Many pool owners wonder, “should I vacuum pool on filter or waste.” It’s a common question, especially for those new to pool care. This choice can seem tricky because vacuuming in the wrong mode might make your pool dirtier or stress your equipment. But don’t worry!
Figuring this out is simpler than you think. We’ll walk through the basics so you can make the best choice for a sparkling clean pool every time. Let’s get your pool looking its best.
Understanding Pool Vacuuming Modes
Your pool filter system is designed to keep your water clean. It has different settings, and one of the most important is the valve that controls where the water goes after it passes through the filter. The two main settings you’ll deal with when vacuuming are “Filter” and “Waste.” Each setting has a specific job, and knowing what they do helps you decide when to use which one.
What Does the “Filter” Setting Do?
The “Filter” setting is the most common and everyday use for your pool’s filtration system. When you set your multiport valve to Filter, water from your pool is pulled through your skimmer and main drain, then pushed through the pool pump. After the pump, the water goes through your filter tank.
The filter tank is where all the dirt, debris, and tiny particles are trapped. Once the water has been cleaned by the filter, it is returned back into your pool.
This setting is great for general cleaning and maintaining water clarity. It’s what you use most of the time to keep your pool water sparkling. When you vacuum your pool on the Filter setting, all the dirt you suck up goes into the filter and gets trapped there.
This means the dirt stays out of your pool water, which is exactly what you want for a clean pool.
What Does the “Waste” Setting Do?
The “Waste” setting, sometimes called “Backwash,” bypasses your filter tank. When you set your multiport valve to Waste, water is pulled through your skimmer and main drain by the pump, but instead of going through the filter, it’s sent directly out of your pool and away from your house. This is usually through a dedicated waste line or hose.
This setting is useful for removing large amounts of debris that might clog your filter quickly. It’s also used for draining some water from the pool or for backwashing your filter to clean it. Because the water is not being filtered, any debris sucked up during vacuuming is immediately sent out of the pool system.
This can be a big advantage in certain situations, but it also means you lose water from your pool.
When Should You Vacuum On Filter?
Vacuuming on the “Filter” setting is your go-to method for routine pool cleaning. You should use this setting when:
- You are doing regular maintenance.
- Your pool has light to moderate amounts of dirt and debris.
- You want to maintain the water level in your pool.
- Your filter is clean and working efficiently.
When you vacuum on Filter, the dirt goes to your filter. This is good because it keeps the dirt out of your pool water. However, it also means that the dirt is now in your filter, and your filter will get dirty faster.
This might mean you need to clean or backwash your filter more often. If your filter is already full of debris, vacuuming on Filter might not be the best choice, as it could push some fine particles back into the pool.
It’s also important to watch your filter pressure gauge. If the pressure is already high, it means your filter is full. Vacuuming on Filter in this state can strain your pump and filter system.
You might need to backwash or clean your filter before vacuuming.
When Should You Vacuum On Waste?
The “Waste” setting is your secret weapon for more challenging cleaning jobs. You should consider using the Waste setting when:
- Your pool has a very large amount of debris, like after a storm or if leaves have fallen heavily.
- You are vacuuming up fine, powdery dirt or algae that you don’t want in your filter.
- You need to quickly remove debris from the pool floor without clogging your filter.
- You are intentionally lowering the water level in your pool.
Using the Waste setting is like sending the dirt straight to the curb. All the dirt and gunk you suck up goes out of the pool. This is great because it prevents your filter from getting clogged.
If you have a lot of sand, dirt, or especially algae, vacuuming on Waste is often the best way to get it out quickly and efficiently.
However, there’s a big catch. When you vacuum on Waste, you are also losing water from your pool. For every minute you vacuum on Waste, you are draining a significant amount of water.
You will need to add fresh water to your pool afterward to bring the level back up. This can be costly, especially in areas where water is expensive.
Another thing to remember is that the Waste setting doesn’t clean your water. It just removes what you vacuum. So, while you are removing debris, you are not filtering out microscopic particles that might still be in the water.
You will still need to run your filter later to ensure the water is truly clean and clear.
Comparing Filter and Waste Vacuuming
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide:
| Feature | Vacuum On Filter | Vacuum On Waste |
|---|---|---|
| Debris Handling | Traps debris in filter | Removes debris from pool |
| Water Level Impact | Minimal water loss | Significant water loss |
| Filter Strain | Increases filter load | Reduces filter load |
| Best For | Routine cleaning, light debris | Heavy debris, algae, fine particles |
| Frequency of Use | Most often | Less often, for specific tasks |
Think of it like this: Vacuuming on Filter is like cleaning your house and putting the dirt in the trash can for later disposal. Vacuuming on Waste is like throwing the dirt directly out the window.
How To Change Your Filter Valve Settings
Changing your pool’s filter valve setting is a straightforward process, but it’s important to do it correctly. Most pool filters have a multiport valve, which is a handle on top or side of the filter tank. This valve has different positions.
Always turn off your pool pump before you move the handle on the multiport valve. Trying to move it while the pump is running can damage the valve and the filter system.
Steps to Change Your Setting
- Turn Off the Pump: This is the most critical step. Make sure your pool pump is completely off.
- Locate the Handle: Find the handle on your multiport valve.
- Push Down and Turn (if applicable): Some valves require you to push the handle down slightly before turning. Others just turn.
- Align the Indicator: Rotate the handle to the desired setting (Filter, Waste, Backwash, Rinse, etc.). There will be an indicator arrow or label for each position.
- Release the Handle: Once aligned, release the handle.
- Turn On the Pump: After the valve is set correctly, turn your pool pump back on.
Always refer to your specific filter system’s manual if you are unsure. Different brands might have slight variations.
Vacuuming Techniques for Best Results
No matter which setting you choose, a good vacuuming technique will make your job easier and more effective.
- Attach Your Equipment Properly: Connect your vacuum head to the pole, then attach the hose to the vacuum head. Submerge the vacuum head and pole in the pool.
- Remove Air from the Hose: Before connecting the hose to your skimmer or dedicated vacuum line, ensure all the air is out of the hose. You can do this by holding the free end of the hose under the water until no more bubbles come out.
- Connect the Hose: Place the skimmer end of the hose into the skimmer. If you have a dedicated vacuum port, use that.
- Start Vacuuming Slowly: Move the vacuum head slowly and steadily across the pool floor. Overlapping your strokes will ensure you don’t miss any spots.
- Be Patient: If you’re vacuuming a lot of debris, especially on Waste, take your time. Rushing can stir up more dirt than you pick up.
- Monitor Filter Pressure: If vacuuming on Filter, keep an eye on your filter pressure gauge. If it rises significantly, you may need to stop and backwash or clean your filter.
What About Backwashing and Rinsing?
While not directly related to choosing Filter or Waste for vacuuming, understanding Backwash and Rinse is helpful because they are other settings on your multiport valve. Backwashing cleans your filter by reversing the water flow through it. Rinsing is done after backwashing to resettle the filter media and send any loose debris out.
Generally, you backwash when your filter pressure is 8-10 PSI above its clean starting pressure. You’ll set the valve to Backwash, run the pump for a few minutes until the water runs clear, then set the valve to Rinse, and run the pump for about 30 seconds. After rinsing, you switch back to Filter mode.
You would never vacuum directly on the Backwash or Rinse settings. These are for filter maintenance only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: When is it okay to vacuum my pool on the filter setting?
Answer: You should vacuum on the filter setting for regular pool cleaning when there is light to moderate debris. This method traps the dirt in your filter, keeping the water clean, but means your filter will need cleaning sooner.
Question: Why would I choose to vacuum on the waste setting instead of filter?
Answer: You should vacuum on the waste setting when dealing with very heavy debris, such as after a storm, or when vacuuming fine particles like algae. This prevents your filter from getting clogged quickly.
Question: Will vacuuming on waste lower my pool’s water level?
Answer: Yes, vacuuming on the waste setting sends water out of your pool. You will need to add fresh water afterward to maintain the proper water level.
Question: What if my filter pressure is already high? Should I vacuum on filter?
Answer: If your filter pressure is high, it means your filter is already full. It’s better to backwash or clean your filter first before vacuuming on the filter setting to avoid stressing your equipment.
Question: Can I vacuum my pool on the rinse or backwash setting?
Answer: No, you should never vacuum on the rinse or backwash settings. These modes are only for cleaning the filter itself, and vacuuming on them will not clean your pool and could damage your system.
Final Thoughts
Choosing whether to vacuum your pool on filter or waste depends on how much debris you have. For normal cleaning, stick with the filter setting to keep your pool water clean. If you have a lot of dirt or algae, use the waste setting to remove it all quickly, but be ready to refill your pool.
Always remember to turn off the pump before changing valve settings.