Getting your pool clean can feel like a lot at first. You might wonder about the best way to keep your water sparkling. A pool vacuum or skimmer is a tool every pool owner needs.
But for those new to it, knowing how to use one can be tricky. This guide makes it super simple. We’ll walk you through it step-by-step so you can enjoy your clean pool right away.
Get ready to learn the easy way to get your pool spotless.
What Is A Pool Vacuum And Skimmer
A pool vacuum and a pool skimmer are both important tools for keeping your swimming pool clean. They work in different ways to remove debris. Understanding what each one does helps you pick the right tool for the job.
The Pool Skimmer
Think of a skimmer as your pool’s first line of defense against floating stuff. It’s usually a basket that sits in a slot on the side of your pool. Water from the pool surface flows into the skimmer.
This action pulls leaves, bugs, and other light trash into the basket. You just lift the basket out and empty it. This stops debris from sinking to the bottom and becoming harder to clean.
Skimmers are always working when your pool pump is on. They help reduce the amount of work your pool filter has to do. Regularly checking and emptying your skimmer basket is a quick task that makes a big difference in how clean your pool looks.
The Pool Vacuum
A pool vacuum is for cleaning the bottom and sides of your pool. It gets rid of dirt, sand, and other particles that sink. There are a few main types of pool vacuums, and they all connect to your pool’s circulation system in some way.
Some vacuums are manual. You attach them to a long pole and a hose. The hose connects to your pool’s skimmer opening.
The other end goes into the water. As the pool pump runs, it creates suction that pulls water and dirt through the vacuum head. The dirt then goes to your pool’s filter for cleaning.
Manual vacuums give you direct control over where you clean.
There are also automatic pool cleaners. These can be robotic, suction-side, or pressure-side cleaners. Robotic cleaners are self-contained units with their own filters.
They plug into an outlet and move around the pool on their own. Suction-side cleaners attach to your skimmer and use the pool pump’s suction to move and clean. Pressure-side cleaners use the return jet pressure to move and push debris into a filter bag.
Types Of Pool Vacuums
Choosing the right pool vacuum depends on your needs and budget. Each type offers different features and levels of convenience.
Manual Pool Vacuums
Manual pool vacuums are the most basic and often the most affordable option. They require you to do the work. You attach a vacuum head to a telescopic pole.
A vacuum hose connects the head to your pool’s skimmer or a dedicated vacuum line. You push the vacuum head across the pool floor, and the dirt gets sucked up through the hose and into your pool’s filter system.
- Pros: Low cost, simple to use, good for targeted cleaning, easy to store.
- Cons: Requires physical effort, can be time-consuming, effectiveness depends on pump power.
These are great for small pools or for quick cleanups of specific dirty spots. If you don’t mind a little manual labor, a manual vacuum is a solid choice.
Suction Side Pool Cleaners
Suction side cleaners are a step up in automation. They connect to your pool’s skimmer. The pool pump’s suction power pulls debris from the pool floor into the cleaner, then through the hose to your skimmer and into the pool’s filter.
They move randomly around the pool, cleaning as they go. They are generally less expensive than robotic cleaners.
- Pros: Easier than manual, no separate electricity needed, relatively affordable.
- Cons: Rely on pool pump power (can wear it out faster), may get stuck, can clog skimmer.
These cleaners are a good middle ground if you want some automation without a high price tag. Make sure your pool pump is strong enough to operate one effectively.
Pressure Side Pool Cleaners
Pressure side cleaners work a bit differently. They hook up to your pool’s return jet, which is where the clean water comes back into the pool. They use the pressure of the returning water to move around the pool and create a venturi effect.
This suction pulls debris into a built-in filter bag attached to the cleaner. Some models also use a sweep hose to help brush debris towards them.
- Pros: Don’t rely on pump suction, often have their own filter bag, can be effective.
- Cons: May require a booster pump (extra cost and energy), bag needs frequent emptying, can be noisier.
These cleaners are a good option if your pool pump isn’t very powerful or if you want to reduce wear on it. The separate filter bag means your main pool filter might get less of a workout.
Robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners are the most advanced and convenient option. They are self-contained units with their own motor and filter system. You plug them into a power outlet, drop them in the pool, and they go to work.
They move on their own, scrubbing floors, walls, and sometimes even the waterline. They collect debris in their own internal filter baskets, so they don’t put any extra strain on your pool’s filtration system.
- Pros: Fully automated, excellent cleaning performance, energy efficient (don’t use pool pump), internal filters are easy to clean.
- Cons: Highest initial cost, require electricity, can be heavy to lift out of the water.
If you’re looking for the easiest way to keep your pool clean with minimal effort, a robotic cleaner is likely your best bet. They offer the most hands-off experience.
How To Use A Pool Skimmer
Using a pool skimmer is one of the easiest pool maintenance tasks. It’s something you should do almost every day, especially if you have trees nearby.
Step 1 Locate The Skimmer
The skimmer is usually found on the side of your pool. It has a basket inside and a cover that you can lift. You’ll see water flowing into it when your pool pump is running.
Step 2 Remove The Basket
Open the skimmer cover. Reach in and lift out the skimmer basket. It might be full of leaves, bugs, or other floating debris.
Be prepared for it to be a bit wet and messy.
Step 3 Empty The Basket
Take the basket away from the pool. Empty all the contents into a trash can. You can rinse the basket with a hose if it’s very dirty.
Step 4 Replace The Basket
Put the clean basket back into the skimmer. Make sure it sits correctly. Close the skimmer cover.
Doing this regularly prevents debris from clogging your skimmer line or sinking to the pool floor. It’s a simple step that keeps your pool looking much cleaner.
How To Use A Manual Pool Vacuum
Manual pool vacuums offer direct control. You’ll need a few pieces to get started: a vacuum head, a telescopic pole, and a vacuum hose.
Step 1 Assemble The Vacuum
Attach the vacuum head to the end of the telescopic pole. Adjust the pole to a comfortable length for reaching across your pool.
Step 2 Connect The Hose
Attach one end of the vacuum hose to the inlet on the vacuum head. Make sure it’s securely connected.
Step 3 Prepare The Hose
To get the air out of the hose, you need to submerge it completely in the pool water. You can do this by holding the loose end of the hose and letting it fill with water. Once the hose is full of water and has no air bubbles, it’s ready.
Step 4 Connect To The Skimmer
Remove the skimmer basket from your pool’s skimmer. Attach the loose end of the vacuum hose to the skimmer opening. You might need a vacuum plate or a seal to get a good connection.
Ensure it’s sealed so suction isn’t lost.
Step 5 Start Vacuuming
Turn on your pool pump. The suction from the pump will pull water through the hose and vacuum head. Move the vacuum head slowly and steadily across the pool floor.
Overlap your passes to ensure you don’t miss any spots. If the vacuum starts to lose suction or move erratically, check your skimmer basket and pool filter for clogs.
Step 6 Finish Vacuuming
Once you’ve cleaned the entire pool floor, turn off the pool pump. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the skimmer. Carefully remove the vacuum head, pole, and hose from the pool.
Clean out your pool’s skimmer basket again, as some debris may have accumulated there. Check and clean your pool’s filter as it will likely be full of dirt from vacuuming.
How Automatic Pool Cleaners Work
Automatic pool cleaners do the work for you, making pool cleaning much easier. While they all automate the task, they differ in how they operate and connect to your pool system.
Suction Side Cleaner Operation
A suction side cleaner attaches directly to your skimmer. It uses the suction generated by your pool pump. This suction pulls water and debris through the cleaner’s hose and into the skimmer basket, and then to your main pool filter.
These cleaners move unpredictably, like a random walker, covering the pool surface over time. They are simple, have few moving parts, and are generally easy to maintain.
The constant pull on the pool pump can increase wear and tear on it over time. Also, if your pool has a lot of large debris, the skimmer basket and the cleaner’s hose can clog easily.
Pressure Side Cleaner Operation
Pressure side cleaners attach to the return line, where filtered water is pushed back into the pool. They harness the pressure of the returning water to move around the pool. Many models use a sweeping tail that helps dislodge debris.
The debris is collected in a large filter bag that comes with the cleaner. This bag needs to be emptied regularly.
Some pressure side cleaners require a separate booster pump to operate efficiently. This adds to the energy costs and initial setup. They are good at pushing lighter debris into their collection bag, keeping your main pool filter cleaner.
Robotic Cleaner Operation
Robotic cleaners are self-sufficient. They have their own motor, pump, and filter system. You plug them into a power source, and they move around the pool independently.
They use sensors to navigate the pool floor, walls, and waterline. Debris is captured in an internal filter basket or cartridge, which you remove and clean separately. They don’t use your pool’s pump or filter system at all.
This independence means they don’t add wear to your pool’s equipment and can actually reduce the load on your main filter. They are very effective at cleaning, but they have the highest upfront cost.
Maintaining Your Pool Vacuum And Skimmer
Regular maintenance ensures your pool vacuum and skimmer work well for a long time. It also keeps your pool cleaner.
Cleaning The Skimmer Basket
As mentioned, empty the skimmer basket daily or every other day. If it’s full, the skimmer won’t be able to pull in water effectively. Once a month, take the basket out and scrub it with a brush and some water to remove any buildup.
Cleaning The Pool Vacuum
For manual vacuums, rinse the vacuum head and hose after each use. Check the hose for any leaks or damage. For automatic cleaners, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
This usually involves cleaning out the filter bags or baskets regularly. Periodically inspect hoses and cords for wear.
Checking Pool Filter
Both skimmers and vacuums send debris to your pool’s main filter. A dirty filter won’t work well. Check your filter’s pressure gauge regularly.
If the pressure is higher than normal, it’s time to clean or backwash your filter. This is especially important after vacuuming.
Inspecting Hoses And Cords
Inspect all hoses and power cords for any cracks, tears, or signs of wear. Damaged hoses can lead to leaks and reduced suction. Damaged cords can be a safety hazard.
Replace any damaged parts promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How often should I clean my pool skimmer basket
Answer: It’s best to check and empty your pool skimmer basket daily, especially if you have trees nearby. More often if needed. This prevents debris from clogging your pool system.
Question: Do I need a special pump for a pressure side pool cleaner
Answer: Some pressure side pool cleaners work with your existing pool pump, but many perform best with a separate booster pump. Check the cleaner’s specifications.
Question: Can a pool vacuum clean pool walls
Answer: Some advanced robotic pool cleaners can scrub pool walls. Manual, suction-side, and most pressure-side cleaners primarily focus on the pool floor.
Question: How do I know if my pool filter needs cleaning after vacuuming
Answer: Check your pool filter’s pressure gauge. If the pressure is significantly higher than its normal clean operating pressure, it’s likely time to clean or backwash your filter.
Question: Which type of pool vacuum is best for leaves
Answer: For large amounts of leaves, a manual vacuum gives you targeted cleaning power. Robotic cleaners with large debris compartments or pressure-side cleaners with effective collection bags can also handle leaves well.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your pool clean is easy with the right tools. A pool vacuum or skimmer is essential. Skimmers catch floating trash, and vacuums clean the bottom.
Manual vacuums offer control, while automatic types save time. Choose based on your needs and budget. Simple cleaning routines for your skimmer basket and vacuum will keep your pool sparkling all season long.