During the hot summer, many people look to their pools for relief and a reason to spend time in their backyards. Unfortunately, you have to vacuum it frequently when it comes to pool maintenance.
Sometimes, this is easier said than done. If you are struggling with vacuuming your pool, look at the article below, where we will discuss how to vacuum a pool like a pro, along with six of the most common problems and how to fix them.
How to Vacuum a Pool
Vacuuming your swimming pool doesn't have to be a time-consuming and stressful task as long as you know what you are doing.
Following the guide below, you can have a crystal clear pool in minutes, freeing up your time to enjoy the refreshing, clean water.
- First, connect the vacuum hose to the vacuum head and the other end to the vacuum plate.
- Next, connect your vacuum to a telescopic pole for better reach.
- Then, plunge the hose under water, filling it completely before placing the vacuum plate onto the skimmer's suction vent.
- Leave the pool pump running on the filter setting unless there is a large amount of debris. In that case, turn the setting to waste.
- Now, move the vacuum across the bottom of the pool like you would over a carpet.
Completing this process a few times a month will keep your pool looking amazing all season long.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with a Pool Vacuum
Man cleaning the swimming pool Now that you know how to vacuum your pool, it is important to understand it won't always go off without a hitch.
Sometimes you will find yourself running into issues. Don't panic; we have the answers to the most common problems that occur when vacuuming a pool.
Low Suction
Not having enough suction power is a frustrating situation to find yourself in when cleaning your pool. There are a few reasons your vacuum isn't getting the proper amount of suction when connected to your pump.- Your water levels are too low.
- Your skimmer basket is too full.
- The vacuum hose has a hole or knot in it.
- The pump cover isn't secure and air is getting into the pump or hose.
Go over every inch of the hose to ensure it is attached at both ends tightly and securely.
Bad Pump
If the hose and vacuum are working properly and you don't see any damage, then the problem may lie within the pool pump itself. A common issue with pool pumps is the motor shaft seal.
If this seal has any flaws, the vacuum will not work properly. In this case, you might want to take the part to a pool professional. While it can be fixed at home, chances are good; it will eventually need expert attention.
Bad Vacuum
If your vacuum isn't picking up all the debris on the bottom of your pool and the pump seems to be working just fine, the problem might be the vacuum itself. Check out the product to see if there are any cracks or damage that can cause the vacuum to fail.Pool Filter Clog
Another common problem pool owners face when vacuuming is a clogged pool filter. If your filter is full of gunk and debris, it won't have enough room in its pleats to let the water flow through freely.
If you believe your filter is the culprit for your vacuuming problems, look at our article on how to clean a pool filter [link to How To Clean A Pool Filter: A Step-By-Step Guide] to take care of it the right way.
Discharge Side Pump Problems
Although the discharge side pump parts aren't typically why your vacuum isn't working right, it can become an issue. If the seal connecting the discharge side pipes to the pump is broken, it will cause the pump to expel water from the connecting ring.
When that happens, the pump won't have enough suction power to help pull water in from the vacuum.
Air Got Into the Vacuum Hose
If you didn't submerge the hose completely when setting up your vacuum, air could remain in the hose.
If this is the case, then your pump will not work properly. In fact, more often than not, if there is any air in the hose, the vacuum won't even stay attached to the pool skimmer basket.
Types of Pool Vacuums
The most common type of pool vacuum is the manual vacuum and suction options. These products require the pool owner to connect the vac hose to a vacuum head and the other end to a suction plate placed onto the skimmer basket unit.
You can also find automatic vacuums, which are popular with in-ground pools or larger pools that require cleaning frequently. These robotic pool cleaners run on battery power and do not require human intervention. Finally, there are pressure vacuums that are also automatic.
However, these vacuums connect to the pool's jet and use the water pressure to stir up dirt and debris, pushing it into a vacuum net or bag. When vacuuming your pool, it is important to determine which option is best for your specific situation.
Finding a high-quality pool vacuum from a reputable retailer is the best way to ensure you have the best equipment for the ultimate swimming experience.
FAQs
Why isn't my pool vacuum getting enough suction?
There are numerous reasons your vacuum might not be getting enough suction. However, the most common reasons include a clogged filter, air in the vacuum hose, or the skimmer basket needing to be emptied.
What types of pool vacuums are available?
There are four different types of pool vacuums. The most common options include manual and suction. There are also automatic robotic vacuums and pressure vacuums.