The key to vacuuming a pool is getting proper suction. If you don’t have enough suction you will push the dirt around however if you have too much suction you will struggle to move the vacuum head around and could damage the pool liner.

The vacuuming equipment you use is also very important. The better equipment you have the easier it will be to vacuum the pool. Since you vacuum the pool through your pool filter, the operation of your filter is important as well. If your pool filter is not operating properly you will have difficulty vacuuming the pool.

1 – Skim Plate – This plate goes in the skimmer closest to your filter system and fits over your skimmer basket. The other side of the skim plate adapts to the vacuum hose. One of the most common mistakes people make when vacuuming their pool is not using a skim plate and putting the vacuum hose directly into the skimmer pipe.

2 – Vacuum Hose – The Vacuum Hose connects the skim plate to the Vacuum Head. One end of the hose should swivel, this end connects to the Vacuum Head with the stationary end connecting to the Skim Plate.

3 – Vacuum Head – The Vacuum Head slides across the pool floor and connects to the Vacuum Hose and Vacuum Pole. This is the most important piece of the Vacuuming Equipment you should invest in a quality Vacuum Head one that is weighted is preferable.

4 – Leaf Rake – A Leaf Rake is a large net that attaches to your Vacuum Pole. A leaf Rake is used for scooping out large amounts of leaves and larger debris. 

5 – Skim Net – A Skim Net is a flat net that attaches to your Vacuum Pole. A Skim Net is used for skimming the water surface.

6 – Pool Brush – A Pool Brush is a brush that attaches to your Vacuum Pole. A Pool Brush is used for brushing slime, algae, and debris off the pool walls.

7 – Vacuum Pole – A Vacuum Pole is used with many attachments, they are usually telescopic to reach many depths.

1 – Backwash the filter – You should backwash the filter before you start vacuuming.

2 – Install Skim Plate – The skim plate goes in the skimmer closest to your filter system. If your pool has multiple skimmers make sure to close off the other skimmers.

3 – Connect Vacuum Hose – The swivel end of the Vacuum Hose attaches to the Vacuum Head, with that connected and the Vacuum Head connected to the Vacuum Pole, slowly lower the Vacuum Head into the deepest area of the pool. The other end of the Vacuum Hose will attach to the Skim Plate, but you must first fill the hose with water by holding the free end of the hose up to the pool return or completely submerging the hose under water, then you can connect the hose to the Skim Plate.

4 – Vacuum the Pool – You are now ready to Vacuum the pool, slowly move the Vacuum Head around the pool floor. You may have to periodically empty the skimmer basket under the Skim Plate as it fills up you will loose suction. After emptying the skimmer basket replace the Skim Plate, if you have lost suction disconnect the Vacuum Hose from the Skim Plate and fill the Vacuum Hose with water from the return and replace it on the Skim Plate. When you have finished vacuuming the pool pull the Vacuum Head out of the water to allow the hose to drain.

5 – Disconnect Vacuum Hose & Skim Plate – Disconnect all the equipment and open up the skimmers.