A manual pool vacuum is a must-have for regular pool maintenance and pool cleaning. And it’s especially necessary when your pool is full of debris or algae. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to vacuum a pool (both an inground and above ground pool).
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⏰ Timestamps:
00:00​ - Introduction to How To Vacuum A Pool
00:18 - Pool Vacuuming Supplies
00:43 - Check Your Pool Filter Settings
01:31 - Step #1. Set Up Your Pool Vacuum
02:52 - Pool Care Video Course
03:38 - Step #2. Vacuum Your Pool
04:27 - Step #3. Clean Your Equipment And Test Your Water
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A manual vacuum is a must-have for regular pool maintenance and it's especially necessary when your pool is full of debris or algae. Now, here's a step-by-step guide on how to manually vacuum your pool check it out before you can vacuum your pool. You'll need a vacuum head. Also called a vac head, a telescopic pole to attach to the back head a vacuum hose long enough to reach every area of your pool, and you may also need a skim, vac or a vacuum plate.

A skim back plate sits over the skimmer basket and this makes sure debris is caught by your skimmer basket and it doesn't make its way to your pool pump before you vacuum. You need to know your filter settings if you're vacuuming, a large amount of debris from your pool, you'll want to adjust your filter. Multi-Port valve filters have a setting called waste. This setting pumps water out of the pool by completely bypassing the filter, and it keeps your filter from clogging up with debris.

However, your pool water level will drop while you vacuum so use the garden hose to add fresh water to your pool, while you're vacuuming, a two position or push pull valve filter just have a filter setting, meaning all of the water you vacuum will be pulled into And cleaned by your pool's filter, the clean water will then be sent back into your pool, and this setting is perfect for routine cleaning just be sure to backwash your pool filter after you vacuum the pool. Okay, let's start vacuuming step number one is setting up your pool vacuum make sure the pump and filter are running. Attach the vacuum head to the open end of the telescopic pole attach one end of the hose to the vac head place, the vac head telescopic pole and the hose in the pool making sure that the back head rests on the pool floor now place. The other end of the vacuum hose against the return jet in the pool.

This is going to push water through the hose and drive out all of the air you'll start to see bubbles rising from the vacuum head on the floor of the pool. Now, once the bubbles stop, all of the air is out of the hose. Now, if you're, using a skim, vac plate attach the plate to the end of the hose you placed against the return jet block, the opening with your hand and bring it over to your skimmer, be sure to create a good seal or suction will be lost. If you're not using a vacuum plate, you need to remove the basket inside your skimmer and then using your hand, block the end of the water filled hose.

Then you can place that hose into the skimmer, making sure it's firmly inserted into the suction hole at the bottom of the skimmer either way. Your goal is to create suction that pulls debris through the vac head up through the hose into the skimmer and then through your filter system. Now, if your vacuum loses suction, just follow these steps again real quick before we continue. If you're looking for an easy to follow tutorial, that'll answer, all your pool questions go check out our pool care handbook and video course you'll, get over 30 in-depth video lessons and a step-by-step downloadable guide covering everything you need to know about, pool maintenance, it's packed with Money saving tips, so you can save money and time keeping your swimming pool clean.
This is the ultimate manual for every type of pool, including in-ground above ground and in-text blow-up pools and the best part is we always keep it up to date. So once you buy it, you have access to the latest and greatest version for life. So because you're watching this video, you can go to swimuniversity.com pool and use the promo code. Video step number two vacuum your pool.

This can definitely take a bit of time and some elbow grease, but it's important to go slow and do it right, use long, slow, sweeping, strokes to clean make sure your strokes overlap slightly to avoid leaving any debris behind go slow, brushing will kick up debris which Will cloud up your water and take hours for it to resettle again if the water does become cloudy, give it a couple hours to resettle and then come back and vacuum again repeating as necessary if the vac head becomes stuck to the bottom of the pool switch Off the pump for a second to break the vacuum force and set it free also be sure to monitor your pool's filter pressure gauge as you vacuum. If the pressure rises, 10 pounds over the normal running pressure, take a break and backwash your filter and finally, step number three: clean your equipment and test your water. Now, once you finish, vacuuming remove the vacuum head from the telescopic pole and drain any water still in the vacuum, hose attach your cleaning brush to the pole and use it to scrub away any algae, dirt and debris from the sides of the pool clear any debris. In your pump strain or basket and give the filter a final back washing if you've used the filter setting on your filter.

If you've used the waste setting to vacuum, your pool make sure that you have it switched back to the filter, setting and keep adding fresh water until your pool water level is restored. Now, once you've topped off your water test, the pool water right away and adjust your alkalinity ph and chlorine as necessary and finally rinse all of your equipment with fresh water dry it and return it to storage. This will help keep it in top working condition and avoid unnecessary, wear and corrosion, so, whether it's regular pool maintenance or an algae infestation manually vacuuming, your pool takes the right supplies, a lot of elbow grease and a little bit of patience. If there's a pool care topic, you'd like us to cover in a future video, please leave a comment to let us know and hit the like button below.

If you found this video helpful, if you want to learn more about pool maintenance and troubleshooting subscribe to our channel for more videos like this one and check out the pool care handbook and video course at swimuniversity.com, don't forget to enter the promo code, video to get 10 percent off: that's it thanks again and happy swimming.

41 thoughts on “How to vacuum a pool (above ground and inground) | swim university”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kimberly Kines says:

    I have been using the BBB method and doing good so far. However, cannot seem to get Alkalinity up. Only have a 10' rnd above ground Intex and according to calculator, measuring for 1200 Gallons Started with 6 oz of BSoda. 12 hrs later no change. Added 6 more oz. No change. First was diluting before putting in, then decided not to dilute still doing 6 oz every 12 hours. I use strips to test and it just never gets above 80 ppm. What am I doing wrong? Please help?

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kordoro says:

    I don't have a skimmer what can I do for a vacuum we have a lot of algae

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Raymond David Smith says:

    The pool stuff i bought vacuum hose. Identical to one's in thumbnail won't fit my small pool pump connections. I think it's a intex or something like that.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ellie sharaf says:

    I love love love your video, it helps me a lot, I have 2 questions when backwashing is it necessary to ad earth all the time before returning the filter? 2 ) I followed your recommendation and followed all the steps when vacuuming the pool, but the pressure is still very low even when matter showing 20, also foam come out from jet then the head gets loose from the skimmer. Please help 🆘

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nicole Nelson says:

    What if you don't have a skimmer? I have a soft side pool by summerwaves

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Skyforce 213 says:

    For some reason, my filter and pump puts the debris back into the pool…

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DIY & MORE says:

    i think you should rename this video. it does not cover above pool grounds with no skimmers and all those stuff required. Service area Kanata??

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DomzionBlitz says:

    I connected everything as said and no water is pumped from vacuum cleaner.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cindy Cibantos says:

    Hi there. I have a Bestway 12’ (39” deep) round pool installed. I converted to an Intex 26643EG sand filter 10”. It says it’s a .25hp motor. And, I also added a Hayward skimmer. I’d like to install a vacuum for it. The local pool company is not sure the motor is strong enough to install a manual vacuum using the current sand filter/skimmer. Can you help me out with some advice? Don’t want to spend on a hose/head/pole if it won’t work. But at the same time avoid a $300 manual handheld vacuum if it would work. Service area Ottawa??

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Eddie Jensen says:

    A guy told me that he "vacuums" his built in pool by brushing the debris towards and then right over the main drain. Is this really possible? Thanks.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars V. Najera says:

    What if you don't have any of those filter pumps and just have the one that came with the pool

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Laquese Devaughn says:

    How to get the thick white milky stuff out your pool

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kiney0713 says:

    The frequent clicks/pops are way too annoying. Sorry

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Erick Dobrzynski says:

    Its June 23rd and I'm still trying to open my pool. I need to vacuum it out, there lots of debris at the bottom. I have a sand filter that has a filter mode and back wash. Should I vacuum the debris directly into the filter or set it to backwash while I vacuum? Thanks

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tom Wilson says:

    With the water jets at the bottom of the pool rather than on the side, what is the best way to prime your hose?

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jason Hercules says:

    Wow this whole time I’ve been buying actual vacuums to vacuum the pool and they’re all trash I didn’t know this is all I needed

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tim Price says:

    My wife and I literally inherited a pool, and I'm a complete rookie when it comes to pool maintenance, so I just have to sincerely thank you for this video.

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars notmyrealname says:

    I never thought of using the return to prime the hose. Such a simple, clever tip!

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Adam Price says:

    NEVER place hand to obstruct suction. Safety !!!

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kayteelizz says:

    Wish there was a way to fill up the pool faster. I can only get about 3 vacuum sessions in a day with how long it takes to refill the pool. Are you in Orleans ?

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jonathan Smith says:

    Hey I vacuum pool and it's clean… after filter runs at night I notice dirt comes right back in the pool, re circulated from, the filter/pump… what can possibly be the cause of this? It is a cartridge filter system

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cathy VanDolder says:

    Do I need to backwash every time after I vacuum or only when the filter is 10 lbs over normal? Thanks!

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tina Yarnell says:

    You keep mentioning to backwash your filter, how do you accomplish this task, especially if you have a cartridge filter that has no setting for backwashing?

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars craigzilla100 says:

    Isn't it best to go through the basket in the skimmer to catch the debris? I worry about leaves and what not clogging up the lines..

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars bloodbrothez says:

    Hello.
    Do I need to have my pump on waste to vaccum?
    Thx Service area Nepean??

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Evan Leigh says:

    Should you isolate the skimmer that your vacuum is attached to? I had both skimmers and main drain valves open and I lost three inches of water in about ten minutes. Service area Barrhaven??

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Marcos Barrientos says:

    When you are vacuuming on waste you mentioned that water will drop. Where is the water coming out from if the hose is attached to the skimmer. Also is using the vacuum on waste or on filter for a certain condition? For example if the pool is really dirty do i vacuum on waste or filter? Are you in Nepean ?

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars InventPal says:

    Do you know of any long lasting robotic pool cleaners? My Polaris P825 robotic cleaner cost me $1000 and it only lasted 4 years. And to replace the motor and cable they want to charge me $800.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mira quepasa says:

    well I'm about ready to just slice a hole in my pool and call it a day, we had intex 12" sandfilter upgraded to hayward 16" and 1.5 pump went thru I wanna say 6 vacuums one was rechargeable from Amazon worked for a day , had a Walmart one , XtremepowerUS and the Zodiac Baracuda and we bought new hoses everything air tight you can see the hoses shaking but the vacuums won't move for anything I give up

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Caroline Chisham says:

    I have a 15 x 48 intex pool last year (bought a 22 x 52 for this year, anyway towards the end of the season had issues with water algae etc bought the Pool Blaster Centennial LI Pool Vacuum (think it was a waste of money ) all it did was spit stuff back into the pool. Looking at the Intex Automatic Pool Cleaner that cleans by itself however what would you recommend the above mentioned or one you showed,

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sharon Kaulinis says:

    Great job explaining I just ordered a solar cover cut my pump be on while the solar cover is on

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Johnny says:

    My switch doesn’t indicate which way to turn for waste etc. How can I figure this out? Are you in Ottawa ?

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars George Leeper iii says:

    My automatic vaccum is not working properly, why is it don't this? Pool pressure is good but it's just not moving the way it should…

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Client Investors says:

    Quick question
    How do I get rid of brown stains left from dead algae on the liner. Brushing does not have any effect.
    Thanks

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Claudia Gonzalez says:

    Elbow grease is an understatement. I tried it when my pool vacuum wasn't working right and gave up within minutes lol.

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars snowflakes215 says:

    Can you cover getting rid of cloudy water if you don't already have that video? Thanks!!

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars snowflakes215 says:

    I have a small, not impressive, quick set intex pool with horrible suction to the filter pump. Would a vaccum that uses a garden hose be worth my time & money? Would it help the small grass and other particles that are always in my pool no matter how much I skim & run the filter? Thanks!!

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jaydotseedot says:

    How about solutions for vacuuming bestway Colman intex pools?

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kris Lawson says:

    Hi Matt. Thanks for great content! Can next weeks video be "how to buy a man to vacuum your huge in-ground pool?" I think so many women would share and make it go viral. Lol!

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Imad Khalil says:

    Awesome! I always learn something interesting from your videos. Today's video was using the return jet to force the air out of the hose.

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Margaret Hodgson says:

    Thanks for the great tips. I never thought about putting the setting to waste to bypass the filter with the debris. Thanks!
    Margaret

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