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Manual vacuuming is an effective way to remove bugs and other debris that settle on the bottom of your swimming pool. The process requires a few pieces of equipment and, most importantly, properly setting up and priming the vacuum system before you begin.
In this Sonco Pools & Spas training video, we demonstrate the complete manual pool vacuuming process—from assembling the vacuum system to using the skimmer’s suction to clean debris from the bottom of the pool.
The manual vacuum system demonstrated in the video consists of several components:
Vacuum hose
Vacuum plate
Vacuum head
Vacuum pole
The vacuum plate connects the vacuum system to the skimmer, where suction is created.
The vacuum head has brushes along the bottom and attaches to the vacuum pole. This allows you to move the vacuum head along the bottom of the swimming pool and collect debris.
Before placing the vacuum in the swimming pool, it’s important to connect the vacuum hose correctly.
One end of the hose is marked “Connect to the vacuum head.” This end contains a swivel.
Push the swivel end of the hose onto the vacuum head. The swivel makes it easier to move the vacuum head around while cleaning the pool.
The opposite end of the hose does not swivel. Connect this end firmly to the vacuum plate.
Next, attach the vacuum head to the vacuum pole.
Once everything is assembled, place the vacuum head into the swimming pool and feed the vacuum hose into the water. Make sure the hose does not develop any kinks.
Before connecting the vacuum plate fully to the skimmer, the vacuum hose needs to be primed with pool water.
This is important because the swimming pool pump system doesn’t pump air very well. If the hose contains air when it is connected to the skimmer, that air can be drawn into the system and potentially cause the pool pump to lose prime.
Priming replaces the air inside the vacuum hose with pool water.
First, remove the skimmer lid.
Place the vacuum plate near the top of the skimmer temporarily without fully seating it.
Next, take the vacuum system to one of the swimming pool’s return jets. Hold the vacuum plate over the return.
The return water will begin filling the vacuum hose with pool water. During this process, you’ll hear bubbles coming from the skimmer.
Continue holding the plate over the return until the bubbles stop.
As demonstrated in the video, this doesn’t take very long. Approximately 15 to 20 seconds is generally enough.
Once the hose is primed, adjust the vacuum pole so it is long enough to reach the bottom of the swimming pool.
With the hose filled with water, the vacuum plate can now be fully seated inside the skimmer.
Push the plate down into the skimmer and rotate it to the right until you feel it drop into place.
When properly seated, the plate seals against the skimmer basket.
You can check the connection by gently pulling on the plate. When it is properly seated, it should feel secure and shouldn’t pull out easily.
At this point, the suction that normally travels through the skimmer is being directed through the vacuum hose and to the vacuum head at the bottom of the swimming pool.
Once the vacuum hose is primed and the vacuum plate is secure, you’re ready to begin vacuuming.
The video compares the process to mowing a lawn.
Start in one area and move the vacuum head at a fairly slow pace so it has enough time to pick up the debris in its path.
Move the vacuum head back and forth. After completing one pass, move over approximately the width of the vacuum head and make another pass.
Continue working across the pool in this pattern.
When you reach an area with a larger concentration of bugs or other debris, slow down.
Moving the vacuum head more slowly gives the system time to suck that debris into the filtration system.
If you notice that the vacuum head isn’t picking up debris, one possible cause is a full skimmer basket.
Remove and empty the basket if necessary.
It’s also a good idea to check the skimmer basket before you begin vacuuming. Starting with a clean basket helps ensure that debris isn’t already restricting the system when the vacuum plate is connected.
Swimming pool vacuuming can be done manually, as demonstrated in this video, or with an automatic or robotic pool cleaner.
If you’re using a manual vacuum system, Sonco recommends vacuuming the swimming pool about once a week or as needed, depending on how much debris is getting into the pool.
There are also many different robotic pool cleaners available. An automatic pool cleaner can be left in the pool throughout the week, and homeowners interested in that option can discuss available cleaners with their pool designer.
For more information about swimming pool maintenance, vacuuming, or automatic pool cleaners, contact Sonco Pools & Spas at 815-654-7665.
The manual vacuum system shown in the Sonco training video uses a vacuum hose, vacuum plate, vacuum head, and vacuum pole. The vacuum plate connects to the skimmer so its suction can be directed through the hose to the vacuum head.
The end marked “Connect to the vacuum head” should be attached to the vacuum head. This end has a swivel that makes it easier to move the vacuum around the bottom of the swimming pool. The non-swivel end connects to the vacuum plate.
Priming fills the vacuum hose with pool water and removes the air inside it. This helps prevent air from being pulled into the pool system and causing the swimming pool pump to lose prime.
The method demonstrated in the video is to hold the vacuum plate over a swimming pool return jet. Water from the return fills the hose while air escapes through the skimmer. When the bubbles stop, the hose has been filled with water.
The training video indicates that it doesn’t take very long. Approximately 15 to 20 seconds over the return jet is generally enough, and you can listen for the bubbles in the skimmer to stop.
Move the vacuum head slowly back and forth across the pool bottom. After each pass, move over approximately the width of the vacuum head and make another pass, similar to mowing a lawn. Slow down when you reach areas containing more debris.
One possible reason discussed in the training video is a full skimmer basket. If the vacuum isn’t picking up debris, check the skimmer basket and empty it if necessary. Starting the vacuuming process with a clean basket is also recommended.
Sonco recommends manually vacuuming approximately once a week or as needed. The appropriate frequency depends on how much debris is getting into the swimming pool.
Yes. The training video explains that swimming pools can be cleaned with either a manual vacuum system or an automatic or robotic pool cleaner. There are many types of robotic pool cleaners available.
According to the training video, an automatic pool cleaner can be left in the swimming pool throughout the week.