Learn How to Vacuum Your Above Ground Pool to Waste in 5 Easy Steps

Keeping your above ground pool sparkling clean doesn’t have to be a chore. Vacuuming your pool to waste is a great way to remove debris from your pool and reduce the strain on your filter system. With just a few easy steps, you can learn how to vacuum your above ground pool to waste like a pro.

First, you’ll need to prepare your pool and equipment by removing any large debris and setting up your vacuum. Then, you’ll attach the hose and prime the vacuum to get it ready for use. Next, set the valve to waste and begin vacuuming your pool, being careful to monitor the water level and debris collection.

Finally, finish up by cleaning your equipment and storing it properly. If you’re new to pool maintenance, don’t worry. We’ve put together this step-by-step guide to make it easy for you to keep your pool in tip-top shape all season long. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and learn how to vacuum your above ground pool to waste in just five easy steps.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pool and Equipment

Before you begin vacuuming your above ground pool to waste, you need to prepare your pool and equipment. Start by removing any large debris, such as leaves or twigs, from your pool using a skimmer net. Then, brush the walls and floor of your pool to loosen any dirt or algae. Proper preparation is crucial to ensure that the vacuum effectively removes all debris from your pool.

Next, check your pool’s filter to make sure it is clean and functioning properly. It’s also a good idea to backwash your filter to ensure maximum efficiency. Once your filter is in good working condition, you can move on to preparing your vacuum. Make sure that the vacuum hose is long enough to reach all areas of your pool, and that the vacuum head is securely attached to the end of the hose.

Fill a bucket with water and place it near the pool. This will be used to prime the vacuum hose to remove any air pockets. Priming your vacuum hose will ensure that it effectively removes debris from your pool. You should also have your pool’s waste line prepared, which is where the vacuumed water and debris will be sent.

It’s important to wear protective gear, such as goggles and gloves, when handling chemicals and vacuuming your pool. Make sure to read the instructions on any chemicals you will be using, and store them in a safe place away from children and pets.

Finally, ensure that your vacuum is set up for the correct suction power. The suction power will depend on the size of your pool and the amount of debris in it. Adjusting the suction power will ensure that you effectively remove debris from your pool without damaging the equipment.

Check the Water Level

1. Use a skimmer: Before you begin vacuuming, use a skimmer to remove any leaves or debris floating on the surface of the water. This will make vacuuming easier and prevent blockages in your pool pump and filter.
2. Check the water level: Your pool should be filled to its normal operating level. If the water level is too low, it can damage the pump, and if it’s too high, the skimmer won’t work properly.
3. Adjust the water level: If the water level is too low, use a garden hose to fill the pool to the proper level. If the water level is too high, use a submersible pump or the waste setting on your pool filter to drain water until it reaches the right level.
4. Turn off the skimmer: After adjusting the water level, turn off the skimmer valve to prevent it from drawing air into the pump during vacuuming.
5. Remove any obstructions: Before you start vacuuming, make sure there are no obstructions in the skimmer or suction line that could prevent water from flowing through the system.

Remember, the water level is critical when vacuuming your pool. Checking and adjusting the water level before you start will help ensure a successful and efficient vacuuming session.

Before you start vacuuming your above ground pool, it’s important to remove any large debris from the surface of the water. This can be done using a skimmer net, which is a long-handled net with a wide flat surface.

Make sure to remove any large leaves, branches, or other debris that may clog your vacuum hose or damage your equipment. Use your skimmer net to scoop up any debris floating on the surface of the water and deposit it into a nearby trash can or compost bin.

If you have a lot of debris in your pool, you may need to empty your skimmer basket or backwash your filter before you start vacuuming. This will help ensure that your equipment is working properly and will allow you to vacuum your pool more efficiently.

Check and Clean Your Equipment

After vacuuming your above ground pool to waste, it’s important to check and clean your equipment to ensure that it’s in good working condition for future use. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the skimmer and remove the vacuum head from the pool.
2. Empty and rinse the pump basket to remove any debris that may have been collected during the vacuuming process.
3. Clean the vacuum hose by running water through it to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated.
4. Clean the vacuum head by spraying it with a hose to remove any dirt or debris that may have collected on it.
5. Store your equipment properly to prevent damage or wear and tear. Make sure to store your vacuum hose and head in a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your vacuuming equipment stays in good condition and is ready for your next pool cleaning session.

Step 2: Attach the Hose and Prime the Vacuum

After you’ve prepared your pool and equipment, it’s time to attach the vacuum hose to your skimmer. To do this, remove the skimmer basket and plug the hose into the hole. Make sure the hose is tight and secure.

Once the hose is attached, you need to prime the vacuum. This means getting the water flowing through the hose so that the vacuum can do its job. To do this, you can use a pool vacuum plate or a rubber stopper that fits into the skimmer hole.

Place the vacuum plate or rubber stopper over the skimmer hole and attach the vacuum hose to the plate or stopper. Turn on the pump and let it run until all the air is out of the hose and water is flowing through it.

Attach the Hose to the Vacuum Head

• Step 1: Remove the skimmer basket from the skimmer and replace it with the vacuum plate.

• Step 2: Attach the vacuum head to one end of the pool vacuum hose.

• Step 3: Insert the other end of the pool vacuum hose into the suction port on the vacuum plate.

• Step 4: Slowly lower the vacuum head and hose to the bottom of the pool, keeping the other end of the hose out of the water.

• Step 5: Once the vacuum head and hose are at the bottom of the pool, submerge the vacuum head and hose completely, making sure no air remains in the hose.

• Step 6: Hold the end of the hose over the return jet until all the air bubbles disappear from the hose.

Make sure that the vacuum head and hose are securely attached to prevent them from detaching during the vacuuming process.

Step 3: Set the Valve to Waste and Vacuum the Pool

Now that you’ve primed your vacuum and attached the hose, it’s time to start cleaning your pool. The first thing you need to do is set the valve to waste. This will bypass your filter and send the dirty water directly out of your pool.

Once you’ve set the valve to waste, it’s time to start vacuuming your pool. Move the vacuum head back and forth along the bottom of your pool, overlapping your strokes to make sure you don’t miss any spots. Make sure to vacuum any dirt or debris that has settled on the walls or steps of your pool as well.

When vacuuming, it’s important to work slowly and methodically. Take your time and make sure you’ve thoroughly cleaned each section of your pool before moving on to the next. This will ensure that you get the best possible results and leave your pool looking sparkling clean.

If your pool is particularly dirty, you may need to empty the pump basket or backwash your filter periodically to maintain suction. This will help prevent clogs and ensure that you can continue to vacuum your pool effectively.

When you’re finished vacuuming, turn off the pump and remove the vacuum head and hose from the pool. Rinse them both thoroughly with clean water and let them dry completely before storing them away.

Start Vacuuming the Pool

• Move the Vacuum Head Slowly: Move the vacuum head slowly and steadily over the surface of the pool. Do not move it too fast or you might stir up debris and make it harder to pick up.
• Overlapping Strokes: Make sure to overlap your strokes to ensure you clean the entire pool surface.
• Clean the Vacuum: As the vacuum collects debris, you may need to pause and clean the vacuum head or filter to prevent clogs and maintain suction power.
• Check the Water Level: Check the water level periodically while vacuuming to make sure it remains within the recommended range.
• Monitor the Waste Hose: Keep an eye on the waste hose to make sure it is properly attached and draining water away from the pool area.
• Finish Vacuuming: Continue vacuuming until you have cleaned the entire pool surface or until you have removed the desired amount of debris.

Remember that vacuuming to waste can remove a significant amount of water from your pool, so it is important to monitor the water level and be prepared to add fresh water as needed. Once you have finished vacuuming, return the valve to the “filter” position and clean your equipment thoroughly. With these steps, you can keep your above ground pool clean and ready for swimming all season long.

Step 4: Monitor the Water Level and Debris Collection

Check the Water Level: As you vacuum, keep an eye on the water level in the pool. If it gets too low, turn off the vacuum and refill the pool to avoid damage to your pump or other equipment.

Empty the Debris Collection Bag: Regularly check the debris collection bag attached to your vacuum to ensure that it doesn’t get too full. Empty it as needed to prevent clogging or damage to the vacuum.

Watch for Large Debris: While vacuuming, keep an eye out for any large debris that could get caught in the vacuum hose or damage the equipment. Remove any large items with a net or pool skimmer before they can cause any problems.

Clean the Vacuum Head: Periodically clean the vacuum head to remove any debris or algae that may have accumulated. This will help ensure that the vacuum is operating at maximum efficiency and prevent any blockages.

Check the Water Clarity: Once you’ve finished vacuuming, take a look at the water clarity. If it’s still cloudy or murky, you may need to add additional chemicals or run your filtration system for longer to clear it up.

Stop Vacuuming If Water Level Gets Too Low

If the water level in your pool drops too low while vacuuming, it can cause damage to the pump or even burn out the motor. To prevent this, it’s important to stop vacuuming if the water level gets too low.

You can check the water level while vacuuming by keeping an eye on the skimmer box. If the water level drops below the skimmer, it’s time to stop vacuuming and refill the pool.

If you have an automatic pool fill system, you can set it up to maintain the water level while you vacuum. However, if you don’t have an automatic fill system, you’ll need to manually add water to the pool as needed.

Empty the Skimmer Basket and Pump Strainer Basket

Once you have finished vacuuming your pool, you should empty the skimmer basket and pump strainer basket to ensure proper filtration. These baskets are designed to catch large debris that may clog your pool’s plumbing or damage the pump.

First, locate the skimmer basket, which is typically located near the top of the pool and is easily accessible. Remove the lid and scoop out any debris that has accumulated inside. Rinse the basket with a garden hose to remove any remaining debris.

Next, locate the pump strainer basket, which is located near the pump and filter. Turn off the pump and release the pressure in the system by turning the air relief valve. Remove the lid and basket and empty any debris. Rinse the basket and lid with a garden hose before reassembling the basket and lid. Turn the pump back on.

It is recommended that you check and empty these baskets at least once a week to prevent clogging and ensure proper water flow through the pool’s plumbing and equipment. This will also help to extend the life of your pool’s equipment and keep your pool water clear and clean.

Backwash Your Filter When Needed

If you notice the water pressure decreasing, it may be time to backwash your filter. This is an important maintenance task that helps to keep your pool clean and running smoothly.

To backwash your filter, first turn off the pump and set the valve to “backwash.” Then, turn on the pump and let it run until the water in the sight glass is clear. This will flush out any dirt and debris that has accumulated in the filter.

After the water runs clear, turn off the pump and set the valve to “rinse.” Turn on the pump and let it run for a few minutes to flush out any remaining debris. Then, turn off the pump again and set the valve back to its normal position.

It’s important to backwash your filter regularly, as a dirty filter can lead to poor water quality and damage to your pool equipment. The frequency of backwashing will depend on your pool usage and the type of filter you have, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

Step 5: Finish Up and Clean Your Equipment

After you finish vacuuming the pool, turn off the pump and disconnect the hose.

Next, clean out the vacuum head and hose using a hose or spray nozzle to remove any remaining debris.

Once you’ve cleaned the equipment, store it in a clean, dry place to prevent damage and corrosion.

Remember to empty the skimmer basket and pump strainer basket regularly to prevent clogs and damage to your pool’s filtration system.

Finally, it’s important to backwash your filter regularly to keep your pool clean and clear. Follow your filter’s instructions to determine when and how often to backwash.

Turn Off the Pump and Clean Up Your Equipment

Once you have finished vacuuming the pool, turn off the pump and disconnect the vacuum hose. Make sure to properly store the vacuum head, hose, and pole.

Next, clean out the skimmer basket and pump strainer basket to remove any debris that may have accumulated during the cleaning process.

After cleaning your equipment, check the filter pressure gauge. If the pressure has increased by 8-10 pounds per square inch (psi), it’s time to backwash the filter.

Finally, take a few moments to rinse off your equipment with a garden hose to prevent any buildup of chemicals or debris, and store them in a dry place.

By following these steps, you can keep your pool clean and ready to use throughout the swimming season.

FAQs: Answers to Common Questions About Vacuuming Your Pool to Waste

Q: How often should I vacuum my pool to waste?

A: It depends on how much debris your pool collects. Generally, vacuuming to waste should be done once a week or every other week. However, if your pool is near trees or other debris sources, you may need to do it more frequently.

Q: Can I vacuum my pool to waste if my pool water is already low?

A: No, you should not vacuum to waste if your pool water level is already low. Doing so could damage your pool’s pump and filter system. Always ensure your water level is at the appropriate level before vacuuming to waste.

Q: Can I vacuum to waste without a variable speed pump?

A: Yes, you can still vacuum to waste without a variable speed pump. However, it is recommended to use a variable speed pump to conserve energy and prevent damage to your pool equipment.

Vacuuming your above ground pool to waste should be done as needed, depending on the amount of debris in your pool. If you notice a buildup of debris, it’s time to vacuum. You may also need to vacuum your pool after a storm or if there are a lot of leaves or other debris falling into the pool.

It’s important to keep the pool clean to maintain the water quality, and vacuuming to waste is a great way to remove large amounts of debris. However, it’s important not to overdo it. Over-vacuuming can lead to a loss of water, which can be costly and time-consuming to replace.

A good rule of thumb is to vacuum to waste once a week or as needed, depending on the amount of debris in your pool. Keep an eye on the water level, and if it drops too low, stop vacuuming and refill the pool.

What Do I Do If My Pool Water Level Drops Too Low While Vacuuming to Waste?

If you notice that the water level in your pool has dropped too low while vacuuming to waste, stop the process immediately. Turn off the pump and add water to the pool until the water level is back to its normal range. It’s essential to keep the water level in the pool within the recommended range to avoid damaging the pump or the filtration system.

If your pool water level continues to drop significantly, even after adding more water, there might be a leak. In such cases, you should consult a pool professional to identify and fix the problem before continuing to vacuum your pool.

It’s always best to monitor the water level while vacuuming to waste and add more water to the pool as needed to avoid any damage to your pool’s equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions