Manual Vacuuming Instructions

Before we begin, I would like to note that all pool systems vary. There are many installers with different ideas and many plumbing techniques have changed over time. Therefore, there are many different variations in how to set up your vacuum.

Step One – Isolating the suction

To get the best suction you can, you need to isolate the skimmer that your are vacuuming from. Since every pool is different, there are many ways to do this. It is best if you have a picture of your system so that we can better assist you. If you have a hard time understanding the following explanations and it is easier for you, you can email your equipment pictures to us at familypools@verizon.net.

Some pools have a main drain line plumbed directly to the skimmer. If this is the case then, in the bottom of the skimmer, there is a diverter valve. The diverter valve handle needs to be vertical to stop the suction from the main drain and to isolate the skimmer. Here’s a little tip my father-in-law gave me years ago…if your diverter valve is still in good condition and has those little red covers on the ends of that small metal rod that your turn then…when you look into the skimmer and see one red cover then one suction (skimmer) is working. If you look in and see two red covers then two suctions (skimmer and main drain) are working. Easy, huh?

Other systems have a main drain or low water suction line plumbed into a three-way valve at the front of the pump. If this is the case, all you need to do is to close the side that doesn’t control the skimmer. By shutting off the main drain or low water suction, you have now isolated the skimmer line. Another way people like to remember it is "V" for vacuum or, in more complete words, "Vertical" for vacuum.

Yet, other systems have the skimmers and low water suction line tied together underground and it is necessary to put a plug into the opposite skimmer/low water suction line to get the skimmer which you are vacuuming from isolated. Again, every system is different so that is why we recommend bringing the picture of your system into our store for us to keep on file or emailing it to us so that we may help you with any questions you have and to be better prepared in the event that we should need to send a service crew out to service your pool.

Step Two – Getting the vacuum hose ready

Most vacuum hoses have two different cuffs at the end. One end swivels and one end doesn’t. Important: The end that swivels goes onto the vacuum head. The other end, that does not swivel, goes onto the vacuum plate (pictured below) and then into the skimmer. Once the vacuum is set up properly, you should put it in the water and fill it completely with water. Some people accomplish this by feeding the hose down directly into the water and others hold the hose in front of a return line. Whichever suits you is the right way.

Note: If you do not use a vacuum plate, which fits over your skimmer basket, and you plug your vacuum hose directly into the skimmer line, you run the risk of clogging your skimmer line and needing an, otherwise, unnecessary service call. Go ahead…we don’t mind. Could you wait until after 4th of July when we’re not so busy please.

Step Three – Turning the system on and vacuuming

Once step two is done, with the skimmer basket still in the skimmer, turn the system on and put the vacuum plate with the hose attached over the skimmer basket. Again, vacuuming this way will insure that nothing gets stuck in the lines underground.

If there is heavy debris or algae or you do not want the debris in the pool to go through the filter and back into the pool, you can open the drain valve 20% as you vacuum or you can vacuum with the multiport valve (if you have one) on the “waste” setting. You have to vacuum fast though because this method will cause the pool to drain quickly. Some people like to have the hose running into the pool as they vacuum when vacuuming on “waste”.

If your make-up water contains high levels of minerals such as iron or manganese then you would want to limit how much water you have to add to the pool or add an appropriate metal inhibitor prior to adding the new water. We also carry EcoOne’s Pre-Filter to help lessen annoying mineral complications.