Keeping your pool clean is a key part of maintenance, and knowing how to vacuum pool with sand filter is a fundamental skill. It might seem tricky at first, but it’s a straightforward process once you understand the steps. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from setup to cleanup.
You’ll learn the right way to connect your vacuum, set your filter valves, and move the vacuum head effectively. We’ll also cover common mistakes and how to avoid them. Let’s get your pool looking crystal clear.
How to Vacuum Pool With Sand Filter
Vacuuming to a sand filter is different than using a cartridge or DE filter. The sand acts as the cleaning medium, trapping dirt and debris. To do it correctly, you need to bypass the skimmer and send water directly from the vacuum hose through the filter. This method, called vacuuming to waste, prevents the debris from clogging your sand bed. However, you can also vacuum to filter for finer dirt. The key is knowing which setting to use and when.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the job smoother. You don’t want to be searching for a part with the hose already in the water. Here’s your checklist:
- A telescopic pole
- A vacuum head (choose one for your pool surface: wheels for vinyl, brushes or rubber for concrete)
- A vacuum hose (long enough to reach from the farthest point to your skimmer)
- A skimmer vacuum plate or adapter
- Your pool’s filter manual (for valve positions)
- A garden hose to fill the pool afterward if you vacuum to waste
Understanding Your Filter’s Valve Settings
The multiport valve on your sand filter has several positions. For vacuuming, you’ll primarily use two:
- FILTER: This is the normal setting. Water goes from the pump, through the sand, and back to the pool. Use this to vacuum up very fine, powdery debris that the sand can trap.
- WASTE: This setting bypasses the filter entirely. Water is pumped directly out of the system, usually to a drain or your yard. This is for heavy debris like sand, algae, or large leaves that would instantly clog your filter sand.
Other settings like RINSE and BACKWASH are for cleaning the filter after you’re done. Always turn the pump off before moving the valve handle. This protects the internal seals from pressure damage.
Step 1: Preparing the Vacuum Hose
First, you need to remove all the air from the vacuum hose. An air-filled hose can cause an air lock in your pump, which can lead to loss of prime and potential damage. Connect the vacuum head to the pole and one end of the hose to the head. Then, slowly lower the vacuum head into the pool, feeding the hose in as you go.
Once the head is on the bottom, take the free end of the hose and hold it over a return jet. Let the water fill the hose completely until no more bubbles come out. This step is crucial and often skipped by beginners. A primed hose ensures strong suction right from the start.
Step 2: Connecting to the Skimmer
With the hose full of water, you need to connect it to the filtration system. Remove your skimmer basket from the skimmer hole in the pool wall. Insert the skimmer vacuum plate into the skimmer. Then, quickly take the now-primed hose end and connect it to the port on the vacuum plate. The water in the hose prevents air from entering the system.
If your skimmer doesn’t use a plate, you might just drop the hose directly into the skimmer hole, but the plate provides a more secure connection and better suction. Make sure the pump is still off during this connection process.
Step 3: Setting the Valve and Starting the Pump
Now, decide: Filter or Waste? If the pool has a lot of visible debris or algae, choose WASTE. For light, dusty dirt, FILTER is fine. Go to your filter’s multiport valve. Turn the pump off, then move the handle firmly to your chosen setting. Double-check that it’s seated correctly.
Turn the pump back on. You should hear it engage and see water flowing. Check the pump’s strainer basket lid to ensure it’s still airtight. You can now begin vacuuming.
Step 4: The Vacuuming Technique
Use slow, overlapping strokes, just like vacuuming a carpet. Push the vacuum head forward, then pull it back slightly before the next stroke. Moving too fast will stir up debris instead of collecting it. Work your way across the pool in a systematic pattern, from the deep end toward the shallow end if possible.
Pay extra attention to corners and steps where debris collects. If you have a main drain, be careful not to let the vacuum head seal over it, as this can restrict flow. If suction seems weak, check the pump strainer basket for clogs or check if the filter pressure has risen too high.
Step 5: Monitoring Pressure and Water Level
Keep an eye on your filter’s pressure gauge. If you are vacuuming on FILTER, the pressure will rise as the sand traps dirt. A rise of 8-10 PSI over the clean, starting pressure means it’s time to backwash. If you’re vacuuming on WASTE, you are removing water from the pool.
This is very important: do not let the water level fall below the skimmer opening. This can cause the pump to run dry and burn out. Pause frequently to add fresh water with a garden hose if needed. It’s a balancing act between removing dirty water and maintaining a safe level.
Step 6: Shutting Down and Cleaning Up
When you’re finished, turn the pump off first. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the skimmer plate. Remove the vacuum head from the pool. If you vacuumed on FILTER, you’ll likely need to backwash your sand filter immediately to clean out the debris you just trapped.
To backwash, turn the pump off, move the valve to BACKWASH, turn the pump on, and run it until the sight glass water runs clear (usually 2-3 minutes). Then, turn the pump off, move the valve to RINSE, turn it on for about 30 seconds, and finally return to FILTER for normal operation. Don’t forget to put your skimmer basket back in.
Troubleshooting Common Vacuuming Problems
Even with careful prep, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix common issues:
- No Suction: Check for air leaks at the hose connections, the pump lid O-ring, or the drain plugs. Ensure the hose isn’t kinked and the water level is high enough.
- Pump Losing Prime: This often indicates an air leak. Re-lubricate the pump lid O-ring and ensure it’s clean and seated properly. Make sure you primed the hose correctly.
- Debris Blowing Back Into Pool: You may have vacuumed too much debris on the FILTER setting, causing it to channel through the sand. Next time, use WASTE for heavy loads. You might need to backwash thoroughly.
- Vacuum Head Sticking: On vinyl liners, this can happen if you use the wrong head. Ensure you’re using a head with wheels or a soft brush to prevent damage.
Maintaining Your Sand Filter After Vacuuming
Vacuuming, especially dirty water, puts extra strain on your filter. After any major vacuum job, it’s good practice to check your filter’s condition. Backwash until the sight glass runs clear. Note your clean pressure after backwashing and rinsing. This is your new baseline.
Inspect the sand every few years. If it’s clumped together (called channeling) or has been contaminated with oils or clarifiers, it may need replacing. A well-maintained sand filter should only need the sand changed every 5-7 years under normal use.
When to Vacuum vs. When to Use an Automatic Cleaner
Manual vacuuming gives you the most control for a deep, thorough clean. It’s essential for tackling algae blooms, large debris after a storm, or spot-cleaning specific areas. Automatic cleaners (suction-side, pressure-side, or robotic) are fantastic for weekly maintenance, picking up smaller debris and saving you time.
Think of it this way: use the automatic cleaner for regular upkeep, and use manual vacuuming for heavier cleaning tasks or when you need to direct the cleaning power yourself. You can even run your automatic cleaner more often to reduce how frequently you need to manual vacuum.
FAQ Section
How often should I vacuum my pool with a sand filter?
You should vacuum your pool whenever you see visible debris on the bottom, or at least once a week during the swimming season. Regular vacuuming prevents debris from breaking down and clouding the water.
Can I vacuum my pool on backwash setting?
No. The backwash setting reverses water flow to clean the filter. It will not provide suction to the vacuum hose and could damage your system. Only use FILTER or WASTE for vacuuming.
Why does my vacuum lose suction when connected?
This is usually due to air in the system. Check that the vacuum hose was fully primed, all connections are tight, and the pump lid O-ring is lubricated and sealed. Also, ensure the water level is above the skimmer.
Do I need to backwash after every time I vacuum?
Not necessarily. If you vacuumed a small amount of fine dirt on the FILTER setting, you can wait until the pressure rises 8-10 PSI. If you vacuumed on WASTE, you bypassed the filter, so no backwash is needed from the debris. However, you should backwash regularly as part of normal filter maintenance.
How do I vacuum a green pool with a sand filter?
For algae, always vacuum on WASTE. This removes the algae from the pool completely instead of trapping it in the sand, where it can pass through and return to the pool. You will need to add water frequently during this process. It may take several passes as you treat and kill the algae.
Is it bad to vacuum a pool to waste?
It’s not bad, but it does waste water and the chemicals in it. It’s the recommended method for large debris or algae because it protects your filter media. Just be prepared to refill the pool with fresh water afterward and rebalance your chemicals.