POOL BASICS: VACUUMING TO WASTE
Every swimming pool needs a manual vacuum even if you own an automatic cleaner. Automatic cleaners are such a time-saving piece of pool equipment, but some issues can come up that your automatic cleaner cannot clean.
THE TOP REASON TO VACUUM TO WASTE - ALGAE BLOOMS! The last thing you want to do is vacuum algae manually, which will contaminate your filter. Your pool will not clear up. In fact, the chances of your problem getting worse are very high. You'll also need to vacuum to waste when there is a large amount of debris or leaves in the pool, usually at opening.
Vacuuming to WASTE can only be accomplished if a multiport valve controls your pool filter system. This position bypasses the filter and sends all the unwanted debris through the waste line.
Note: Vacuuming to WASTE drains the pool, so keep an eye on your water levels.
WHAT YOU NEED:
A Vacuum Head
A Vacuum Hose -The length of the hose you need is based on the size of your pool.
A T-Pole - Telescoping Pole. Most T-Poles are standard sizes, and can easily attach to your vacuum head, a pool brush, or net.
A Skim-Vac. You need a skim-vac with most inground pools. A skim-vac utilizes the skimmer basket instead of the pump basket.
SET UP YOUR VACUUM:
Attach the vacuum head to the T-Pole
Connect the the vacuum head to the swivel end of the vacuum hose (where applicable)
Fully extend the T-Pole
Lower the vacuum head carefully to the bottom of the pool - try not to disturb any debris on the floor.
Connect the skim-vac to the other end of the hose.
Once attached, place over a return fitting to purge the air from the vac hose.
Keeping the skim vac close to the surface of the water, make your way to the skimmer without letting air back into the vac hose. Place the skim-vac into skimmer through the top, or the throat of the skimmer on top of the skimmer basket.
ONCE YOUR VACUUM IS SET UP:
Go to your equipment area and turn the pool pump off. Change the multiport valve to the "WASTE" position. Turn the pump on. Water is now being taken out of the pool.
If you have more than one skimmer, slowly close the valves. Ensure that the valve to the skimmer that the vacuum hose is connected to, is fully open.
Slowly close the Main Drain valve about halfway, this is the optimal setting for vacuuming.
Make sure the skim-vac did not come loose over the skimmer basket and is sealed securely over the basket.
Push the pole/vac/hose into the pool and release all the air out of the hose.
Open skimmer lid and place skim-vac over skimmer/skimmer basket. Do not put vacuum hose directly into skimmer hole—this will damage your plumbing over time.
TO VACUUM:
Begin slowly vacuuming in the shallow end, being careful not to stir up the debris.
Debris will be collecting in the skimmer basket under the skim-vac, and in the pump basket. Suction will decrease, decreasing the vacuums performance. If you notice a significant decrease in suction, stop vacuuming and turn the pool pump off. Clean the pump basket AND the skimmer basket Turn pump back on and resume vacuuming. Note: You may need to add water to the pool. Do not let your water line fall below your skimmer at any time.
Repeat as needed!
AFTER VACUUMING:
After vacuuming, turn the pool pump off and disconnect the skim-vac. Take out all of your vacuuming equipment and return to storage.
Clean the skimmer basket and the pump basket of all debris.
Make sure that the water level is in middle of the skimmer opening.
/ HAPPY SWIMMING /