Manual Pool Vacuuming Made Simple
Keeping a swimming pool clean is a never-ending battle. From floating leaves and insects to algae growth and cloudy water, keeping pool water crystalline requires diligent maintenance. While automatic robotic and suction-side pool cleaners certainly make life easier, sometimes you just can't beat grabbing a trusty manual vacuum to tackle debris and grime buildup.
Owning a manual pool vacuum offers a fast, affordable way to quickly clean pools of all shapes and sizes. Easy to assemble and maneuver, manual vacuums allow targeted spot cleaning or thorough floor-to-wall scrubbing. When cloudy water or algae rears its ugly head, break out your manual vac for a deep clean rescue.
Understanding Manual Pool Vacuums
Manual pool vacuums, also called suction vacuums, utilize suction from pool water return jets to draw up debris into a filter bag. Models consist of a vacuum head attached to a telescopic pole and vacuum hose, which connects to a skimmer basket or dedicated wall fitting.
Types of Manual Pool Vacuums
Manual vacuums fall into a few categories:
- Standard manual vacuums use suction power to clean pool floors and walls.
- Wheel vacuums roll along the floor for easier maneuverability.
- Leaf vacuums have nets to catch large leaves and debris.
How Manual Vacuums Work Without Filtration
Manual pool vacuums work using the suction outlet's existing pump and filter system. By attaching the vacuum hose into the skimmer or wall vacuum fitting, water gets pulled through the hose. The suction draws debris up the vacuum head into an attached filter bag or canister for collection and later disposal.
One downside to manual vacuums is the lack of filtration. Unlike automatic cleaners, the suctioned water gets pumped back into the pool still containing fine particulates. So while they efficiently remove leaves and large debris, your pool water may still feel dirty afterwards since sediments remain. Using a manual vacuum along with an automatic pressure-side cleaner that filters water through cartridge filters offers the best debris removal and water clarity.
When To Use a Manual vs Automatic Pool Vacuum
Both manual and automatic vacuums serve important cleaning roles:
- Manual vacuums efficiently target problem areas quickly.
- Automatic vacuums provide whole pool coverage with built-in filtration.
By keeping both a manual and automatic pool vacuum on hand, you'll be prepared to tackle any pool cleaning quandary. Break out the manual after wind storms for leaf removal or for quick algae scrubbing and spot debris cleaning. Use an automatic pool vacuum for routine whole-pool coverage to capture dirt and prevent contaminant buildup.
Preparing To Use A Manual Pool Vacuum
While manual pool vacuums provide simplicity for quick cleanups, taking a few steps to prep your vacuum tools first makes the process smoother. Having all your supplies ready and priming the vacuum ensures optimal suction performance right from the start.
Gathering Necessary Supplies and Tools
Before starting, gather all components together in one spot:
- Telescopic aluminum vacuum pole
- Vacuum head with wheels or brush
- Vacuum hose
- Collection bag, canister, or skim vac plate
- Optional vacuum plate or vacuum adapter if attaching to a wall fitting
For thoroughly cleaning walls, pickup a high quality vac head specifically designed for vertical surface scrubbing. Opt for a wide head at least 14 inches across for more efficient coverage.
Prepping Pool Surface Area for Vacuuming
Before diving in with the pole, give the pool a once over. Using a leaf skimmer, remove any large floating debris like leaves and bugs. Next, brush pool walls with a nylon wall brush to dislodge built up algae and grime.
If dealing with significant algae growth, dose the pool with an algaecide per the product instructions first, letting it soak for 6-12 hours before scrubbing and vacuuming so growth releases from surfaces more easily.
Manual Vacuum Attachments and Assembly
Connect the vacuum system starting with these steps:
- Attach collection bag or canister to vacuum head, securing tightly with drawstring or clamp.
- Connect assembled head to end of telescopic pole.
- Attach hose to pole just below head.
- Submerge hose end underwater to fill hose with water, preventing suction loss.
- Connect opposite hose end to skimmer basket or vacuum fitting on pool wall.
For skimmer attachment, remove the skimmer basket first, placing a skim vac plate at bottom before reinserting the connected hose. The skim vac plate blocks debris allowing it to route through the hose into collection container. Make sure to re-install the skimmer basket after vacuuming.
Manual Vacuuming Technique and Process
When prepped and primed for cleaning, using the correct manual vacuum technique ensures thorough surface coverage and debris removal:
Proper Movement and Pace for Maximum Suction
Work slowly and methodically when vacuum cleaning, avoiding swift jerky movements. Move vacuum head over surfaces at around one foot per second - too fast and suction power diminishes. When encountering stubborn dirt, pause briefly to concentrate suction before continuing.
Maintain consistent pace and contact. Keeping vacuum head about 1 inch above pool surface provides ideal water flow without slowing movement by scraping bottom.
Covering All Pool Floor and Wall Surface Areas
For whole pool coverage, start by vacuuming the deepest area first in overlapping rows working towards shallow end. Make sure to carefully vacuum pool floor corners. Use smooth strokes across floor from wall to wall. Use twisting pole motions to access tight spots like ladder cutouts.
For wall cleaning, start again in deep end working upwards to waterline. Tilt vacuum against wall and apply slight pressure while pulling downward. Use smooth movements to avoid rubbing off plaster.
Emptying the Vacuum Canister Properly
Check collection container frequently, emptying before overfilling. Pause suction before removing canister carefully averting dumped debris back into pool. Empty into garbage then rinse canister before replacing.
When using skimmer attachment, pause vacuuming to remove and dump skimmer basket as needed to maintain adequate suction flow.
Maintenance and Storage of Manual Vacuums
With routine use, manual vacuum parts wear down over time - hoses crack, seals rip, and bearings fail. But with proper maintenance and storage procedures, manual vacuums provide years of continued service.
Disassembling and Cleaning After Use
Once finished vacuuming, clean equipment of grime buildup and allow drying before storing. Rinse debris from vacuum head and thoroughly clean vacuum hoses. Check for holes cracking. Use pole connectors to detach the pole into smaller sections for drying and off-season storage.
Storing Vacuum Properly Between Uses
Keep your manual vacuum equipment safely stored away from the elements and avoid coiling hoses tightly to prevent cracking. Store components either hanging vertically or laying horizontally - never standing upright balanced. Protect vacuum heads by placing vertically muzzle down in a 5-gallon bucket between cleanings.
While manual vacuums seem simple in design, they still require maintenance just like automatic pool cleaners. Replace worn gaskets and bearings when wear becomes visible usually every 2-3 years with moderate use. Keep spare seals, washers, wheels, and bearings on hand for repairs.
Invest in quality replacement hoses reinforced for flexibility, vacuum plates, and vacuum heads when needed. Telescopic poles also loose rigidity becoming increasingly difficult to extend/retract.