On some pools, the label will read “vacuum. ” On others, it will say “clean,” or “pump to waste. ” These terms are often used interchangeably, but can sometimes mean different things. Always consult the manual for your filter before turning the dial or switch.
Most skimmers have weirs that automatically close when the pump shuts off so that debris doesn’t float back into the pool. If you don’t know where your skimmers are, look for small, circular covers 1–2 feet (0. 30–0. 61 m) from the edge of your pool. A pool may have anywhere from 1-6 skimmers depending on the size.
If your skimmers have weirs, your pool may not have come with rubber plugs. If your skimmers have weirs and your pool also came with plugs, close the weirs in addition to plugging the skimmers.
This will prevent stagnant water from flowing into the distribution pipes in your pool while you’re setting up or using your vacuum.
Read your specific vacuum’s manual to find out where you need to install the end of your. Each brand and variety of vacuum is different, but most of them hook up to the filter, open skimmer, or suction port. Some hoses will need to be assembled in a specific order. Consult your specific vacuum’s instruction manual to see if there is a unique order that you need to attach the hose sections in.
To do this quickly, hold the opening of your hose near a jet on the side of the pool. The jet will force water through the hose.
To hook up your hose to the open skimmer, take the end of your hose and attach it to the adapter with the unthreaded side on the end. Stick the adapter inside the skimmer by fitting it into the opening under the lid. [11] X Research source To hook up your hose to the suction port, inspect your filter for a handle on top of the valve where your filter pipe and water line meet. Twist the valve to open it and screw your hose into the threading. [12] X Research source To fit your hose into the filter, inspect your sand filter and look for a cap that is labeled “return. ” Unscrew this cap and screw your hose into it by using the threading on the hose or an adapter for the filter.
On a lot of hoses, there is a canister or float on the end of one length of hose. If your vacuum has a float or canister on one end of the vacuum hose, hook up the vacuum to the end nearest to the float or canister.
Some pool vacuums automatically realign themselves when they reach the bottom of the pool.
Keep a trash can or trash bag nearby so that you can quickly empty your skimmer basket if you have to. The pool would need to be very dirty for this to happen though.
Empty the canister on the hose or vacuum and clean it out with mild dish soap and water. This will prevent it from getting moldy before your next vacuuming.
On some filters, the standard filter setting is labeled “normal” or “standard. ”
