Keeping your pool water perfectly balanced is a constant task. Sometimes, though, you need to remove water entirely, not just clean it. This guide explains how to vacuum pool to waste, a crucial skill for tackling severe algae, high water levels, or fine debris that bypasses the filter.
This method sends water out of your pool’s system for good, carrying dirt and contaminants with it. It’s a powerful tool, but it uses water and must be done correctly. Let’s get your pool back to its sparkling best.
How to Vacuum Pool to Waste
Vacuuming to waste is different from regular vacuuming. Instead of sending water through your filter, it sends it straight out the waste line, bypassing the filter completely. You use this when your filter can’t handle the load or when you need to lower the pool’s water level. It’s perfect for after a big storm, a severe algae bloom, or when there’s a lot of silt and fine sand on the bottom.
Before you start, you’ll need your vacuum head, telescopic pole, and hose. You also need to know where your multiport valve (for sand and DE filters) or push-pull valve (for some cartridge systems) is located. Always check your pool’s equipment manual if your unsure.
Why You Would Vacuum to Waste
You don’t always need this strong method. Here are the main reasons to use it:
* Severe Algae Blooms: Green or mustard algae can clog a filter instantly. Vacuuming to waste removes the algae bodies completely.
* Fine Debris: After heavy winds or construction, silt, pollen, or fine sand can settle. This debris is often to small for the filter to catch effectively.
* High Water Level: You need to lower the water level after heavy rainfall to maintain proper skimmer operation.
* Diluting Chemicals: If your chemistry is extremely imbalanced (e.g., very high cyanuric acid or calcium hardness), removing water is the first step.
* New Pool Startup: Sometimes, initial debris from construction is best removed directly.
Precautions Before You Begin
Vacuuming to waste removes water from your pool permanently. Keep these points in mind:
* Water is Precious: This method can use hundreds of gallons. Be mindful of local water restrictions.
* Don’t Run the Pump Dry: You must ensure the pump basket has a steady water supply. Running the pump dry can cause serious damage.
* Watch Your Water Level: Never let the water level fall below the bottom of the skimmer opening. This can introduce air into the system.
* Check Waste Water Destination: Know where the waste water is going. It should flow to a safe drainage area that can handle chlorinated water and debris.
Step-by-Step Guide to Vacuum to Waste
Follow these steps carefully to ensure you do the job right and protect your pool equipment.
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
You will need:
1. Vacuum head (choose one for your pool surface: wheels for vinyl, brushes for concrete)
2. Telescopic pole
3. Vacuum hose (long enough to reach the farthest point)
4. Your pool’s skimmer vacuum plate or adapter
5. Garden hose for refilling (if needed)
Step 2: Prepare the Vacuum Hose
To prevent air locks, you must fill the vacuum hose with water before connecting it.
1. Submerge the entire hose in the pool, section by section, to let it sink.
2. Hold one end over a return jet until water flows freely out the other end and no bubbles remain.
3. Plug the filled end with your hand or a vacuum cap to keep the water in.
Step 3: Connect the Hose to the Vacuum Head
Underwater, connect the filled end of the hose to the vacuum head. Then attach the vacuum head to the telescopic pole. You are now ready to connect to the suction source.
Step 4: Set the Multiport Valve to “WASTE”
This is the most critical step. Locate your filter’s multiport valve.
1. TURN OFF THE PUMP. Always change valve positions with the pump off to avoid damaging the internal seals.
2. Turn the valve handle to the “WASTE” setting. This reroutes water from the pump directly to the waste pipe, bypassing the filter.
3. Double-check the setting. A common mistake is setting it to “BACKWASH” instead, which is similar but not the same.
Step 5: Connect to the Skimmer
1. Take the other end of your filled vacuum hose.
2. Remove your skimmer basket from the skimmer well.
3. Insert the skimmer vacuum plate into the skimmer well, and connect your hose to the fitting on the plate. This creates a direct suction line from the vacuum head to the pump.
Step 6: Turn On the Pump and Begin Vacuuming
1. Turn your pool pump back on. You should hear it engage and see water flowing out the waste line.
2. Begin vacuuming slowly and methodically, just like you normally would. Overlap your strokes to ensure you pick up all debris.
3. Work from the deep end toward the shallow end if possible.
Step 7: Monitor Everything Closely
Do not walk away while vacuuming to waste.
* Watch the Water Level: This is your top priority. The level will drop steadily.
* Check the Pump Basket: Ensure it remains full of water and doesn’t get clogged with large debris.
* Listen to the Pump: It should sound normal. A straining sound could indicate a clog or low water.
Step 8: Topping Off and Finishing Up
1. Once you’ve finished vacuuming or the water level nears the bottom of the skimmer, turn the pump off.
2. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the skimmer plate and remove the plate.
3. Important: Return your multiport valve handle to the “FILTER” setting. (Remember: pump off first!).
4. Use a garden hose to refill the pool to the proper level (middle of the skimmer opening).
5. Turn the pump back on in “FILTER” mode and resume normal operation.
6. Test and balance your pool chemistry, as you’ve removed a significant amount of water.
What to Do If You Lose Suction
Losing suction is common. Don’t panic. Follow this checklist:
1. Check the Water Level: Is it still above the skimmer? If not, stop and refill immediately.
2. Inspect the Pump Basket: Is it clogged? Turn the pump off, clean it, and restart.
3. Look for Air Leaks: Check connections at the vacuum head, hose, and skimmer plate. You might need to re-submerge and refill the hose.
4. Ensure Valve is Set Correctly: Verify the multiport is still firmly on “WASTE.”
Troubleshooting Common Problems
* Pump is Loud or Whining: This often means it’s sucking air. Check for leaks and the water level immediately.
* Debris Isn’t Being Picked Up: Your vacuum head might be too high off the pool floor. Adjust the pole angle. Also, check the suction at the skimmer by placing your hand over the plate.
* Water is Cloudy After: Vacuuming can stir up fine particles. You may need to use a clarifier and run the filter normally for a day. It’s also possible you vacuumed to fast.
* Waste Water Isn’t Flowing: The waste line or backwash hose might be kinked or blocked. Turn the pump off and check the path.
Alternatives to the “Waste” Setting
Not all pool systems have a “WASTE” setting. Here’s what to do:
* Cartridge Filters with a Waste Port: Some have a dedicated waste valve on the pump. Open this valve and close others to direct flow.
* Push-Pull Valves: These are common on older DE filters. Pull the handle up to send water to waste.
* No Waste Option? Your only option is to vacuum very slowly to the filter and clean/backwash it frequently. This is risky for severe problems.
Maintaining Your Pool After a Waste Vacuum
After you finish, your pool will need some attention.
1. Replenish Water: Add fresh water to the proper level.
2. Test Chemistry: Fresh water will dilute your chemicals. Test and adjust pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels.
3. Check Filter Pressure: Even though you bypassed the filter, it’s good practice to note the clean pressure after resuming normal filtration.
4. Consider a Shock Treatment: If you vacuumed due to algae, a shock treatment is usually necessary to kill any remaining spores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When should I vacuum my pool on waste?
A: Use the waste setting for severe algae, fine silt/sand, high water levels, or when you need to drain some water to fix chemical imbalances.
Q: Can I vacuum to waste with a cartridge filter?
A: Yes, if your system has a multiport valve or a dedicated waste line valve. If it only has a cartridge filter housing, you likely cannot and must vacuum to filter.
Q: How much water do I lose vacuuming to waste?
A: It varies greatly. A slow, careful vacuum might use 500-1000 gallons. A rapid vacuum of the entire pool could use several thousand. Always monitor the level closley.
Q: Why is my pump losing prime when I vacuum to waste?
A: The most common cause is the pool water level dropping to low, below the skimmer. Other causes include air leaks in the vacuum hose connections or a clogged pump basket.
Q: What’s the difference between backwash and waste?
A: Backwash reverses water flow to clean a sand or DE filter before sending it to waste. Waste simply bypasses the filter entirely. Use “waste” for vacuuming; use “backwash” for cleaning the filter media.
Q: Can I vacuum fine dirt to waste?
A: Absolutely. Vacuuming fine dirt or silt to waste is ideal, as these particles can pass right through or quickly clog your filter.
Mastering how to vacuum pool to waste is a key part of advanced pool care. It’s a simple process that requires attention to detail—primarily watching that water level and ensuring your valve is set correctly. By using this method only when needed, you’ll save water and extend the life of your filter while still having the power to tackle the biggest cleaning jobs. Keep your equipment ready and always follow the safety step of turning the pump off before adjusting valves.