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How to Vacuum a Pool

Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:12 PM

Figuring out how to vacuum a pool is pretty straightforward when considering how complicated fixing your pool could be. If you don’t vacuum your pool regularly, quite a few consequences are waiting for you in the future. Your entire pool needs to be cleaned to prevent algae from forming, heavy debris from collecting, and much more. No matter what type of pool filter system you have, there is always a need for a vacuum. Whether it’s one of the robotic pool vacuum cleaners or one of the manual vacuum models, or any other popular vacuum cleaner, don’t skip this part of the cleaning process.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Robotic pool vacuum cleaners make the process of cleaning your pool far easier, and it is well worth looking into whether you can afford to have one installed.
  • Sometimes you may have to hire an expert cleaning service to come in if there is still excess debris once you’re done vacuuming your pool.
  • Vacuuming your pool is an integral part of preventative maintenance and should be done at least once a week and more often if used frequently.

Properly Vacuuming Your Swimming Pool

Knowing how to vacuum a pool saves money, time, and a lot of headaches. This is similar to knowing how to clean a central vacuum system or how to clean a regular vacuum. It saves you time and money. There are a few things to keep in mind, so you know how to do the job correctly. From the materials you need to the pool vacuum itself, you should prioritize making a checklist of every piece, part, and material you’ll need. For example, a cleaning brush is never a bad idea to add to your next cleaning session. Your built-in filtration system just isn’t equipped to keep your pool up to par by itself. Because of this, you’ll need to vacuum correctly and often.

Insider Tip

Knowing how to vacuum a pool saves money, time, and a lot of headaches.

The Supplies Required for Pool Vacuuming

Half of the battle is making sure that you have everything you need to vacuum your pool successfully. There are many cleaning products out there, for example, that can step up your next cleaning session. On top of that, you have a vacuum to search out. Not all pool vacuums are created equal, and it is well worth thinking about which vacuum cleaner to choose.

Choosing the Right Pool Vacuum

The first step is making sure you have the right pool vacuum. There are plenty of options on the market, and they range from manual pool vacuum cleaners to robotic pool vacuum cleaners. There are models that are far more desirable. If you can afford robotic cleaners, then that is the most convenient, efficient option out there. Take into account your budget and lifestyle. Both will better determine where you should be focusing your money in this endeavor. In addition, you should know how to keep your vacuum clean. Same way knowing how to clean your bagless vacuum will help you get the best use out of it. Make sure your pool vacuum has a durable vacuum head with powerful suction and flexible vacuum hose to handle the pool floor, otherwise cleaning will either take hours or you’ll run into maintenance issues soon.

Insider Tip

A thorough cleaning that includes vacuuming keeps your pool far more hygienic.

Set Up or Install Your Pool Vacuum

Having a vacuum is one thing. Having it set up and ready to go is entirely another. There are several ways to set up pool vacuums. If you don’t feel confident in doing it yourself, that’s okay. If you’re looking at robotic pool vacuum cleaners, then you’re in luck. Many stores will offer installation as part of the price to buy the system. If not, they generally offer installation as a separate service at a fair price point. For manual vacuums, just follow the directions on the instructional manual. If you get confused, then reach out to customer support for more guidance. In the manual, you can learn about a specific cleaning setting on your pool vacuum.

The Materials Required for Pool Cleaning

A thorough cleaning that includes vacuuming keeps your pool far more hygienic. It will also prevent you or others from developing health complications from being in dirty water. Swimming in a muddy pool is terrible practice at best and health risk at worst. This is a short checklist to make sure you have everything you need alongside your pool vacuum to thoroughly clean:

  • Shock Tablets
  • Pool Skimmer Basket
  • PH Test Kit
  • Water Balancing Chemicals
  • Mineral Cartridge
  • Basic Tool Kit

Warning

Your entire pool needs to be cleaned to prevent algae from forming, heavy debris from collecting, and much more.

F.A.Q.

How to vacuum your pool with a garden hose?

There are systems available for vacuuming out a pool that attaches conveniently to a hose out of the garden. If you have a hot tub or a budget pool on the smaller side, this is a great way to go about it. This is also a much cheaper option than any of the others. If you’re looking for affordability, you’ll find it here.


How do robotic pool cleaners work versus regular pool cleaners?

A few differences separate robotic pool vacuum cleaners from regular types of pool vacuums. The biggest is that robot vacuums work autonomously and are generally far more expensive. Some of the robotic cleaners have innovative technology that allows you to control them from anywhere. This is massively convenient for busy people who aren’t often at home to take care of things. It is also great for vacation homes where you want to focus on enjoying your time, not on the cleaning process for a dirty pool.


How to Set Up a Manual Pool Vacuum?

Luckily, manual pool vacuum cleaners are pretty easy to use. Go through and make sure all of your pool equipment is in working order, such as the pool pump, so that it’ll process the excess debris stirred up. Next, check the functionality of the manual vacuum and ensure it’s also good to go. Then you’ll want to take the telescopic pole’s open end and attach your vacuum to it. You may want to get a hose clamp for added security to keep everything together. Then, just place the head of your vacuum into the pool and get to cleaning.


Can vacuuming remove algae from a swimming pool?

Once you have an algae infestation, it can be an absolute nightmare to try and get rid of it. Pool chemicals are the best way to solve this problem, primarily if the algae has found its way into the nooks and crannies. Unfortunately, using a pool vacuum will not get rid of the situation by itself. As mentioned, the vacuuming process is considered excellent preventative maintenance. Because of this, it can stop algae infestations before they even happen. The most efficient cure for algae is not having it in the first place.


STAT: The global vacuum cleaner market size was valued at USD 10.01 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6% from 2021 to 2028. (source)

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