Now, here answers the question earlier: do you leave skimmer basket in when vacuuming pool? YES, you need to remove the skimmer or strainer basket before attaching the open end of the hose to the inlet. Finally, plug the open vacuum hose into the suction port.
If you do have this option, it is highly recommended that whenever you have algae, you will need to vacuum to waste. This option allows you to vacuum the algae up and send it out through the backwash line, avoiding getting algae into your filter sand.
Vacuuming to Waste essentially means that the pump pushes the water into the filter valve, which diverts it straight into the waste line, bypassing the filter sand, grids or cartridges.
8. Vacuuming pool with filter valve in "backwash" position. When a pool is vacuumed with the sand filter valve in the "filter" position, the dirt and debris that passes through the pump ends up inside the filter on top of the bed of sand which is where you want it.
For routine vacuuming, the filter valve is left in the normal “Filter” position. This directs dirty vacuum water through the pool filter to remove the contaminants, then conveys filtered water through return lines back to the pool. The "Filter" setting is used for light to moderate levels of pool sediment.
Drain/Waste: Opting the drain or waste setting will remove pool water without forcing it through the filter. Backwash: This clears out any debris, dirt and other contaminants that may have accumulated on the filter. Closed: if you choose this setting, then the flow of water to the pool and filter will be stopped.
You'll also need to vacuum to waste when there is a large amount of debris or leaves in the pool, usually at opening. Vacuuming to WASTE can only be accomplished if a multiport valve controls your pool filter system. This position bypasses the filter and sends all the unwanted debris through the waste line.
When you want to vacuum make sure you close the main drain side so that all of the suction is coming from the skimmer line. At this point, the vac hose is now attached to the vac head and the whole thing is in the pool attached to the vacuum pole.
Dirt and debris will be transferred through the vacuum plate and into the pump. It will then move through the sand filter. Depending on the chosen settings, the filter should capture the excess particles. Make sure to backwash your sand filter after you've finished vacuuming the pool.
Get a small vacuum hose and either put the hose in the funnel and put the funnel near the return IN the pool with the other end of the hose Out of the pool, so when you vacuum, the water will still come through the return, but be caught in the funnell, into the hose, and OUT over the side.
In general, it's a good idea to vacuum your pool once a week. You should also vacuum your swimming pool any time you notice large amounts of debris, dirt, or leaves on the floor of the pool (for example, your pool may need vacuuming after a heavy storm).
Without a plate, you will need to remove the skimmer basket and attach the hose directly to the inlet. And since the basket is out of the way, unstrained water will be vacuumed into the skimmer inlet which can cause it to clog and even damage the filter if large debris reaches it.
Your pump may be too large or the sand level too high in the filter. When the filter is backwashing the water flow can cause the sand to rise high enough and overflow into the standpipe, which will allow the sand back into the pool.
WASTE/DRAIN: Another filter bypass setting, but this setting sends the water out of the waste pipe (hose), instead of returning it to the pool. This setting is used to lower pool water level or to vacuum to waste, which is best when vacuuming algae or heavy amounts of dusty, silty debris.
If there is air in the pump basket, that might indicate a suction side blockage. This could occur anywhere between the pump and the skimmer. This is also indicated by a drop in filter pressure from the normal condition.
A shop vac can be used to clean a pool. They are different from your regular vacuums as they can suck up liquids, which makes them good cleaning equipment for pools. They however need to be adjusted for vacuuming water first.
How Often Should You Backwash a Pool Sand Filter? As a general rule of thumb, you should backwash and rinse your filter about once a fortnight. The optimal time is right after you vacuum the pool. However, if your pool has had a lot more use than normal, it may be necessary to backwash once a week.
For proper vacuuming suction, it is important that the filter is clean prior to vacuuming. If necessary, backwash before vacuuming also. Check and make sure pressure gauge is reading within normal psi before starting to vacuum.
But can you vacuum algae out of a pool? Yes, you can do this through two methods: through filters or through pool to waste.
Vacuum to Waste (Sand, DE or Cartridge Filters with Multi-Port Valves) When you "Vacuum to Waste" you are pumping the debris you vacuum directly out of the pool and sending the water out through the waste/backwash line, and not through the pool filter.
This setting draws water from the pool and sends it straight to the waste outlet without passing through the filter. You would use the 'Waste' setting to drain or partially drain your pool or you may use it when vacuuming if there is a lot of dirt and debris on the bottom of your pool.