How To Use a Pool Vacuum Cleaner

A swimming pool should always be clean and hygienic. Cleanliness is not only important for appearances but for health and safety as well. A pool vacuum makes this task much easier by efficiently cleaning the walls, steps, floor, and tight corners that are difficult to reach. With some basic knowledge, you can use a pool vacuum to easily keep your pool sparkling all season long.

Choosing the Right Pool Vacuum

There are a few main types of pool vacuums to consider and each has its advantages depending on your needs. There are a few main types of pool vacuums to consider:

Manual Pool Vacuums

These affordable and easy-to-use vacuums are powered by your movement as you move the vacuum head across the pool surface. Manual vacuums have wheels, a long handle, a vacuum plate, and a hose that attaches to the skimmer basket. They work well for quick cleanups or small debris but require more physical effort to use.

Electric Pool Vacuums

Electric pool vacuums connect to a power outlet and have a motor that provides suction to lift debris from the pool. They come with a vacuum head, wheels, handle, and hose. Many models include extra features like a rotating brush to help scrub the pool surface. Electric vacuums are more powerful than manual options but need an outlet nearby to operate.

Robotic Pool Vacuums

Robotic pool vacuums run on an internal battery and move around the pool automatically to clean the surfaces. They typically have brush rolls to help scrub away algae and debris. Robotic vacuums do all the work for you and some models even have additional features like filters to collect small particles or the ability to clean steps and walls. They are the most convenient option but also the most expensive.

Preparing to Use a Pool Vacuum

Before cleaning your pool, ensure proper equipment setup and familiarize yourself with safety precautions and operating instructions. Before getting started, take a few simple steps to prepare your pool vacuum for use:

• Assemble all parts - Attach the hoses, wheels, and vacuum head if they were not already put together. Make sure all connections are tight.
• Attach to skimmer or dedicated vacuum line - For manual or electric vacuums; connect the hose to either the skimmer basket or a dedicated vacuum line if your pool has one. Ensure a tight seal.
• Extend pole to the desired length - Telescoping handles allow you to customize the pole length as needed to comfortably reach all areas of your pool. Lock the handle at the right length for you.
• Check wheels and head - Inspect the wheels and industrial pool vacuum head to remove any debris stuck in them from previous use before placing the vacuum in the pool. The head should move freely.

Once assembled and connected to the pool, your vacuum is ready for use!

Using a Manual Pool Vacuum

Manual pool vacuums require physical effort; connect the hose, prime the vacuum, and slowly maneuver it across the pool floor. Manual pool vacuums operate through your movement and suction from the pool pump. To use:

• Submerge the vacuum head fully under the water before turning on the portable pool vacuum pool pump. This allows it to prime and avoid pumping air.
• Turn on the pool pump so water begins flowing through the hose, creating suction.
• Move the vacuum head slowly across the floor and walls in long, slightly overlapping passes. The suction will lift and collect debris into the skimmer basket or pump basket as you move.
• Use a gentle side-to-side fanning motion in open areas. Use an up-and-down motion in corners or on steps to thoroughly clean all tight spaces.
• Adjust pole length as needed to comfortably reach the entire pool surface.
• Clear off debris if the vacuum head gets clogged or the suction power weakens. Simply lifting the head from the water will release suction.
• Empty the skimmer or pump basket periodically so it doesn’t overflow.
• Rinse vacuum parts with fresh water once finished to remove chemical residue and debris.

Using an Electric Pool Vacuum

Electric pool vacuums are powered by electricity or batteries. Attach the commercial portable pool vacuum head to the pole and power source, then operate it. Electric pool vacuums use an internal motor and electricity to create powerful suction for cleaning. To use:

• Attach vacuum poles and connect a hose to the vacuum head inlet.
• Securely connect the free end of the hose to the skimmer basket or dedicated vacuum line on the pool system.
• Ensure the electrical cord can reach a close by grounded outdoor outlet.
• Submerge the vacuum head and turn on the pool pump so water flows through the hose.
• With the pump running, plug in the vacuum electrical cord. The motor will activate.
• With the pump running, plug in the vacuum electrical cord. The motor will activate. to lift debris into the filter.
• Adjust the pole to comfortably reach all areas and steps.
• Unplug the electrical cord before removing the power vacuum for pool head from the water to avoid damage.
• Empty pump and skimmer baskets when full to maintain adequate suction.
• Detach the hose and rinse the vacuum parts after use to keep them clear of chemical residue.

Using a Robotic Pool Vacuum

Robotic pool vacuums are autonomous. Simply place them in the pool, set the cleaning schedule, and let them do the work. Robotic cleaners use a battery or transformer to independently move around your pool to clean. To use:

• Ensure the robotic vacuum battery is fully charged if the model isn’t directly plugged in.
• Place robotic cleaner in the pool. Turn it on to activate the internal motor and allow it to sink below the waterline.
• Most robots have an automatic cleaning cycle that will last 1-2 hours before needing recharged or lifted out.
• Some robots have remote controls or allow you to set a timer so they clean unattended.
• Always lift the robotic cleaner straight up, allowing water to drain from the internal motors before taking it out of the pool.
• Rinse debris, hair, and dirt from brushes, wheels, and internal parts after each use to keep them clear.
• Recharge the battery between cleaning cycles if the machine isn’t plugged into an outlet.

Using your best pool vacuum regularly, along with pool chemicals and filtration system, will keep your water clean, clear, and ready for summer enjoyment all season long!

Final Thought

Whether you choose a manual, electric, or robotic design, a reliable pool vacuum makes routine cleaning much simpler. Properly preparing your vacuum and using appropriate motions for your model will allow for quick, hassle-free cleans each time. Just remember - always fully submerge the vacuum head before turning on the water flow, empty baskets when full, and detach and rinse components after use.