How to Connect a Pool Vacuum Cleaner to Your Pool Filter

Written by Sage C.
on Jul 21, 2010

To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.

Reviewed by
Gabriel Connor Salter
on Nov 14, 2019

Swimming pool

Vacuum hose

Vacuum head

Vacuum skimmer plate

Long-handled extension pole

Swimming pool

Vacuum hose

Vacuum head

Vacuum skimmer plate

Long-handled extension pole

Swimming, playing in the pool, splashing, laughing: all of these pool activities would come to a grinding halt without a pool vacuum. Swimming pool maintenance and cleaning are essential for the continued enjoyment of the pool. Thorough cleaning of a pool cannot occur without a pool vacuum. It is an essential part of any pool and fairly easy to install. The pool vacuum kit typically contains a hose, a vacuum head, and a telescoping or long-handled extension pole. The size of these components will be dependent on the size and type of pool you have. Be sure to check the information on the kit before purchase.

Swimming, playing in the pool, splashing, laughing, all of these pool activities would come to a grinding halt without a pool vacuum. Swimming pool maintenance and cleaning are essential to continued enjoyment of the pool. Thorough cleaning of a pool cannot occur without a pool vacuum. It is an essential part of any pool and fairly easy to install. The pool vacuum kit typically contains a hose, a vacuum head, and a telescoping or long handled extension pole. The size of the these components will be dependent on the size and type of pool you have. Be sure to check the information on the kit before purchase.

Materials

swimming pool

vacuum hose

vacuum head

vacuum skimmer plate

long handled extension pole

Step 1 – Adjust the water level

The water level in the pool must be at least at mid-skimming level in order for you to be able to successfully vacuum your pool.

Step 2 – Clean and Block skimmer baskets

First you must clean and block off all skimmer baskets except one with the rubber stoppers that came with the pool installation kit. The unstopped skimmer basket will be used to clean the pool.

Step 3 – Turn off the pool equipment

Next you must turn off all electricity to the pool including the heater and the pump. Make sure the filter setting is turned to vacuum.

Step 4 – Attach the vacuum equipment

There is a hole in the vacuum head which allows the swivel end of the hose to be attached and locked into place. Insert the hose into the vacuum head and lock it in place.

Step 5 – Attach the long handled pole

The vacuum head has a handle bracket. Insert the long handled pole into the handle and attach the handle with pushpins. Make sure it is secure to avoid the assembly coming apart during vacuuming.

Step 6 – Place the vacuum in the pool

Put the vacuum head on the bottom of the pool. Put the entire length of the hose in the pool, filling the entire hose with water. Make sure you hold onto the free end of the hose, you will need it for the next step. Note: Make sure the hose is completely filled with water or you won't be able to successfully vacuum your pool.

Step 7 – Attach the skimmer

After the hose is filled with water place the skimmer on the free end. Place the skimmer plate on the hose first then fit it on the open skimmer basket.

Step 8– Vacuum the pool

Once the hose is attached to the skimmer the skimmer's suction will hold the plate in place and the debris will come through the hose into the skimmer basket. Vacuum slowly to prevent stirring up the debris on the bottom of the pool. Make sure you get the debris off the sides as well as the floor of the pool

Step 1 - Adjust the Water Level

The water level in the pool must be at least at mid-skimming level in order for you to be able to successfully vacuum your pool.

Step 2 - Clean and Block Skimmer Baskets

You must clean and block off all skimmer baskets except one with the rubber stoppers that came with the pool installation kit. The unstopped skimmer basket will be used to clean the pool.

Step 3 - Turn Off the Pool Equipment

Turn off all electricity to the pool including the heater and the pump. Make sure the filter setting is turned to vacuum.

Step 4 - Attach the Vacuum Equipment

There is a hole in the vacuum head which allows the swivel end of the hose to be attached and locked into place. Insert the hose into the vacuum head and lock it in place.

Step 5 - Attach the Long-handled Pole

The vacuum head has a handle bracket. Insert the long-handled pole into the handle and attach the handle with pushpins. Make sure it is secure to avoid the assembly coming apart during vacuuming.

Step 6 - Place the Vacuum in the Pool

Put the vacuum head on the bottom of the pool. Put the entire length of the hose in the pool, filling the entire hose with water. Make sure you hold onto the free end of the hose, you will need it for the next step. Make sure the hose is completely filled with water or you won't be able to successfully vacuum your pool.

Step 7 - Attach the Skimmer

After the hose is filled with water place the skimmer on the free end. Place the skimmer plate on the hose first, then fit it on the open skimmer basket.

Step 8 - Vacuum the Pool

Once the hose is attached to the skimmer, the skimmer's suction will hold the plate in place and the debris will come through the hose into the skimmer basket. Vacuum slowly to prevent stirring up the debris on the bottom of the pool. Make sure you get the debris off the sides as well as the floor of the pool.

Pools