Unclogging Guide for Pool Lines

Is your pool suffering from reduced circulation? Have your weekly vacuuming sessions become less effective? If so, you may have a clogged pool line. Pool lines can become congested with debris, mineral deposits, algae, and other gunk over time. Allowing these obstructions to accumulate will lower your pool's filtration performance and water clarity. Fortunately, unclogging pool lines is a do-it-yourself project for most pool owners.

Causes of Clogged Pool Lines

Before diving into the unclogging process, it helps to understand what causes pool lines to become blocked in the first place. The main offenders include:

• Debris - Leaves, dirt, sand, and other debris inevitably make their way into your pool. Over time, this buildup can obstruct return lines and skimmer baskets.
• Mineral scale - Dissolved minerals in your pool water deposit along pipe walls as scale. Calcium, magnesium, and metal oxides are common culprits.
• Biofilm - Bacteria and algae create slippery coatings called biofilm inside pipes. This organic film captures passing debris and grows over time.
• Pipe damage - Cracks and holes allow debris infiltration while also providing catch points. Old, brittle plastic pipes are especially problematic.

Left unchecked, pooling debris, scale, and biofilm will continue accumulating until water struggles to pass. You'll notice cloudier water, reduced circulation strength, and frustrating vacuuming sessions as a result.

Signs of a Clog

How do you know if your pool has a clogged line? Telltale signs include:

• Cloudy water
• Reduced suction at skimmer and main drain
• Lower water level at skimmers
• Skimmer basket not filling properly with debris
• Poor vacuuming results

Catching clogs early maximizes the likelihood of clearing them yourself instead of calling a pool service company. So keep an eye out for reduced circulation or functionality.

Materials Needed for Unclogging

With debris and gunk obstructing your pool lines, getting mechanical help is key. Useful tools for clearing stubborn clogs include:

• Plumber's snake - Feed this bendable steel coil down pipes to hook and dislodge clogs.
• Water hose - High flowing water may blast away lighter debris on its own.
• Wet/dry vacuum - Sucks up heavier debris with adjustable attachments for hard-to-reach spots.
• Gloves - Protect your hands against sharp debris and rough surfaces.

A drain cleaner chemical like sodium hydroxide may also help dissolve some clogs. But take care when handling caustic agents and understand associated risks beforehand.

Having the right gear makes a frustrating pool line cleaning much easier. It also minimizes the risk of skin cuts or pipe damage while working.

Safety Tips

Speaking of personal safety, keep these tips in mind when tackling a clogged pool line:

• Turn off pump before starting to prevent debris shooting out under pressure.
• Release pressure by backwashing filters before removing any fittings.
• Work slowly when snaking lines to avoid pipe puncturing.
• Position body parts away from potential splash zones.
• Follow chemical label precautions closely to prevent burns.

Step-by-Step Unclogging Process

Armed with the right gear and safety knowledge, you're ready to clear that pesky clog. The basic process includes:

1. Turn off pump - Eliminates the risk of pressurized water complicating things.
2. Locate access points - Trace pipe runs from obstructed areas like filters or skimmers.
3. Snake the line - Feed your plumber's snake until hitting the clog, then pull back and forth.
4. Blast with water - Using a hose or water jet, scour the pipe's interior to wash debris away.
5. Remove debris - Extract any loosened gunk with a wet/dry vacuum as needed.
6. Check circulation - Turn the pump back on. If clog persists, repeat steps.

Using a Plumber's Snake

Also called a drain auger, this bendable steel coil works wonders for hooking and pulling out stubborn obstructions. To use:

1. Feed the snake head 6-10 inches into the pool pipe, angling the tip downward.
2. Crank the handle slowly until hitting the clog or for at least 6 feet.
3. Once contact is made, twist clockwise while moving the snake forward and back 3-4 times.
4. Retrieve the snake and check debris on the tip before repeating if needed.

Take care not to puncture pipe walls or over-crank the snake. Applying gentle yet firm pressure usually suffices for effective clog removal.

Using a Wet/Dry Vacuum

Where a snake or hose pressure falls short, a wet/dry vacuum may save the day. Its powerful suction extracts even heavy debris clumps clogging pipes. Using an attachment like a pressure washer tip lets you maneuver into tight pipe bends too.

Slowly place the vacuum tip opening flat against pool pipes and turn on. Continue repositioning down the line, maintaining tight seal contact. Check debris buildup in the bucket periodically to monitor progress.

Unclogging Pool Line Sections

Knowing which plumbing line section contains your clog allows for more precise tool targeting. Specific techniques also vary between locations. Familiarize yourself with the unique unclogging approach for each pool system area below.

Main Drain Line

As its name suggests, this pipe pulls water from the drain grate at the pool floor into the pump and filter. Symptoms of main drain clogs include:

• Weakened suction power
• Grate covering with debris

Due to minimal slope, these large diameter pipes readily accumulate debris. Using a drain snake or vacuum attachments with gentle pressure avoids pipe damage.

Return Line

After cycling through the pump and filter, purified water returns to the pool via this pipe. When clogged, look for:

• Shorter, wider water jets from fittings
• Higher backpressure at pump basket

Hose spray or wet/dry suction cups provide easier repair access across this more visible piping around pool walls. Adjust angle and pressure gradually when cleaning to limit splashing.

Skimmer Line

Connecting the in-wall skimmer mouth to the pump, this is a common clog spot. Clues pointing to a blocked skimmer line include:

• Skimmer not pulling in floating debris
• Low or no water level at the skimmer mouth

Due to the skimmer's raised position, gravity causes debris to readily settle out here. Use a skimmer vac attachment or wet/dry vacuum to suck out leaves, biofilms, sand, and other junk without disconnecting piping.