the lid, and clean it out.
2. Check the skimmer basket. It could also be clogged with leaves.
3. Look for air leaks. Listen for a hissing sound at the pump lid or hose connections. Ensure the pump lid O-ring is lubricated and the hose is securely connected to the skimmer plate.
4. The hose might have an air lock. Disconnect the hose from the skimmer underwater, let it fill completely, and reconnect it.
Vacuuming Algae vs. Debris
The technique changes based on what you’re cleaning.
* For Regular Debris (Leaves, Dirt, Sand): You can vacuum in the standard “Filter” mode. This is for routine maintenance.
* For Algae Blooms: Algae is fine and can quickly clog your filter. It’s often best to vacuum algae to “Waste.” This removes the algae cells from the pool entirely. Before vacuuming algae, brush the entire pool to stir it up into the water, then let it settle to the floor for a day. This makes the vacuuming much more effective. You’ll need to add water back to the pool afterward.
Maintaining Your Equipment
Taking care of your vacuum gear makes it last longer and work better.
* After each use, rinse the hose, head, and pole with a garden hose.
* Hang the hose in loose coils over a rack or fence to drain and dry. This prevents kinks and mildew.
* Store everything in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
* Inspect the hose for cracks or leaks each season. A small leak can break suction.
* Check the vacuum head for worn brushes or wheels and replace them if needed.
Following these simple steps will keep your equipment ready for every cleaning session.
Common Vacuuming Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced pool owners can make these errors. Avoiding them saves time and trouble.
* Not Priming the Hose: Connecting an air-filled hose is the #1 cause of lost suction and pump problems.
* Moving Too Fast: This stirs up debris instead of collecting it. Slow and steady wins the race.
* Ignoring Filter Pressure: Vacuuming with a dirty filter is pointless and strains your pump. Always start with a clean filter.
* Forgetting to Clean Baskets: A clogged pump or skimmer basket kills suction instantly.
* Using the Wrong Head: A hard-bristle head on a vinyl liner can cause tears and scratches over time.
* Vacuuming on a Timer: Don’t rush. Set aside enough time to do a thorough, careful job.
When to Consider an Automatic Pool Cleaner
Manual vacuuming is effective, but if you find it too time-consuming, an automatic cleaner can be a great helper. There are three main types:
1. Suction-Side Cleaners: These attach to your skimmer or a dedicated suction line. They use your pool pump’s suction to move around and pick up debris. They are generally affordable and good for fine to medium debris.
2. Pressure-Side Cleaners: These connect to a dedicated pressure-side return port or a booster pump. They have their own debris bag and are excellent for picking up larger leaves and twigs.
3. Robotic Cleaners: These are self-contained units with their own filter bag and motor. You simply plug them into a GFCI outlet and drop them in. They are the most energy-efficient option for your main filter system and often do the best job cleaning.
For many above ground pools, a simple suction-side cleaner is a cost-effective upgrade that saves you weekly work.
FAQ Section
Q: How often should I vacuum my above ground pool?
A: For clear water, vacuum at least once a week as part of your regular maintenance. If you have a lot of swimmers, trees nearby, or notice debris settling, you may need to vacuum twice a week.
Q: Can I vacuum my pool without a skimmer plate?
A: It’s not recommended. The skimmer plate ensures strong, direct suction to the vacuum hose. Without it, suction is weak and your skimmer basket can create a dangerous clog, potentially damaging the pump.
Q: Why does my vacuum keep sticking to the pool floor?
A: This means the suction is too strong, often because the water flow isn’t balanced. Try adjusting the suction valve on your skimmer if you have one, or partially open a second skimmer. Also, ensure you’re using a vinyl liner head designed to prevent sticking.
Q: Is it okay to vacuum with the filter on “Recirculate”?
A: Recirculate mode just moves water around without filtering it. Vacuuming on this setting will stir debris back into the water. Always use “Filter” or “Waste” mode to actually remove the dirt.
Q: My hose floats and won’t stay on the bottom. What can I do?
A: This is usually caused by air trapped in the hose. Make sure it’s fully primed. You can also purchase weighted hose segments or a hose weight that attaches to the middle of the hose to help it sink.
Q: How long does it typically take to vacuum an above ground pool?
A: For a standard 24-foot round pool, a thorough manual vacuuming should take about 30 to 45 minutes. The time depends on the pool’s size, how dirty it is, and your experience level.
Mastering how to vacuum above ground pool is a fundamental skill for any pool owner. With the right tools, a methodical approach, and a little practice, you can keep your pool’s floor and walls impeccably clean. Regular vacuuming protects your investment, makes your water chemistry easier to manage, and ensures every swim is refreshing and clean. Remember to work slowly, maintain your equipment, and always start with a primed hose for the best results.