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Over time, debris and dirt accumulate at the bottom of a swimming pool, necessitating vacuuming to keep it clean. This can be done effortlessly using a pool vacuum head, a vacuum hose, and a telescopic pole. During routine pool maintenance, it's essential to check the pressure gauge on the pool filter. If the pressure reading is higher than usual, it indicates buildup, meaning a backwash is needed. To backwash the pool filter, utilize a multiport valve and a backwash hose to clear out the debris and restore normal operating pressure.
Steps
Vacuuming the pool using a skimmer (surface water intake device)
Attach the telescopic pole and vacuum hose to the pool vacuum head. The telescopic pole is extendable and can be fitted with different attachments. Secure the vacuum head onto the pole, then connect one end of the vacuum hose to the dedicated suction inlet on the vacuum head.
- Ensure the vacuum hose is long enough to reach around the entire pool and cover the full floor area.
- The pool vacuum head is a simple attachment with a socket for the pole and a raised cylindrical connection for the hose. These vacuum heads come in various shapes, including rectangular and triangular designs, and are available online or at pool supply stores.
Submerge the vacuum head to the pool bottom. Extend the aluminum pole to ensure it reaches the bottom. Slowly lower the vacuum head into the pool until it makes contact with the floor.
- Start from the pool edge closest to the return jets (where water re-enters the pool after being filtered) so you can easily reach it with the vacuum hose.
Keep the other end of the hose near the return jet to prime it with water. Position the open end of the hose close to the return jet so the water stream covers it. Watch for bubbles rising from the vacuum head at the bottom and remove the hose from the return jet once the bubbles stop.
- Avoid lifting the open end of the hose out of the water too soon, or the water already inside may spill out.
Remove the skimmer basket from the pool’s surface skimmer. The skimmer collects floating debris before it sinks to the bottom. Locate the skimmer intake along the pool’s edge near the wooden deck area, remove the plastic lid, and take out the skimmer basket.
- This step exposes the skimmer suction port, which you’ll use for vacuuming the pool.
Attach the open end of the hose to the skimmer’s suction port. Cover the open end of the hose with your hand and lift it to prevent water from escaping. Lower the hose into the skimmer area where you removed the basket, keeping your hand on it until it is fully submerged, then connect it to the suction port.
- This step ensures proper suction, allowing you to vacuum the pool floor effectively.
Tip: You can also attach a skimmer plate to the open end of the hose. This specially designed plate fits onto the hose and securely covers the skimmer suction port.
Start at the shallow end and vacuum towards the deep end. Stand near the edge of the pool at the shallow end and gradually vacuum along its length, finishing at the deep end. This allows you to extend the aluminum pole as needed without constantly adjusting its length.
- Keep an eye on the pool filter’s pressure gauge while vacuuming. If the pressure rises above the normal operating range, you may need to backwash the filter to clear out debris clogging the system.
Vacuum slowly using long, sweeping motions. Move steadily and consistently to prevent debris from stirring up into areas you haven't yet cleaned. Overlap each stroke to ensure no spots are missed.
- If debris starts to cloud the water, stop vacuuming and wait 1-2 hours for it to settle before continuing.
Detach attachments and clean everything after vacuuming the pool. Remove the aluminum pole from the vacuum head and take out the hose. Hold the hose upright to drain any remaining water. Rinse all equipment thoroughly with clean water using a garden hose and let it dry before storing.
- Vacuum the pool whenever you notice debris like sand and leaves accumulating at the bottom. It’s also a good practice to vacuum after backwashing the filter.
Backwashing the pool filter
Turn the on/off switch to the off position. Locate the pool filter’s on/off switch, usually near the pressure gauge, and switch it to off. Always turn off the filter before rotating the multiport valve for backwashing; otherwise, you risk damaging the internal gasket.
- If the pressure gauge on the sand filter reads 10 psi above the normal level or the initial operating pressure after installation, it’s time to backwash. Refer to the user manual if you're unsure of the normal pressure range for your filter.
Attach the backwash hose to the backwash outlet using a hose clamp. Slide the clamp onto the end of the backwash hose and secure it onto the system’s backwash outlet. Tighten the clamp by turning the screw clockwise to ensure a firm connection.
- Backwashing generates high pressure, so it's crucial to secure the hose properly to prevent it from detaching and causing water to spill everywhere.
Warning: Check with your local water authority about where you can legally discharge pool water. You may be able to drain it into a storm drain or a household drainage system, but it's essential to comply with regulations to avoid fines and prevent environmental harm.
Turn the multiport valve from ‘Filter’ to ‘Backwash.’ Locate the multiport valve on the filtration system (the valve labeled with multiple functions) and turn the handle to the ‘Backwash’ position. This step changes the system’s function, allowing water to be flushed out through the backwash outlet.
- Double-check that the filter’s on/off valve is in the ‘Off’ position before turning the multiport valve to avoid damaging the filtration system.
Turn on the filter system and run it until the discharged water is clear. Switch the filter’s on/off valve to the ‘On’ position and monitor the water in the sight glass. The backwashing process is complete when the water runs clear.
- Backwashing typically takes about a minute, but the duration may vary depending on the level of debris in the filter.
Turn off the filtration system and switch the multiport valve to ‘Rinse.’ Set the filter’s on/off valve to ‘Off.’ Then, turn the multiport valve handle to the ‘Rinse’ position.
- The rinse cycle helps remove any remaining debris in the filter before restarting the system.
Turn on the filtration system and let it run for about 30 seconds. Restart the filtration system to activate the rinse function. Allow it to run for approximately 30 seconds to flush out any remaining debris through the backwash hose.
- By this point, the water should be clear, so simply counting to 30 is sufficient to complete the rinse cycle.
Turn off the filtration system, switch the multiport valve to ‘Filter,’ and restart the system. Power down the filtration system to stop the rinse function. Rotate the multiport valve back to the ‘Filter’ position and restart the system to resume normal pool filtration.
- The filter’s pressure gauge should now display the normal operating level.
Things You’ll Need
Vacuuming the Pool Using a Skimmer
- Pool vacuum head
- Vacuum hose
- Aluminum telescopic pole
- Skimmer plate (optional)
- Garden hose
Backwashing the Pool Filter
- Backwash hose
- Screwdriver
- Hose clamp
