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How to Make a Pool Cleaner

Beth Huston Avatar

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Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:13 PM

Looking into how to make a pool cleaner yourself can feel challenging. In a lot of ways, it is. However, there are a few methods that anybody can quickly work through if they have the right tools and knowledge. Using a high-quality vacuum cleaner is great, but it is really exhilarating to use something you created on your own.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • A homemade pool vacuum is not a solution for the long term and should be seen as a fun DIY project or a tool to use when you’re in a pinch.
  • There are a few different methods for making your own pool vacuum and some are vastly easier than others.
  • Pool maintenance is entirely necessary and not something you should skip out on since repair costs can be incredibly expensive.

How to Make a Pool Cleaner

Learning how to make a pool cleaner yourself is a great way to save yourself in a pinch. Manual cleaning of a pool can only go so far without a little extra oomph provided by a vacuum cleaner. If your pool vacuum broke or you’re otherwise without it, give yourself the ability for more efficient cleaning by building one on the fly. A pool cleaner is not the only thing you can make. You can also make a vacuum cleaner to replace a broken one or as a DIY project.

STEP 1 Gather Your Supplies

DIY pool vacuums are a great project for those looking to learn more about the mechanics of vacuum cleaners. Of course, if you’re in a pinch, building a pool vacuum is also a practical way to get your pool cleaned up. Here is what you’ll need to get started:

  • Panty Hose
  • Glue Gun
  • Plastic Funnel
  • 1” Plastic Hosing
  • Rubber Band

STEP 2 Connect the Funnel And Hose

Take your funnel and place it down with its wide opening flat on the ground. Slide the hose onto it, over the smaller end. Press the hose firmly down against the funnel and use your hot glue gun to secure it. Let this part dry completely before moving onto your next step. You may want to keep pressing firmly as the glue dries to ensure a tight seal.

STEP 3 Create Your Makeshift Filter

Now it’s time to use the most arguably strange part of your supplies, the pantyhose. You’ll stretch this over the wide end of the funnel and use a rubber band to secure it tightly to the hose. Feel free to use a couple of rubber bands if you need to. Just make sure the connection is tight.

STEP 4 Use Your New Pool Vacuum

Now your project is complete and you’ve learned how DIY pool vacuums are created. This is one iteration of many out there, but this is the easiest and quickest way to get things moving. To use it, press the end with the funnel against your pool’s suction filter. This will provide the negative pressure necessary to suck in debris. And, maybe your next project can be how to make your vacuum more powerful. Remember that a homemade manual pool vacuum will only work marginally better than even the most basic pool vacuum you can buy. It’ll work in the meantime, however.

F.A.Q.S

How do robotic pool cleaners work versus regular pool cleaners?

A robotic pool vacuum doesn’t require you to move it around manually. A regular pool cleaner will need to be manually used.


How Much Do Pool Cleaners Make In Different Industries?

The answer to that is an extensive range, depending on location, experience, and more. Generally, you can expect most people to make around $30,000 a year.


Is it worth buying an automatic pool cleaner?

It is worth looking into automatic pool cleaners. Whether or not you buy one will depend on what your budget allows for.


What’s the best automatic pool cleaner?

This is a little bit of a trick question. There is no “best” model for automatic pool cleaners. Instead, you should focus on your wants, needs, and budget. That will help you determine the best model for you.


STAT: One gallon of 5.25% bleach per 10,000 gallons of water will raise the free chlorine level by 5.25 ppm, so go slowly to make sure you don’t surpass the ideal 3 ppm-level. (source)

Beth Huston Avatar

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