It is getting to be that time of year in Charlotte where the leaves are starting to fall from the trees. It is still nice enough to dip into your pool, but no one likes swimming with leaves! In order to keep your pool clean, it is important to maintain a regular vacuuming schedule.
So, why vacuum your pool? Vacuuming your pool is just like vacuuming the carpet in your house. It keeps it clean and gets rid of any debris that has settled. It also helps prevent mold or algae in pools.
Here is what you will need to clean your swimming pool: Vacuum head, Telescopic pole for vacuum head, and a Vacuum hose (that is long enough to cover the full length of your pool and a bit longer).
Before you begin vacuuming your pool, you need to ensure that your filter system is working properly and that it is clean. The vacuuming process is the same whether you have a cartridge filter or a sand filter.
Now, here are your pool vacuuming steps.
If your pool is equipped, be sure that the valve on the suction line coming into the pump is selected for the port (either skimmer or lower suction fitting) you will be using to vacuum.
Attach the vacuum hose to the vacuum head (the piece with the brushes or wheels on it). The better quality vacuum hoses come with a swivel end to prevent tangling of the hose. Ensure that this is the end that is attached to the vacuum head; if not the system will draw air & not work properly.
Make sure the hose is secure (even use a hose clamp if needed) and that the vacuum head is firmly attached to the pole.
Place the vacuum head, hose & pole into the deep end of the pool (don't forget to make sure one end of the pole is sticking out of the water).
Take the unattached end of the vac hose & hold it in front of one of the water return fittings. This will fill the hose with water and prevent binding of the pump with air from the hose. You know you’ve got enough water in the hose when the vacuum head bubbles up to the surface of the pool water.
Put your hand over the end of the hose to keep the water in.
Place the skimmer basket adapter (looks like a disc with a nozzle on top) on top of the skimmer basket. Always use a basket to prevent the possible suction of a large object from getting stuck in the skimmer or in the underground line.
If vacuuming through a lower suction or dedicated vacuum line without a basket (instead of through the skimmer), use a leaf trap to prevent clogging of the plumbing lines or hoses.
After you have placed the hose on the adapter fitting you will probably notice a sudden drop in filter activity. This is normal. The filter system is just readjusting itself to the change in suction. Let it operate for about 30 to 90 seconds. It should automatically bleed any air out of its system and return to normal operation. You’ll hear the sound becoming “normal” again.
Vacuum away! Remember to brush & vacuum the sides of the pool as well as the bottom. Dirt, biofilm build-up, and algae will settle there as well. And don’t forget behind any ladders.
If you ever need any assistance with your pool cleaning needs, please call Pink Flamingo Pool Company. We are happy to help in any way and are dedicated to ensuring that you have a well maintained and sparkling pool! Call the Pink Flamingo Pool Crew at 704-957-0038 for all of your Pool Cleaning needs.
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