This article attempts to explain the steps required to vacuum out a pool. There are different kinds of filtration systems for pools, such as cartridge filters, sand filters, and diatomaceous earth (D.E.) filters. The instructions here assume that you are using either a sand filter or D.E. filter, though some cartridge-based systems may be similar. Steps Start by attaching the vacuum hose to the vacuum head.
Flood hose with water before placing adapter in skimmer to avoid loss of prime. Some skimmers require you to remove the basket before you can attach the hose, so be sure to do this if necessary. Vacuum per manufacturer instructions. Disconnect the hose from the skimmer and remove vacuum equipment. Turn off the pump. Clean the skimmer basket and hair basket.
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The Hair basket is the one located at the pump. Turn filter handle to the "BACKWASH" setting, and then turn on the pump. Continue to let the pump run until the water in the sight glass on the filter is clear. Turn off the pump and return the filter handle to "FILTER". Turn on pump and resume normal use of the pool. Tips It is always a good idea to vacuum first and then backwash after. Backwashing removes the gathered dirt and debris from your filter. If you don't backwash, your filter will slowly start to get clogged, causing too much pressure to build up while it's running.
If the filter is under too much pressure, it could crack or explode. Some D.E. filters will require you to add more D.E. after backwashing. Check with your manufacturer for instructions on when and how to do this. During vacuuming, be sure to keep an eye on the flow of the water returning into the pool, as well as the amount of suction you're getting. If either of these start to diminish, you will have to shut off the pump and clean out the hair basket.
A good way to flood the hose with water at the very beginning is to place the vacuum head over the return outlet. This will fill the hose easily without having to try and hold the hose under whilst cotesting with air pockets ! Never turn the filter handle while the pump is running. It will damage the gaskets inside of the filter, forcing you to replace them. If the pool is extremely dirty, it might be a better idea to "vacuum out to waste" instead. This is where you set the filter to the "WASTE" setting before vacuuming, causing the system to bypass the filter and remove the water from the pool.
Warnings
- While backwashing or vacuuming out to waste, be sure not to do not drain the water level below bottom of skimmer. Re-fill the pool if necessary.
How to Select the Correct Filter Size for Your Swimming Pool Selecting the correct size pool filter for your swimming pool is not hard. All you need are the guidelines below. Steps Choose the right filter. The correct filter size depends on the size of the pool. To maintain a good water clarity you must run the pump each day so that all the water in the pool is turned over. All filters have gallon per minute design rating and turnover rate. The minimum turnover rate is one that turns over the entire pool once in 12 hours. A turnover rate of 8 or 10 hours are the typical sizing rates for pools today. Choose a filter that would at a minimum turn your pool over in 10hrs. With filters it is okay to go bigger – except sand filters wont backwash properly if flow isnt high enough. Larger filter areas will help maintain good water clarity.
- To help your selection process, is a list of common pool sizes and their respective gallons and a list of popular filters sizes and their ratings.
- For example: A 24 ft round aboveground pool has approx 13,500 gallons. A Hayward S166T Sand Filter has a 10hr turnover rate of 18,000 gallons and would work well with this pool
