How To Vacuum An Inground Pool

Keeping your pool clean is essential for safe and enjoyable swimming. Learning how to vacuum an inground pool is a core skill for any pool owner. It might seem a bit intimidating at first, but with the right know-how, it becomes a straightforward part of your routine maintenance. This guide will walk you through everything you need, from gathering equipment to perfecting your technique, ensuring you can tackle dirt, debris, and algae with confidence.

Vacuuming your pool manually is the most common and effective method. It connects your pool’s filtration system to do the cleaning work. You’ll need a few key pieces of equipment to get started.

Essential Equipment You’ll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have these items ready. Having everything at hand makes the process much smoother.

Vacuum Head: This attaches to the pole and has brushes or wheels on the bottom. Choose one suitable for your pool surface (concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass).
Telescopic Pole: An adjustable pole that connects to the vacuum head. It allows you to reach the entire pool.
Vacuum Hose: A flexible hose, typically around 30-40 feet long. Its crucial to get one long enough to reach from your skimmer to the farthest part of the pool.
Skimmer Vacuum Plate or Adapter: This little piece connects your hose to the skimmer basket inlet, bypassing the main skimmer basket.
Your pool’s filter system (sand, DE, or cartridge) must be in good working order.

Step-by-Step Vacuuming Process

Follow these steps carefully for a successful clean. Taking your time with setup prevents problems later.

Step 1: Prep Your Pool and Equipment

Start by removing large debris like leaves with a leaf net. Brush the pool walls and floor to loosen any dirt or algae. This step ensures the vacuum can pick up everything effectively. Also, check your filter’s pressure gauge and backwash or clean the filter if needed before you start.

Step 2: Assemble the Vacuum

Connect the vacuum head to the telescopic pole. Then, attach one end of the vacuum hose to the head. Make sure all connections are snug to maintain good suction.

Step 3> Prime the Vacuum Hose

This is the most important step for good suction. With the vacuum head still out of the water, feed the entire hose into the pool, letting it fill with water. You can also hold the free end over a return jet to force water through it. The goal is to remove all air from the hose, as air in the line can cause your pump to lose prime.

Step 4: Connect to the Skimmer

Once the hose is full of water, quickly plug the free end into the skimmer vacuum plate. Then, place the plate into the skimmer basket hole. You should here a slight hiss as the suction grabs the hose. Now, gently lower the vacuum head into the deep end.

Step 5: The Vacuuming Technique

Move the vacuum head slowly across the pool floor in overlapping, linear strokes. Imagine mowing a lawn. Slow is key—moving too fast will stir up debris instead of collecting it. Pay extra attention to corners, steps, and other areas where dirt collects.

For Sand and DE Filters: You can vacuum debris directly to waste if there’s a lot of fine dirt or algae. This bypasses the filter and sends it out the backwash line, preserving your filter media. Remember to add water to the pool afterward.
For Cartridge Filters: You typically vacuum to filter. If the debris load is heavy, clean your cartridge before you start.

Step 6: Disconnect and Clean Up

When finished, turn off your pump first. Then, remove the vacuum plate from the skimmer and lift the vacuum head out of the water. Disconnect the hose from the head and drain it completely. Rinse all equipment and store it in a cool, dry place. Finally, check and clean your filter again after vacuuming.

Troubleshooting Common Vacuum Problems

Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here’s how to fix common issues.

No Suction: Check the pump strainer basket for clogs. Ensure the hose connections are tight and the hose isn’t cracked. Verify the skimmer weir door isn’t stuck.
Weak Suction: Your filter might be dirty. Check the pressure gauge and backwash or clean if necessary. Also, look for a clog in the vacuum head or hose.
Pump Losing Prime: This often means there’s an air leak. Check all hose connections, the pump lid O-ring, and the drain plugs on the pump strainer basket.
Debris Blowing Back Into Pool: This usually indicates a full filter or a problem with a multiport valve setting. Stop and address the filter issue.

Vacuuming for Different Pool Surfaces

The type of surface your pool has influences your approach. Using the wrong head can cause damage.

Concrete/Gunite: A stiff-bristled brush head or a wheeled head works well. You can apply more pressure without worry.
Vinyl Liners: Use a soft-bristled or wheeled vacuum head designed for vinyl. Avoid sharp edges or stiff brushes that could puncture or scratch the liner.
Fiberglass: A soft head or one with wide, smooth wheels is best to prevent scratching the gel coat surface.

When to Vacuum to Waste vs. Filter

Knowing where to send the debris is crucial. Your filter’s multiport valve has a “Filter” and a “Waste” setting.

Vacuum to FILTER for normal, light cleaning of settled dirt and sand. This is your everyday setting.

Vacuum to WASTE when dealing with algae blooms, large amounts of fine silt, or after a major storm. This sends water and debris directly out of the pool system, preventing it from clogging your filter. Remember, this lowers your pool water level, so you’ll need to add fresh water afterward.

Automating the Task: Automatic Pool Cleaners

If manual vacuuming feels like to much work, consider an automatic cleaner. They fall into three main categories.

Suction-Side Cleaners: These attach to a skimmer or dedicated suction line. They use your pool’s pump for power and are good for fine debris.
Pressure-Side Cleaners: These use a dedicated booster pump or a return line. They often have their own debris bag and excel at picking up larger leaves and twigs.
Robotic Cleaners: These are self-contained units with their own filter bag and motor. They plug into a GFCI outlet and are the most energy-efficient and thorough option, but also the most expensive upfront.

Maintaining a Clean Pool Between Vacuumings

Regular upkeep reduces how often you need to vacuum. A consistent routine is your best defense.

Run your pool pump for 8-12 hours daily to ensure proper circulation and filtration.
Skim the surface daily to remove leaves and bugs before they sink.
Brush the walls and floor weekly to prevent algae buildup.
Test and balance your water chemistry weekly. Properly balanced water inhibits algae and cloudiness.
Empty skimmer and pump baskets regularly to maintain good water flow.

FAQ Section

How often should you vacuum a inground pool?

For most pools, vacuuming once a week is a good rule of thumb. However, you may need to do it more often during heavy use, after storms, or if you notice debris accumulating quickly. Pools surrounded by trees might need it twice a week in the fall.

Can you vacuum a pool without a skimmer?

Yes, but it requires a different setup. If your pool has a main drain, you can sometimes adjust valves to pull suction from there instead. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum plate that fits directly into the pump strainer basket, though this is less common. Some robotic cleaners also operate completely independently of the pool’s skimmer and pump.

Why is my pool vacuum not picking up dirt?

If your pool vacuum is not picking up dirt, the most common causes are a clogged hose or filter, a leak in the hose causing loss of suction, or moving the vacuum head to quickly. Check all connections, clean your filter, and ensure the hose is fully primed and free of air.

Do you leave the pump on while vacuuming a pool?

Yes, your pool pump must be running to create the suction needed for manual or automatic suction-side vacuuming. The pump should be on “Filter” or “Waste” mode. For robotic cleaners, the pump can usually be off as they have their own power source.

How long does it take to vacuum a pool?

The time it takes varies greatly by pool size and how dirty it is. A routine weekly vacuum of an average-sized pool (15×30 feet) might take 20-30 minutes. A heavy clean after a storm or for an algae treatment could take an hour or more. Moving slowly and methodically is faster in the long run than rushing and having to do it again.

Mastering how to vacuum your inground pool is a fundamental part of responsible ownership. With the steps outlined here, you can maintain crystal-clear water efficiently. Remember, consistency is key—regular vacuuming combined with proper filtration and water chemistry will save you time and effort over the season. Don’t be discouraged by minor setbacks; every pool owner encounters them. With a little practice, this task will become a quick and satisfying part of your weekend routine, ensuring your pool is always ready for a swim.