Manual Vacuuming
- Empty the skimmer and pump baskets first.
- Fit the vacuum head to the pole, attach the hose, and feed the hose into the water until it's full of water (no air).
- Plug the hose into the skimmer vacuum plate or dedicated vac point.
- Move slowly — overlapping strokes, like mowing a lawn. Fast strokes mushroom dirt into the water.
- When you're done, pull the hose off before you lift the head out, so you don't suck air and lose prime.
Keep an eye on the filter pressure. If it climbs, pause and backwash or clean the cartridge, then continue.
When to Vacuum to Waste
After a green pool, a dust storm, or when the floor is thick with silt, set the multiport to WASTE (or use a dedicated waste line). The dirt goes out of the pool instead of into the filter. You'll lower the water — top up as you go so the pump doesn't run dry.
Don't vacuum a heavy load of dead algae on FILTER. You'll pack the sand or clog the cartridge and the water will go backwards. Waste first, filter later.
Automatic Cleaners
- Suction cleaners (e.g. many Zodiac models) run off the pump. They need a clean filter and the right valve settings. Great for weekly dirt, not for a swamp.
- Robotic / cordless — independent of the pump. Handy, but still empty their bin. They don't replace brushing the waterline.
- Pressure cleaners — less common on domestic Aussie pools; they need a booster pump.
An automatic cleaner that "doesn't move" is usually starved of suction: dirty filter, full pump basket, or a valve half-closed.
How Often
- Leafy yards: skim daily, vacuum or run the cleaner 2–3 times a week in summer.
- Clean yards: weekly is enough if you brush as well.
- After storms and after shocking a green pool: as soon as the debris has settled, vacuum to waste.
Common Problems
- Head floats up — air in the hose. Refill the hose underwater.
- Pump loses prime — hose sucked air, or water level too low.
- Clouds of dirt — you're moving too fast, or the head is worn and jets wrongly.
- Cleaner sticks in the shallow end — check hose length and weights; add a hose weight if needed.
