what do i put my pool filter on to vacuum

Author: PoolKing - Pool Sand Filter Manufacturers

What Do I Put My Pool Filter on to Vacuum? Everything You Need to Know

Having a backyard pool is one of the best ways to stay refreshed during hot summer days. Maintaining a pool includes a lot of work, one of the most important being cleaning it. Vacuuming the pool is essential to keep it free from debris and to ensure the water is safe to swim in. But what should you put your pool filter on to vacuum effectively? In this article, we’ll go through everything you need to know to properly vacuum your pool.

Understanding Pool Filtration Systems

Before we delve into what to put your pool filter on to vacuum, it’s essential to understand how pool filtration systems work. Pools have two primary types of filtration systems: sand and cartridge filters. Sand filters use a mixture of sand and water to trap debris, while cartridge filters use a paper-type cartridge to filter the water. Both types of filters require regular cleaning, and cartridges require replacing every two to three years.

Preparing Your Pool for Vacuuming

Before vacuuming your pool, you need to prepare it for cleaning. Start by skimming the surface of the water to remove debris. Then, brush the walls and floor of the pool with a pool brush to loosen any hidden debris that may be stuck to the surface. Next, ensure the pool filter is cleaned, and the pool pump is working correctly. Finally, attach the vacuum hose to the vacuum head and the vacuum head to the telescopic pole.

Connecting the Vacuum Hose to the Pool Skimmer

Now, the next step is to connect the vacuum hose to the pool skimmer. The skimmer is a part of the pool filtration system that removes debris from the pool water. The vacuum hose should be connected to the suction port located beneath the skimmer basket. Make sure the suction port is free of debris and skim the water again to make sure the hose is securely connected.

Setting the Pool Filter to Waste

To effectively vacuum your pool, you need to set the pool filter to “waste” mode. This setting bypasses the filter and allows debris to be directly discharged into the wastewater system. This step helps prevent clogging the pool filter with debris and ensures everything that is picked up by the vacuum is removed from the pool.

Vacuuming the Pool

Now, everything is ready to start vacuuming the pool. Start by placing the vacuum hose in the pool water and ensuring there are no air pockets within the hose. Then, attach the vacuum head to the telescopic pole and lower it into the pool water, ensuring the head stays level with the pool floor. Move the vacuum head around the pool floor in a systematic pattern, cleaning one area at a time. Once you’ve completed the process, turn off the pool pump, remove the vacuum hose from the suction port, and disconnect the telescopic pole and vacuum head.

Maintaining Your Pool Filter

Once you’ve completed vacuuming your pool, it’s crucial to maintain your pool filter. If you have a sand filter, cleaning it requires backwashing to remove trapped debris. On the other hand, if you have a cartridge filter, remove the cartridge and rinse it off with a hose. It’s crucial to keep your pool filter clean to ensure your pool is free from debris and your filtration system continues functioning effectively.

Conclusion

Vacuuming your pool is an essential part of pool maintenance. By understanding the different types of pool filtration systems and the steps involved in vacuuming, you can keep your pool clean and safe to swim in. Remember to skim the surface, brush the walls and floors, set the pool filter to waste, and maintain your filtration system. By implementing these practices, you’ll enjoy swimming in a clean and fresh pool all summer long.