A Beginner’s Guide: How to Hook Up and Use a Suction Side Pool Vacuum Cleaner

Keeping your pool clean is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. While manual cleaning methods can be effective, using a pool vacuum cleaner can make the task much easier and more efficient. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of hooking up and using a suction side pool vacuum cleaner, perfect for beginners looking to maintain their pool’s cleanliness.

Part 1: Hooking Up the Suction Side Pool Vacuum Cleaner

Gather Your Equipment: Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary equipment, including the pool vacuum cleaner, telescopic pole, vacuum head, hose, and skimmer or dedicated suction port.
Prepare the Vacuum Head and Hose: Attach the vacuum head to one end of the telescopic pole, and then connect the hose to the other end of the vacuum head.
Prime the Hose: To prevent air from entering the system and ensure proper suction, it’s important to prime the hose. Submerge the entire length of the hose in the pool, ensuring all air bubbles are released.
Attach the Hose to the Skimmer or Suction Port: Depending on your pool’s configuration, you’ll either attach the hose to the skimmer or a dedicated suction port. If using the skimmer, remove the skimmer basket and insert the hose directly into the suction hole. If using a dedicated suction port, attach the hose securely to the port.
Turn on the Pump: Once the hose is securely attached, turn on the pool pump to begin the suction process. You should see water flowing through the hose and into the vacuum head.

Part 2: Using the Suction Side Pool Vacuum Cleaner

Maneuvering the Vacuum Head: Using the telescopic pole, guide the vacuum head along the pool floor, walls, and steps, covering all areas that require cleaning. Move the vacuum head slowly and methodically to ensure thorough cleaning.
Monitoring the Suction: As you vacuum, periodically check the suction to ensure it remains strong and consistent. If the suction weakens, check for any obstructions in the hose or vacuum head and clear them as necessary.
Cleaning Difficult Areas: For hard-to-reach areas such as corners and tight spaces, maneuver the vacuum head as close as possible and use short, precise movements to clean thoroughly.
Emptying the Skimmer Basket: If you’re using the skimmer as the suction point, periodically check and empty the skimmer basket to prevent it from becoming clogged and reducing suction.
Completing the Cleaning Process: Once you’ve vacuumed the entire pool, turn off the pool pump and disconnect the hose from the skimmer or suction port. Remove the vacuum head from the water and detach it from the telescopic pole.
Rinsing and Storing: Rinse the vacuum head, hose, and telescopic pole with clean water to remove any debris and chemicals. Allow the equipment to dry thoroughly before storing it in a clean, dry area.

Conclusion: Using a suction side pool vacuum cleaner is a simple and effective way to keep your pool clean and inviting. By following these step-by-step instructions for hooking up and using the vacuum cleaner, you can maintain a sparkling clean pool all season long. Happy swimming!

???? Recommended Products

Based on the topics covered in this article, here are our top product picks to help you maintain a healthy, sparkling pool:

Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner (~$800) — Top-rated robotic cleaner with CleverClean technology — scrubs walls, waterline, and floor with zero effort from you.
Taylor K-2006 Complete Pool Water Test Kit (~$90) — The gold standard for pool water testing — measures chlorine, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and CYA with laboratory-grade accuracy.
Pentair SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump (~$850) — Energy Star certified variable speed pump — can save up to 80% on energy costs vs. single-speed pumps.
AquaChek 7-Way Pool & Spa Test Strips (100 ct) (~$17) — Quick and easy 7-parameter testing for chlorine, bromine, pH, alkalinity, hardness, and CYA — perfect for routine checks.
Lalapool 18-Inch Nylon Pool Brush (~$14) — Wide 18-inch brush head with durable nylon bristles — safe for all pool surfaces including vinyl and fiberglass.
Stargoods Pool Skimmer Net (Heavy Duty) (~$17) — Fine-mesh skimmer net catches even small debris — reinforced frame won’t bend or break.