Vacuuming the Pool

The largest part of the pool service process is cleaning the dirt and debris off of the bottom of the pool.  This is normally done using a pool vacuum, but in some cases, a leaf bagging device may be needed.  Here is the process of setting up and using a pool vacuum.

1.  Assemble the Equipment - connect your extension pole to the vacuum head.  Then connect the vacuum hose to the vacuum head.  

2.  Sink the Vacuum Hose - before you hook the vacuum hose into your skimmer, you need to get all the air out of it.  If you don't, you will suck a bunch of air into your pump and you may lose prime on your pump.  To sink the hose, extend the pole and put the head into the water.  Slowly reel the hose down into the water, pushing it into the water as water fills the hose.  This process can be a little tricky, but with practice, you should be able to do it in about 30 seconds!

3.  Connect to the Skimmer - plug the hose into the suction line in the bottom of the skimmer.  It is best to put the hose over the deck and into the skimmer.  This keeps the hose from floating out if the pump loses prime momentarily. 

4.  Adjust the Valves - if you are vacuuming from one intake line (i.e. a skimmer), it is important to partially close down the other intakes (main drain and the other skimmer) in order to force adequate suction to the skimmer from which you are vacuuming.  If you don't restrict the other intakes, the suction to your vacuum head will be pitiful and the job will take forever.

5.  Vacuum the Pool - use straight, slightly overlapping strokes.  If your vacuum head is leaving streaks, check the vacuum or try to increase the suction.  If this does not solve the problem, you may need to brush the entire pool afterwards to loosen up the dirt that the vacuum will not pick up.

When you are done vacuuming, pull the vacuum head out of the water and let the pump pull the water out of the hose BUT be sure to pull the vacuum hose out of the skimmer suction line before any air goes into that line.  You don't want to lose prime on the pump.  Adjust the intake valves to their original position and move on to netting and brushing the pool.