Keeping your pool clean is essential for a safe and enjoyable swim. Learning how to vacuum an above ground pool is a key part of that maintenance. It might seem a bit tricky at first, but with the right steps, it’s a straightforward task you can do yourself. This guide will walk you through everything you need, from gathering equipment to putting everything away.
How To Vacuum An Above Ground Pool
Vacuuming your pool manually is the most common and effective method. It connects directly to your pool’s filtration system to trap debris. Here’s what you’ll need to get started before we jump into the steps.
Essential Equipment You’ll Need
Before you start, collect all your gear. Having everything at hand makes the process much smoother.
- Manual Vacuum Head: This attaches to your pole and has brushes or wheels to loosen dirt.
- Telescopic Pole: A pole that extends to reach all areas of your pool.
- Vacuum Hose: A flexible hose, typically as long as your pool is wide.
- Skimmer or Vacuum Plate: This connects the hose to your pool’s skimmer basket.
- Pool Filter: Ensure it’s clean and running properly.
Step-by-Step Vacuuming Instructions
Follow these steps in order for the best results. Taking shortcuts can lead to poor cleaning or even damage to your filter.
Step 1: Prep Your Pool and Equipment
First, remove any large debris like leaves with a leaf skimmer. Brush the pool walls and floor to loosen any algae or dirt. This makes vacuuming much more effective. Check that your filter is clean and backwash it if necessary.
Step 2: Assemble the Vacuum
Connect the vacuum head to the telescopic pole. Then, attach one end of the hose to the vacuum head. You’ll need to remove all the air from the hose next.
Step 3: Prime the Vacuum Hose
This critical step removes air from the hose. With the vacuum head still out of the water, drop the other end of the hose into the pool, over a return jet. Let the jet push water through the hose until all air bubbles stop and it’s completely full of water. This creates the suction you need.
Step 4: Connect to the Skimmer
Now, plug the now-full hose into the suction port in your skimmer. Most pools use a special vacuum plate that sits in the skimmer basket, or you connect the hose directly to a dedicated suction line. Your pool’s manual can clarify this if your unsure.
Step 5: Start Vacuuming
Slowly lower the vacuum head into the pool. You should feel immediate suction. Use slow, overlapping strokes, just like vacuuming a carpet. Move methodically from one end of the pool to the other to ensure you cover every spot.
Step 6: Monitor and Finish
Keep an eye on your filter’s pressure gauge. If it rises by 8-10 psi, you need to stop and backwash or clean the filter. Once the pool is clean, turn off the pump, disconnect the hose from the skimmer first, and then remove the vacuum head.
Troubleshooting Common Vacuum Problems
Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are quick fixes for common issues.
- No Suction: Check for air leaks in the hose connections. Ensure the hose is full of water and the filter is clean.
- Vacuum Sticks to the Floor: You might be moving too fast. Use slower strokes and partially close the skimmer’s main drain valve to reduce suction power.
- Debris Returns to Pool: This usually means your filter is dirty and needs a backwash or cleaning immediatly.
Using an Automatic Pool Cleaner
For a hands-off approach, consider an automatic cleaner. They save a lot of time and effort.
- Suction-Side Cleaners: These attach to your skimmer and move randomly, powered by your pool’s pump.
- Pressure-Side Cleaners: They use water pressure from a dedicated booster pump or a return jet and have their own debris bag.
- Robotic Cleaners: These are fully independent units with their own filter and pump. They plug into a GFCI outlet and are highly efficient.
Maintaining Your Pool After Vacuuming
Vacuuming is just one part of the process. After you finish, a few extra steps keep your pool pristine.
- Backwash or clean your filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check and balance your pool’s chemical levels (pH, chlorine, alkalinity).
- Run your pool pump for at least 8-12 hours to ensure proper circulation and filtration.
Pre-Vacuuming Checklist
Run through this list before you start each time. It prevents problems and ensures a good clean.
- Test and balance pool water chemistry.
- Remove large debris with a leaf net.
- Brush the pool walls and floor.
- Ensure the pump and filter are running correctly.
- Check that all your vacuum parts are clean and in good condition.
FAQ Section
How often should I vacuum my above ground pool?
You should vacuum at least once a week during the swimming season. If you have heavy use or lots of trees nearby, you may need to do it twice a week.
Can I vacuum my pool to waste?
Yes, if you have a multiport valve with a “Waste” setting. This sends dirty water directly out of the pool system, bypassing the filter. It’s ideal for removing very fine debris or algae.
Why does my pool vacuum keep losing suction?
Loss of suction is often caused by a clogged skimmer or pump basket, a dirty filter, or an air leak in the vacuum hose connections. Check these areas first.
Do I need to backwash after vacuuming?
Almost always. Vacuuming, especially if the pool was dirty, will load your filter with debris. Check the pressure gauge and backwash if it’s 8-10 psi above the clean starting pressure.
What’s the difference between vacuuming and brushing?
Brushing loosens dirt and algae from surfaces, while vacuuming physically removes that material from the pool. You should always brush before you vacuum for the best results.
Can I use a garden hose vacuum for my pool?
There are garden hose-powered vacuum models, but they are generally less powerful than a manual system connected to your pool pump. They work okay for spot cleaning but aren’t ideal for whole-pool maintenance.
Final Tips for Success
Consistency is key to a clean pool. Make vacuuming part of your regular weekly routine. Store your vacuum equipment properly out of the sun to prevent hose cracking. And remember, a clean pool is easier to maintain than one that’s been neglected, so staying on top of it saves you time in the long run. With a little practice, you’ll find the process becomes quick and simple.