There’s nothing quite like taking a dip in your pool on a hot summer day. While pools are a great addition to any home, they also require a good amount of maintenance to keep them clean and safe for swimming. One of the most important parts of pool maintenance is vacuuming the pool regularly. This helps to remove dirt, debris, and leaves from the bottom and sides of the pool so that they don’t accumulate and cause problems.
Vacuuming an above-ground pool is a little different than vacuuming an inground pool. This blog post will give you a step-by-step guide on how to vacuum an above-ground pool so you can keep your swimming area clean and ready for use.
Ways to Properly Maintain Your Above-Ground Pool
An above-ground pool can provide years of enjoyment for you and your family. But like any investment, an above-ground pool requires proper care and maintenance to keep it looking its best and functioning properly. Here are a few tips to help you keep your pool in tip-top shape.
⬤Clean the debris
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your above-ground pool is to keep it clean. Every week, you should remove any debris, such as leaves and twigs, from the water’s surface. You should also vacuum the pool floor and walls to remove any dirt or grime that has built up.
⬤Test the water quality
You should also test the water quality on a weekly basis. Test the pH and chlorine levels to ensure they are within the proper range. If the pH level is too high or low, it can cause skin irritation. And if the chlorine levels are too low, it can lead to algae growth.
⬤Shock the pool
If you notice that the water quality is not up to par, you may need to shock the pool. This involves adding a high concentration of chlorine to the water to kill any bacteria that may be present. Be sure to follow the directions on the shock product carefully, as adding too much shock can harm swimmers.
⬤Clean the pool filter
Another important part of pool maintenance is cleaning the pool filter. Depending on your filter type, you may need to clean it weekly or monthly. A clogged filter can reduce water flow and make it difficult to keep the pool clean.
⬤Analyze the chemical balance
You should also check the chemical balance in the water on a regular basis. The pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.6, and the chlorine level should be between 1 and 3 ppm. You can test the pH and chlorine levels with test strips or a digital tester.
⬤Inspect all the equipment that runs the pool
This includes the filter, pump, and skimmer. Ensure all the components are clean and in good working condition. You should also check the hoses and fittings for any signs of leaks or damage.
⬤Winterize Your pool properly
If you live in an area where it gets cold in the winter, you will need to winterize your above-ground pool properly in order to prevent any damage from freezing temperatures. This includes draining the water from the pool, removing any accessories, and covering the pool with a tarp or winter cover. These steps will help ensure that your pool is ready for next summer.
How Do Pool Vacuums Work?
A pool vacuum is an essential tool for any pool owner. Not only do they help keep your pool clean, but they also save you time and money by preventing the need to hire professional cleaners. But how do these handy devices work?
Pool vacuums are powered by either an electric motor or a gas engine. The vacuum head is connected to a long hose attached to the motor. The vacuum head is lowered into the pool, and the motor is turned on.
When you vacuum a pool, a pool hose is connected to the skimmer in place of the water, getting immediately sucked in by the pool skimmers. A suction head on a long pool pole is attached to this. The water is then moved about in the pool before being sucked in via the vacuum head. The clean water is then returned to the pool after the filter eliminates the debris that the vacuum head picked up.
Types of Pool Vacuums
Suction-side vacuums: The most common type of pool vacuum is the suction-side vacuum, which attaches to your pool’s existing filtration system. To use one of these vacuums, you simply place it in the water and turn on the pump. The vacuum will then pull water through its hose and into the filtration system, where dirt will be trapped.
Pressure-side vacuums: Another type of pool vacuum is the pressure-side vacuum, which also attaches to your pool’s filtration system. However, instead of using suction to pull water through the hose, pressure-side vacuums use water jets to propel themselves around the pool. These vacuums are often used in conjunction with robotic pool cleaners, as they can help move the cleaner around the pool more effectively.
Robotic vacuums: The third type of pool vacuum is the robotic vacuum, a self-contained unit that does not attach to your pool’s filtration system. Instead, robotic vacuums have their own pumps and filters, which means they can be used independently of your pool’s filtration system. Robotic vacuums are often considered the most effective type of pool vacuum, as they can thoroughly clean your pool quickly.
In-Floor vacuum system: This is an automated system of cleaning your pool by circulating the water through pop-up jets at your pool’s floor level. Debris and dirt are then vacuumed through the floor drain located around the perimeter of your pool.
Benefits of Using a Pool Vacuum
There are several benefits to using a pool vacuum:
- Save you time: Pool vacuums can save you a lot of time, as they can clean your pool quickly and effectively. This is especially true for robotic vacuums, which can clean your pool in a matter of minutes. Instead of scrubbing your pool by hand, you can let the vacuum do all the work.
- Save you money: Pool vacuums can also save you money in the long run, as they can help extend the life of your pool’s filtration system. By vacuuming your pool regularly, you can prevent dirt and debris from clogging your filter, which can eventually lead to costly repairs.
- Keep your pool clean: Perhaps the most obvious benefit of using a pool vacuum is that it will help keep your pool clean. By removing dirt, debris, and other contaminants from the water, you can help prevent the spread of disease and keep your pool looking its best.
What to Do Before Vacuuming your Above-Ground Pool
One of the most important steps in pool maintenance is vacuuming your pool on a regular basis. But before you can vacuum your pool, there are a few things you need to do to prepare.
▶Check the pool’s water level
Before vacuuming your pool, you must ensure that the water level is high enough. If the water level is too low, the suction from the vacuum can damage your pool’s liner. The water level should be at least halfway up the skimmer basket.
▶Brush the pool walls
Another important step in preparing to vacuum your pool is to brush the walls and floor. This will help loosen any dirt or debris clinging to the surface, making it easier for the vacuum to pick up. Do this in the evening before vacuuming the pool for the greatest results. Let the accumulated waste settle at the pool’s bottom so it may later be cleaned up.
▶Clean the skimmer baskets and backwash the filter
Removing debris from the skimmer baskets helps improve circulation and prevents clogs in the filtration system. To clean the skimmer baskets, simply remove them from their housing and empty them into a trashcan. Backwashing the filter helps remove dirt and debris accumulated in the filter media. Consult your filter’s manual for instructions on properly backwashing your specific filter model.
▶Get rid of trash and large debris
Remove any large debris from the bottom of the pool with a net or by hand. Large leaves, sticks, and other debris can clog your vacuum hose and prevent proper suction from being achieved. Remove any large debris before vacuuming to avoid these issues.
▶Skim the top of the water
Use a skimmer to remove any debris floating on the water’s surface. This includes leaves, bugs, and other small debris. Removing this debris before vacuuming prevents it from being sucked into the vacuum hose and clogging the system. You’re ready not to vacuum your pool!
Steps to Vacuum Above-Ground Pool
Now that you’ve prepared your pool for vacuuming, it’s time to start the process. Follow these steps to vacuum your above-ground pool:
➠Gather your supplies
Before you start vacuuming your pool, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. First, you’ll need a vacuum hose long enough to reach from one end of the pool to the other. You’ll also need a vacuum head with either a brush or roller attached. Additionally, you’ll need a telescoping pole to attach the vacuum head to the hose.
➠Attach the vacuum head to the hose
Once you have your supplies, it’s time to start. Start by attaching the vacuum head to one end of the hose. If your vacuum head has a brush attachment, be sure that the bristles are facing inwards so they can agitate the debris on the bottom of the pool. If your vacuum head doesn’t have a built-in skimmer basket, be sure to attach the skimmer basket to the vacuum head before connecting the hose.
➠Hold the hose’s other end over the water return
Once the vacuum head is attached to the hose, hold the other end of the hose over the water return. This will help ensure water can flow through the hose as you vacuum. If your pool doesn’t have water return, you can place the hose on the ground or in a bucket next to the pool.
➠Connect the other end of the hose to the pool pump
Next, take the other end of the garden hose and connect it to the outlet on your pool pump. If your pool has multiple outlets, be sure to choose the one labeled “Vacuum.”
➠Turn on the pool pump
Once you have everything connected, it’s time to turn on the pool pump. The vacuum will not work without the pump running.
Note: If your above-ground pool has an automatic cleaner, be sure to disconnect it before vacuuming. Most automatic cleaners cannot be used while vacuuming manually.
➠Lower the vacuum head into the pool
With the pump running, slowly lower the vacuum head into the pool, being careful not to let any air into the hose (this will cause a loss of suction). Continue lowering until the entire vacuum head is submerged under water.
If your above-ground pool has a deep and shallow end, be sure to start vacuuming in the shallow end so that you don’t lose suction when moving to deeper waters.
➠Move slowly and steadily across the pool floor
Once the entire vacuum head is submerged, move it slowly and steadily across your pool floor in a back-and-forth motion. Be sure to cover every inch of floor space so that no dirt or debris is left behind. As you move across the floor, debris will be sucked up through holes in the bottom of the vacuum head and into the hose, where it will be transported to the skimmer basket.
➠Empty the skimmer basket when full
As the vacuum sucks up dirt and debris from the bottom of the pool, it will collect in the skimmer basket (or leaf bag). When the skimmer basket becomes full, simply remove it from the vacuum head and empty it into the trash can or garbage bag. Then, replace the skimmer basket with the vacuum head and continue vacuuming until the entire pool is clean!
➠Repeat as necessary
Once you’ve gone over the entire pool, it’s time to give it another vacuuming. That’s right! You usually need to vacuum your pool two or three times to get it truly clean. Once you’re satisfied with the cleanliness of your pool, disconnect the hose and put everything away until next time!
Tips for Vacuuming Your Above-Ground Pool
If you’ve ever gone for a swim in a dirty pool, you know how unpleasant it can be. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be dangerous, as dirty water can harbor all sorts of bacteria and other nasty things. The good news is that keeping your pool clean is relatively easy as long as you have the right tools and know what you’re doing.
Here are some tips for vacuuming your above-ground pool.
✔️Take out the solar and winter covers before vacuuming
Never try to vacuum your pool when it has a solar or winter cover on it. This will make the job very challenging, might tear the cover, and could even be a little hazardous. Peel one of these covers halfway back if you don’t feel like removing them entirely, and vacuum just half the pool at once.
✔️Use a skimmer plate
Vacuum an above-ground pool’s filtration system by removing the skimmer basket and inserting the vacuum hose into the opening beneath the basket. Inserting y our vacuum hose in this manner has two drawbacks.
Large things that are sucked up will instantly enter your filter, and it does not hold its position effectively. Always avoid doing this.
Using a component called a “skimmer plate” can allow you to easily prevent this. These affordable things are available at the majority of pool stores. They include a spot where your vacuum hose can connect more tightly, and you can vacuum your above-ground pool while the skimmer basket is in place to capture larger particles.
✔️Prime the vacuum hose
If you don’t execute a certain action, starting the pool vacuuming procedure will take forever. It’s best to thoroughly prime the vacuum hose before turning on the pump to begin vacuuming.
There are three ways you may prime the vacuum hose. The vacuum hose may first be submerged in water until it is completely full. The second method of priming your vacuum hose involves utilizing a garden hose connected to a faucet to fill it with water. Put one end of the hose in the water and then suck on the other end until water starts flowing out. Once the water comes out of the hose, quickly put the end in the skimmer basket or skimmer plate and let go.
The third and likely most effective method of priming the vacuum hose is to activate your filtration system. Fill the vacuum hose with the water spouting ferociously from your pool’s return line.
✔️Choose a vacuum head with wheels
If you have an above-ground pool, there is a very good chance that you will be utilizing an automatic vacuum. These are simple to set up and use and make the entire process much less chore. The only problem with automatic vacuums is that they can be pretty expensive. If you’re on a budget, you can still get the job done with a manual vacuum; you’ll just have to put in a little more elbow grease.
When choosing a manual vacuum head, be sure to get one that has wheels. This may not seem important, but trust us, it is! A vacuum head with wheels will make it much easier to maneuver around your pool and will make the whole process much less tedious.
✔️Use the ‘waste’ setting when vacuuming your pool
Most above-ground pools have a multi-port valve that allows you to control how the water flows through the filtration system. When vacuuming your pool, be sure to set the valve to the “waste” setting. This will cause the water to bypass the filtration system entirely and will make vacuuming much quicker and easier.
Just be sure to remember to set the valve back to the “filter” setting when you’re done vacuuming!
Frequently Asked Questions
How frequently should I vacuum my above-ground pool?
You should vacuum your above-ground pool at least once weekly to keep the water clean and clear. However, you may need to vacuum more often if your pool is used frequently or if there is a lot of debris in the water.
What happens if I remove water from pool cover for a while, but the water level above it doesn’t lower?
If the water level in your pool doesn’t lower after you remove the water from your cover, it’s likely that your cover is sitting too low. This can cause the water to “pond” on top of the cover and prevent it from draining properly. Be sure to adjust your cover, so it sits higher in the water to prevent this from happening.
I have an inground pool. Can I use the same vacuuming method?
Yes, you can! The vacuuming process for inground pools is exactly the same as for above-ground pools. Just be sure to choose a vacuum head specifically designed for inground pools.
How do I vacuum my above-ground pool if the water is too low?
If the water in your above-ground pool is too low to vacuum, you’ll need to add more water before you begin. Be sure to check your owner’s manual to see how much water your pool should have before adding any. You don’t want to overfill it!
Adding water to your pool may seem like a counterintuitive way to vacuum it, but trust us, it works! Once you’ve added enough water to reach the minimum level, you can begin vacuuming as usual. Just be sure to empty the vacuum often, so you don’t overfill your pool.
Which setting on my sand filter should I use while vacuuming my above-ground pool, waste, or filter?
It depends on the accumulation of visible dirt and debris on the pool floor. If there isn’t much, use the filter setting. If there is a lot, use the waste setting. When utilizing this option, bear in mind that your pool is losing water.
Final Words
Spring is here, so it’s time to start thinking about opening the pool for the season. If you have an above-ground pool, you may wonder how to vacuum it. Vacuuming your above-ground pool is an important part of keeping it clean and ensuring the water is safe for swimming. However, before you start vacuuming, keep these few things in mind to ensure that your cleaning process goes smoothly. Get your pool ready for summertime fun with these tips on how to vacuum an above-ground pool!
