Vacuum Your Above Ground Pool – Easy Steps

A manual vacuum is a must-have for keeping your pool in tip-top shape, especially when it starts gathering debris or algae. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your pool manually. Let’s dive in!

Preparation

To kick off the vacuuming process, you’ll need a vacuum head (or vac head), a telescopic pole to attach it to, a vacuum hose long enough to reach every corner of your pool, and possibly a skim vac or vacuum plate.

I personally use the FibroPool vac head, which I got for about $35 on Amazon. It’s large enough (14.4″x10.5″) to cover more area quickly, making pool cleaning a breeze. It’s been a real time-saver!

Then, let’s take a moment to understand your pool filter settings. If there’s a lot of debris, you might need to adjust your filter system accordingly.

• For multiport valve filters (Sand Filter Pump): Switch to the waste setting. This allows water to be pumped out of the pool while bypassing the filter, preventing clogs. Just keep in mind that the water level will drop during this process, so have your garden hose ready to refill as needed.

• For a two-position or push-pull valve filter (DE and Cartridge Filter): It only has a filter setting. This means the water you vacuum will go into the filter for cleaning before being returned to the pool. This is great for regular maintenance, but don’t forget to backwash the filter afterward.

Step by Step guide

Now, let’s get into the vacuuming steps!

Step 1: Set Up Your Pool Vacuum

Make sure your pump and filter are working properly. Attach the vac head to the telescopic pole and connect one end of the hose to the vac head. Then lower the vac head, pole, and hose into the pool, ensuring the vac head is resting on the bottom.

Next, place the free end of the vacuum hose against the return jet in the pool. This will push water through the hose and expel any air, causing bubbles to rise from the vac head at the bottom. Once you stop seeing bubbles, all the air has been cleared from the hose.

Using skim vac plate: Attach it to the end of the hose you just placed against the return jet. Seal the opening with your hand and move it to your skimmer, making sure you maintain a good seal for optimal suction.

There is a note here: If your skimmer is a built-in or wall-mount type, be sure to choose the right Skim vac plate.

Both straight and L-shaped plate works best with built-in skimmers, while a straight plate is ideal for wall-mount skimmers. This ensures a snug fit and efficient operation, making your pool maintenance a lot smoother. The skim vac plate goes over the skimmer basket, ensuring that any debris gets trapped there instead of clogging up your pool pump.

Not using a vacuum plate: Start by removing the skimmer basket and plugging opening of the hose with your hand. Then, insert the hose into the skimmer, ensuring it fits snugly into the suction hole at the bottom. The aim is to create suction that draws debris through the vac head: Up the hose, into the pool skimmer, and through your filtration system.

Step 2: Vacuuming Your Pool

This process might take some time and effort, but it’s essential to do it meticulously. Use long, slow strokes (Important: Do not rush) while overlapping slightly to ensure no debris is left behind. Take your time; because rushing can stir up dirt, making your water cloudy, which could take hours to clear. If the water does get murky, allow it a couple of hours to settle before returning to vacuum again as needed.

If the vac head gets stuck on the floor, simply turn off the pump for a moment to break the suction and free it. Also, keep an eye on your pool’s filter pressure gauge while you vacuum. If the pressure rises by 10 pounds above normal, take a break and backwash your filter.

Step 3: Clean Your Equipment

Make sure to clean your equipment and test the water. Once you’ve finished vacuuming, detach the vac head from the pole and drain any leftover water from the hose.

Next, attach your cleaning brush to the pole and scrub away any algae, dirt, and debris from the pool walls. Clear out any debris trapped in your pump strainer basket, and if you used the filter setting, give your filter a final backwash.

If you vacuumed using the waste setting, don’t forget to switch back to the filter setting and add fresh water until the pool level is back to normal.

Once the water level is restored, test the pool water right away and make any necessary adjustments to the alkalinity, pH, and chlorine levels. Finally, rinse all your equipment with clean water, dry it off, and store it properly.

How Often Should You Vacuum an Above-Ground Pool?

To keep your pool clean and in great condition, aim to vacuum it at least once a week. Regular vacuuming prevents dirt from accumulating to levels that could disrupt water chemistry or cause clogs.

If you’re looking for a more hands-off approach, consider using a robotic pool cleaner. These devices automatically navigate, removing debris and even scrubbing the walls and floor of the pool, saving you time and effort. 

Along with vacuuming or using a robotic cleaner, remember to brush the water line to remove algae and prevent staining. Don’t forget other pool maintenance routine like backwashing and checking chemical levels to ensure your pool stays in top shape.

Troubleshooting

Loss of Suction

Loss of suction is a common issue when vacuuming above ground pools.

Check for Air Leaks

1. Ensure all hose connections are tight and submerged.
2. Check the o-ring on your skimmer plate for damage.
3. Make sure the water level is high enough to cover the skimmer opening.

Inspect the Hose

1. Check for holes or cracks in the vacuum hose.
2. Straighten out any kinks or sharp bends in the hose.
3. Make sure the hose isn’t clogged with debris.

Examine the Pump and Filter

1. Ensure the pump is running at full power.
2. Check if the filter needs cleaning or backwashing.
3. Verify that the pump basket isn’t full of debris.

Repriming the System

1. If all else fails, try repriming the vacuum hose.
2. Disconnect from the skimmer and refill the hose with water.
3. Quickly reconnect to the skimmer to reestablish suction.

Stuck Vac Head

A vac head that gets stuck on the floor can be frustrating and potentially damaging if not handled correctly.

Gentle Maneuvering

1. Try gently wiggling the telescopic pole to dislodge the vacuum head.
2. Avoid pulling straight up, which can damage the pool liner.
3. Move the vacuum head in a side-to-side motion to break the suction.

Reduce Suction

1. If possible, reduce the pump’s suction power.
2. For variable speed pumps, lower the speed setting.
3. For single-speed pumps, partially open the main drain to reduce suction at the skimmer.

Break the Seal

1. Turn off the pump momentarily to break the suction.
2. Once it is free, turn the pump back on and resume vacuuming.

Preventive Measures

1. Consider using a vacuum head with wheels for smoother movement.
2. Adjust the telescopic pole angle to prevent the vacuum head from suctioning too tightly to the pool floor.

Taking care of your tools keeps them in excellent condition and helps prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Whether you’re doing routine maintenance or dealing with an algae issue, manually vacuuming your pool requires the right gear, effort, and a touch of patience!

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