How to Vacuum A Pool With A Sand Filter

An instructional video on vacuuming a typical in-ground type pool with a sand filter. Stars Kevin with Rob's narration.
Openings, closings and everything in between, call Bob's Pool Service at 732 251 0951 for all your in-ground swimming pool needs in Central NJ.
Website: www.bobspoolservice.com
Facebook: / bobs-pool-service-2183...

[@EKBrown352]

I'm a newbie and I've been asking several people how to vacuum the pool properly, I just spent some big money getting the pool ready and no one quite showed me the right way to vacuum so I happened along to this video and it was clear, simple and very helpful...than you sooooo much for keeping your ego and knowledge on my level.....LOL....

[@BobsPoolService]

I'm glad it was of help, I like to learn myself by watching videos so I made this one to hopefully clear things up for others.

[@zulfadhihjabdrahman5411]

May i know why my vaccum is not sucking?

[@bobt9640]

I just got a pool, the first one ever in my life, and had absolutely no idea what I’m doing. Just bought a nearly identical vacuum setup and couldn’t figure out how to submerge and get the air out of the damn hose that just wants to float. That one step alone just saved me so much frustration. I also now know I need to backwash and rinse before vacuuming. Thanks dude.

[@chucklakes2345]

This is by far the best video on vacuuming. I was doing some steps incorrectly. Thank you!

[@BobsPoolService]

Glad you liked the video and it helped! It was a quick in the field one with my cell phone. Hoping to make more videos this season when time allows on jobs to help customers and others understand their pools better.

[@sarahaaron5065]

P

[@sunset-wp5es]

This video is well done. It explains every step very clearly. Thank you for taking the time to create this for those of us in need of instruction!!

[@johnswimcat]

Very clear, logical, well filmed video. Thanks Bob and Kevin

[@CristianGonzalez-qs3cq]

By far the best explanatory video i've seen in my life... not joking about it and BELIEVE me i watch KZbin and videos A LOT... there are few videos around but there is ALWAYS something missing, unclear, impossible to understand, music or background noise, etc etc ... this video is amazing, your communication skills and tone of voice are impecable , thank you for the info and keep it up 🙏🏼

[@BobsPoolService]

Thanks so much for the kind words. I really tried to break things down and make them understandable. No fancy intros or loud music or special effects. Just a simple cell phone video I took with my guy Kevin that day.

[@CristianGonzalez-qs3cq]

@@BobsPoolService totally, great AWESOME job 🙏🏼

[@NIKKIKEM]

That was the single-most helpful explanation I have found yet. Thank you!

[@acapebretoner]

Filling the hose with water using the out take water vent, pure genius. Trying to fill the hose with water was one of my biggest struggles. I was taking the basket out too. You solved two of my problems. thanks

[@BobsPoolService]

I'm really glad our little video was able to help!

[@cwisted5308]

@@BobsPoolService This video was extremely helpful thank you. Just like the comment above I did my first vacuum after watching this video but forgot to keep the basket in. I only did the vacuum once without the basket is this going to be an issue? We just moved into this house a week ago and did a water test and the pool was crystal clear when we got here the seller left it in great shape for us.

[@BobsPoolService]

@@cwisted5308 Well, the only thing that could potentially happen if you leave the basket out is the possibility of getting something lodged and clogging the underground pipe from the skimmer back to the filter. It's rare but can happen with things like acorns, one gets stuck then a bunch follow and getting them out of the pipe can be difficult. With light debris or smaller leaves this generally never happens.

[@cwisted5308]

@@BobsPoolService Thank you for the response! Luckily the only things I had in the pool were a few leaves and the rest was dirt from the storms we had come through the other day. It's been a learning process so far but I'm definitely subscribing because this channel has been very helpful so far. Thanks again!

[@georgia6367]

Best vacuuming video… Such great detail… Thank you!

[@jamesdonohue1780]

Very informative video, Now I see what I was doing wrong thank you very much very much everything was explained slow slowly and purposely. Awesome video

[@noahcox8809]

We all need a friend like Keven

[@BobsPoolService]

agreed

[@IrwinDeGannes]

Thanks for the info, both in the video and in the comments. So many replies is a rare thing to see these days.

[@BobsPoolService]

I try, sometimes I miss something or it goes into review for some reason by youtube. It feels good to give back, thanks for the kind words.

[@high1adventure]

simple instructional video. just what i needed. thanks buddy.!

[@val0228]

This is a fantastic video!

[@wwford]

This was a great video, thank you. I just backwashed and vacuumed my pool like a pro. Subscribing to your channel.

[@willymakeit5172]

Thanks Bob and Keven. I went to work a couple of months ago at a campground where the pool was ignored all winter. It was a hell of a mess. Debris in the skimmers went all the way to the top. I’m almost there now. You’ve cleared up some questions I had, and the idea for the skimmer plate is great. I’ve been removing the basket and plugging the hose into the intake. Going out to buy one today. Thanks again.

[@BobsPoolService]

Yeah using a plate is really important because if you don't there's the possibility of sucking something into the pipe and clogging it.

[@tacosmell904]

I wanna have a beer with Kevin. Great tip on covering the hole of the hose with your hand when walking over to connect it to the skimmer, I will try that!

[@BobsPoolService]

Hah, your comment about the beer gave me a chuckle. After the spring season we all need a beer! Glad you found a useful tip, keeping the water in the hose that way helps the pump pick back up faster. Cheers! - Bob

[@heathergrammar7135]

Great video! I'm new to owning a pool and I learned a lot!

[@ZCoDaBoii]

Thanks man, helped me a lot here at Crest at Brier Creek apartments! 💪

[@mcuadra6466]

Awesome video!!! Thanks buddy!!

[@sheilaatchley6747]

Best video I have seen to demonstrate!! Thank You for your help!!

[@BobsPoolService]

Thanks, that's a real compliment. I tried to keep it simple and just show how it's done without any fancy graphics.

[@marcmuniz4668]

GREAT VIDEO guys best one really helped me out thanks

[@jamesdonohue1780]

I don't know if my 1st comment got through.. Thank you for the excellent instruction about vacuuming a pool now I see everything I was doing wrong. Awesome video thank you

[@BobsPoolService]

We're glad to hear it was helpful. Thanks for commenting and watching.

[@jamesmcgarry8660]

Great video, might add to this by saying we use a sediment filter in the basket to catch any debris rather than sending it to the filter completely. Being in MN with trees all around we get leaves/seeds in the pool all summer long.

[@rafaello9418]

Thank you gentlemen 👍

[@GirlArmy21]

I was using the waste setting to vacuum my pool and losing so much water. This was a way better example of what to do when vacuuming my pool. Thanks for sharing your tips. Watching in Nova Scotia.

[@BobsPoolService]

Yeah, that's still a good way to get out HEAVY debris but with a relatively clean pool and working filter you should not have to vacuum to waste.

[@ahmadsubki9384]

Thanx Bob. Really appreciate it. 😀👍

[@user-ke1zo5xd5f]

Great video. We'll done. Very helpful.

[@ahsansheikh4386]

Good informative video!

[@darrellsstag]

Great video!

[@deependfrank]

We are trying to start pushing sand filters with glass media in our area of North Texas. I love the flexibility of multiport valves also.

[@BobsPoolService]

I'm curious how that'll work out with alternate media. We don't see too many but have had a few customers that had zeosand media and hated it, in fact we were there to remove it and put in regular sand. I'm not sure if the complaints were founded or not because we've seen people unhappy with DE filters because they clog up so quickly when in fact they're just capturing the dirt so much more efficiently rather than letting 50% of it keep passing through. I'm surprised more systems don't exist with a sand filter first then a cartridge or DE filter latter in the chain. I also think with sand filters the bigger the better, we typically sell 300-500lb capacity filters for all sizes of pools even a 16x32 or even smaller.

[@deependfrank]

@@BobsPoolService glass works great for us. Zeo got me into a few problems and we got off it. We’ve been doing glass for 10-12 years, and love it.

[@carolineglover823]

Thank you so much pool guy quit and I have been doing this myself very very helpful

[@carolineglover823]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@cwillie1492]

Thank you so much. This video is needed for rookies like myself. 😂

[@MysterInfinity]

*easy to use and very well*

[@genoortega1171]

Thanks for the info

[@wyattcensored9361]

Really, Papyrus in your thumbnail. NYEH HEH HEH, I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS HAVE WON OVER THE THUMBNAIL OF A VIDEO!

[@BobsPoolService]

Hah, I never thought about the font used here. Seems to work, quite a few people watched the video.

[@wyattcensored9361]

@@BobsPoolService It really does though.

[@BobsPoolService]

@@wyattcensored9361 Maybe I should use it more! It's amazing how important a thumbnails is to get people to click but then past that a video has to be to the point without too much fluff or people leave and look elsewhere.,

[@etsonbazile4086]

I love it! Thank you

[@BobsPoolService]

I'm glad you like it

[@jamalbenthall151]

Great video.

[@BobsPoolService]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tugiranto999]

Thank u for share.....

[@bobbys259]

Bro....thanks for the easy lesson... first owned pool...18 x 36....a little daunting. Like all of us "newbies"... we'll get it! Thanks!...Oh yeah...is Kevin available?😂

[@BobsPoolService]

Kevin retired and is living the good life but we have Pat, Sean, Walt and Joey along with myself the Bob of Bob's Pool Service. We really don't do pool vacuumings, we do repairs, liner changes and bigger contracting jobs but I saw an opportunity to make a video after watching some confusing ones on the internet. It's always good to know how to manually vacuum your pool but honestly I'd consider an automatic vacuum to make your life easier. One tip though, just don't run it ALL the time, I've seen people leave them in pools whenever they're not swimming so it's always spotless however even though they have rubber and soft cork the constant 24 hours of abrasion eventually takes it's toll on the liner wearing off the print wherever there's angles. Thanks for the comment and enjoy your pool! Hopefully I'll get some more videos on the channel for common pool tasks this season.

[@douglasallison3673]

You Rock! Thanks

[@JM-rs2hc]

THANK YOU!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@KL-xg2ys]

Nice video, this is the same configuration I have on my inground pool. How do you blow the lines out when winterizing the pool? I have the same main drain and 2 skimmer baskets and 4 return lines and 2 more lines on the steps.

[@BobsPoolService]

That's such a broad question I'd rather not do a video on it for fear of someone damaging their system due to freezing damage. Essentially you can't have water trapped anywhere but again there are a myriad of variables. I would strongly suggest having it done professionally, watch the pros and see if you want to tackle it yourself. The blower we use is a very high volume one that delivers a lot of air and would be an expensive purchase for a home owner. A shop vac usually doesn't work with deeper pipes and a using a compressor you run the risk of bursting a pipe from over pressurization. Just some thoughts, thanks for the comments.

[@Romulux]

Thank you for this video, the instructions are very clear and concise. I'd like to ask for some advice. I'm working on a pool that has basically turned into a swamp, it hasn't been covered, filtered, or cleaned in years, and there are deciduous trees in the area. The filter sand has been replaced, and it is currently filtering at 16 psi. Most of the leaves have been manually skimmed off the bottom, but there's 0 visibility, and there's still a bunch of sludge that I'm skimming up from down there, most of which just passes through the skimmer. I have the same sand filter you use in this video, and I want to vacuum, but I'm worried that I'll clog or ruin the filter if I suck up some leaves that may be left. Do you have any advice in this regard? The filter has a "waste" setting, that I believe bypasses the sand filter and removes waste through the backwash hose. Considering the stuff I'd be vacuuming is more debris than water, should I use the waste setting instead of filter, or should I follow the instructions in this video? Any advice you could give would be appreciated.

[@BobsPoolService]

So this could be another entire video but in short I would first clear the water so you can see the bottom... Yes there will be dead algae and dirt but the water will be clear. LOTS of chlorine in powder or liquid, tablets will not help. Once the water is clear yes I would vacuum the heavy stuff to waste. Go slow so you don't stir it up. Google SLAM method for clearing pool water. Hope this helps.

[@jayne59brohammer]

Great vidio Bob & Kevin! Very uncomplicated, easy step by step instructions, Thank You guys!🏊‍♀️🤽‍♀️🏊‍♂️ I do have a question, I have a Coleman 18' above ground pool, I don't know if I should keep my pool open all year (I live in Arizona) to avoid the pool turning into a swamp over the winter. Or covering it and dealing with it in the spring. I could use it all year if I had a heater, but for a above ground pool I find heating it to be a bit too much! What do you think?

[@BobsPoolService]

Hello Jayne. I would definitely try to avoid letting your pool turn into a swamp We close about 500 pools a season and I can tell you with some experience that if you cover a pool with a solid cover that does not permit any light to go through your pools should open up without green and water with that said a lot of covers do let a small amount of light through and you could actually put some chlorine in underneath the cover a couple times over the winter if you want to prevent that.

[@jayne59brohammer]

@@BobsPoolService Bob, thank you so much for getting back to me, I really appreciate it! I will do exactly what you suggested!

[@johnbonnell7840]

Hi, I have an 18x36 w stairs which looks like the pool in this video (except I only have one skimmer), I have a S210T filter which looks just like the one in this video and you vacuuming video/comment responses are great. In New England after opening each year I use rains to fill and vacuum to waste until shock clears everything up then do as you suggest in your video...all is grand... My Dad who is getting to old to work his pool is similar lined 18x36 w stairs and he has a EC65A DE filter without multi-port. Maybe just because I have used my S210T for 30 years but I find his DE filter w/o multi-port to be a pain in the neck so I'm thinking I will switch it out for sand filter. Two questions: 1) Given both pools same size (his has 2 skimmers, mine just 1), is the S210T the appropriate size sand filter? 2) Thinking of going with glass media instead of sand and wondering your opinion on pros/cons? Your expertise is much appreciated, thank you in advance for your response. John

[@BobsPoolService]

Hi John, sorry it took me a couple days to see your question. In short, DE filtration is far superior to sand, however as you said it can be a bit more involved. For the general population unless you have a situation with fine particulates in the water a sand filter usually gets the job done but just as a quick comparison, a typical sand filter has about 3 or 4 square feet of filter area but your Dad's little EC65A actually has 65 square feet of filtration. In addition, sand filters will only capture particles about 40 microns in size but DE will filter down to 3 microns, something people with allergies to pollen often find an important factor. As for alternate media inside a sand filter (glass, zeobrite, etc) I haven't personally owned one but we've converted many filters back to sand with customers that went that route and were not happy at all with it. Another note on sand filters, bigger is better, we usually sell ones with 300lbs of sand capacity even on smaller pools because there's less channeling in the sand where unfiltered water can pass through and they seem to filter a bit better. With DE filters the quality of filtration is the same with a small 24 sq ft filter or a 96 sq ft filter, the only difference is you'll find yourself backwashing the smaller model more often. We sell a lot of 48 sq ft backwashable DE filters, the filter your Dad has is a dump tank, not a backwash style but offers the benefit of being able to regenerate the cycle and get a bit more out of the media. When I had a pool I had an EC-75 on it. Hope this helps.

[@LA-zc9rg]

Go cartridge, simple and they filter/clean effectively. Only downside is they’ll require periodic cleaning & need to be replaced when worn which can add $.

[@desilvakandy7637]

Thanks your very much

[@barthensley8582]

Thanks for the detailed video. Just curious, is there any advantage to backwashing prior to vacuuming as opposed to after?

[@BobsPoolService]

I put that in there to make sure people weren't vacuuming with a clogged filter. You can definitely do it afterwards if the filter pressure isn't up too high and in fact using a slightly dirty filter can actually assist in catching dirt, just not too dirty of a filter.

[@PappyNet01]

Thank you for sharing. I believe I have the same Hayward sand-filter [maybe a different model] shown in your video: I read on the side of our filter that normal vacuuming is performed with the valve selector set to backwash - you guys vacuum while in the filter position. I vacuumed our swimming pool yesterday because it hasn't been vacuumed in years. We live in Florida and to my knowledge our pool has never been shutdown for winter. I am concerned about the pipes i.e., the plumbing because the three-(3) of the returns; two-(2) by the steps and one-(1) on the opposite side of the steps expel a very minuscule amount of pressure: additionally our pressure gauge is broken. I am uploading a video as I comment on your video.

[@BobsPoolService]

You DEFINITELY do not want to vacuum with any filter set to backwash, by doing that you'll dirty your filter from the inside out. It would be akin to running your house vacuum as a blower and shooting all the dirt back into the room after vacuuming normally if you did that.

[@sporktek]

What about on waste? I've read somewhere to vacuum in the waste position.

[@basha0810]

Of all of the videos I've watched on this, yours is the BEST. GREAT JOB. I do have a question though, if you vacuum slowly, that will drain alot of water out of the pool so I was told in pool school, to work quickly because of water level. Another problem I have and possibly you can give me a tip? When I vacuum, I vacuum sand but the sand just goes through the skimmer basket and goes right back into the pool. Any idea on how I can actually get this sand OUT of the pool because it just seems to be recycling itself. Thanks!

[@BobsPoolService]

Hello Barbara, apologies for not replying faster being new to youtube I wasn't aware I had replies to my video and had to approve them first. As for your question, if dirt is coming back from your filter into the pool as you vacuum you have a problem with your filter, multiport or possibly a bypass valve open. If you have a sand filter (which I assume you do), VERY FINE silt can go through it and in that case vacuuming to waste will get this out of your pool totally but you will lose water and as you were told it behooves you to do it somewhat quickly. I would have a professional check out your filter, perhaps a sand change and inspection of the multiport to see why sand is returning to your pool when vacuuming on the FILTER setting. Hope this helps.

[@ericmontoya5658]

Your filter needs service it should never send sand through the skimmer or jets

[@sandeepkolluru8039]

Thank you for sharing the above video. Does the above process work for clearing leaves also from the bottom of pool or just to remove dirt and debris only?

[@BobsPoolService]

As long as you use that vacuum plate and a basket in the skimmer you can vacuum up leaves, however it may be easier to scoop them up manually or use a product called a "leafmaster" which hooks to your garden hose and pushes them into a net with a venturi action. If the leaves are small I just tilt the head to vacuum them but if it's a lot of leaves you may find your vacuum hose gets clogged or it's just more work than scooping them out.

[@sandeepkolluru8039]

Thank you

[@dedikdaffa]

Beautiful

[@BobsPoolService]

Thank you

[@itscrucial]

So you use the same filter system as your vacuum machine? No need for a separate machine? Can this be done on above ground pool? I have Bestway pool?

[@BobsPoolService]

Well, we don't generally vacuum pools for customers, our business is more geared towards repairs and things like openings/closings, however many of our customers struggle with doing their own vacuuming which is why I made this video hopefully to help out. The procedure would generally be the same for any pool, in or above the ground if it has a sand filter.

[@vsubhuti]

Approximately how long was the back wash for ?

[@BobsPoolService]

A few minutes, usually until it runs clear then another minute.

[@alexk6745]

Mnay thanks for the great video. I do not get one thing. When the filter gets dirty and we back wash to wash out all dirt. How the system makes that only dirt leave but not sand? Or we losing dirst together with sand?

[@BobsPoolService]

Filters have fairly coarse sand in them so the weight of the sand keeps it from coming out along with the lighter dirt. Sometimes some fine sand granules might wind up exiting the backwash but nothing significant. If you put some filter sand in a glass of water and stirred it you'd notice the sand falls to the bottom almost immediately like small rocks but if you put in some soil it'll remain suspended for a good long while.

[@bety.suhartini]

Thank You .. nuhun pisan

[@johnmichaelkarma]

I never vacuum my pool. My pool is approximately 30K gallons,9.5 ft wide and 70ft long. 4.5 ft. deep for 55 ft then a 15 ft. round end that is 8 ft. deep. I divert all suction to the single deep end drain and then brush sides n bottom towards the deep end. Using long powerful strokes create a current that carries sediments to deep end suction. I do this twice,takes 1/2 hour total. No hose to hook up,disconnect or be bothered with. My pool design allows this to happen and may not work well with other designs.😎🏊

[@BobsPoolService]

That sounds like a unique and pretty cool pool. I have seen quite a few self cleaning systems like the paramount on pools we work on. If you can suspend the dirt so the filter grabs it that's great but not all systems have that kind of circulation and in some areas we have trees that drop heavier debris which even self cleaning pools can't pick up.

[@johnmichaelkarma]

@@BobsPoolService Interesting. I never heard of a self cleaning pool. Thanks. I must google.

[@KL-xg2ys]

Thank you for the information. I will have pool company close my pool.

[@sifisoeric]

Best video

[@patrickhampton6248]

Thanks for this video I was doing it wrong now I know

[@porcus123]

That way of getting the air out of the hose blew my mind

[@nasserfuzion5843]

Thank you for the video, very thorough.. Question : why do we need to power off/on the pump every time we switch the multiport?

[@BobsPoolService]

To stop the water from rushing through, if you try turning the handle with the pump on first off it'll be very difficult since the pressure locks down the plate and second you could cause damage.

[@nasserfuzion5843]

@@BobsPoolService Thank You for replying Sir. I will surely do as advised going forward.

[@theden25]

Great video. I have a sand filter and we just uncovered the pool after the winter to find out it is totally green. Dark pond green. Should I vacuum to waste or through the filter? I flock my pool once and it was a pain trying to vacuum to Waste because I lost so much water. I can only vacuum for about five minutes and it would take 3 to 4 hours to fill it back up. I can’t figure out why every year my pool is green. I’ve use the closing kits every time. The only thing I can think of is I change from my vinyl cover to a mesh cover. Maybe the light and rain getting into it? Thank you for any help you may be able to provide

[@BobsPoolService]

I would vacuum the heavy stuff to waste then change over to filter to finish up. As for how your pool opens the cover makes a HUGE difference. You can literally put no chemicals in with a solid cover that blocks all light and a pool can open crystal clear but with a mesh cover you can put in $200 worth of chemicals and still have a green or slightly green pool in the spring when you open. The cover is key, we suggest customers with mesh covers close their pools late season and open early to minimize algae because it happens when the water is warm, once the water gets cold enough algae won't grow., Depending on the mesh cover some block more sunlight than others, usually those are more expensive.

[@theden25]

@@BobsPoolService Thank you so much! I’m gonna get a better cover next time we close it. My wife told me that was the problem but I wouldn’t listen

[@BobsPoolService]

@@theden25 Everything is a trade-off in some way, if you want your pool to open pretty much like when you closed it going with a totally solid cover is what you want (no vents or drains or any type of mesh). However, with that said that style of cover means you need to pump it off an maintain it or it will be ruined if you let too much rain accumulate atop it. There's a lot of other small details that make a difference on safety covers, one big one is the spacing, some covers have 3x3 foot spacing between the panels and others are 5' or more. Having more anchor points can help a cover last longer and also endure heavy snow accumulation. When we sell covers I try to find out the customers needs and what fits their lifestyle the best. For example if they go away for long periods during the winter with nobody to check on the pool I'd recommend a mesh design, if they are home and able to maintain it and value the pool opening pristine (or like opening later) a solid or solid with vented design can be the right choice. It's not always a matter of "better", sometimes it comes down to design. Being in business for 35 years we've seen it all and try to recommend value products that last along with professional installation (which can be a huge factor in a cover functioning as it should). Thanks for watching and commenting - Bob

[@jayne59brohammer]

@@theden25 Always listen to your wife, my husband is the same way.....lol

[@ruthrodgers2741]

How do you get pressure up

[@FestivaLagoon]

Should we shut down pump to avoid fingers getting trapped in the suction port while connecting the hose? And what about the equalizer hole? Should we leave it open?

[@BobsPoolService]

Hi Shubham, great questions. As for the first question you never want to have your fingers near a suction port while the pump is running but in this scenario the basket would be inside the skimmer AND the skim-vac plate attached to the end of the vacuum hose. The pump needs to be running because the suction is what will keep that plate stuck to the skimmer opening over top of the basket. At no time during this would your fingers be close to the open suction port in the bottom of the skimmer. As for your second question, if your skimmer has an equalizer hole or valve at the bottom of the skimmer you'll need to adjust that so you get proper suction. I would start with it halfway open and if you have too much suction open it more, if you don't have enough suction close it down. Most pools we see don't have an equalizer valve or hole but instead rely on valves at the from of the pump but the principle is the same. If your skimmer has an equalizer valve or port in the bottom of it I would definitely shut down the pump when making adjustments to this because in this scenario your fingers ARE close to an active suction port. I hope this helps.

[@bryanboswell5989]

After backwashing a DE filter, do you add DE before you start vacuuming or do you vacuum on an empty/naked filter without DE?

[@BobsPoolService]

Definitely do NOT vacuum into an uncharged DE filter in fact you shouldn't even run your system without DE in there for any period of time. What can happen if you run water through your DE filter without DE is the dirt gets impregnated into the filter grid rather than being caught by the DE. At best you take int apart and clean it, maybe do an acid washing and you're back up but at worst you could ruin the grids and need a new filter by running it without DE. Sort of like driving your car without oil, really not good. I am planning on making and uploading more videos covering DE filters soon as we have a moment to catch a breath with our business :)

[@keishavanleeuwen8730]

How did it never occur to me to remove the air from the hose by holding it over the jet? Here i was spending 20 minutes drowning the hose everytime. 😂

[@BobsPoolService]

Believe it or not my dad showed me that trick when i was maybe 12 years old.

[@RitaHendrawati]

Wow vacuum .very good suport from new friend

[@BobsPoolService]

Thank you 🤗

[@plevine1]

Question. My unground only has a main drain and one skimmer. How do you know which valve controls which. I always assumed the right side controlled the skimmer while the left side controlled the main

[@BobsPoolService]

The easiest way is to have someone stand by the skimmer, turn off one port... if the flow into the skimmer stops you know the one you turned off is the skimmer. If the flow increases or looks the same then you've shut off the main drain. I've seen them all different ways, every system is different and in some instances the main "drain" is actually a return... in even more complex setups the bottom drains can be changed from return to suctions with the turning of multiple valves (sylvan pools usually).

[@plevine1]

@@BobsPoolService Thanks. I think my suction all around is awful. I am also in Central Jersey and might need to schedule a visit for service.

[@BobsPoolService]

@@plevine1 Definitely feel free to schedule an appointment if you can't get it figured out... Sometimes it says simple as a loose fitting in front of the pump. Other times there could be a bad pipe in the ground but we have the equipment of resources too. Figure all that out. 732 251 0951 is our number.... My business partner Walter can schedule that for you.

[@NewEnglandPatriotsfan]

How deep is that pool? Looks deep and drops off steep. The shiny blue water is amazing by the way. Feels like the Caribbean lol

[@BobsPoolService]

Maximum depth is about 8', it's a hopper type of vinyl lined swimming pool, very common here in the Northeast.

[@NewEnglandPatriotsfan]

@@BobsPoolService Yes, nice channel man

[@poolmanofficial5901]

Brother ur friend here ... service man too.

[@ronniemaliwat6]

Vvxb

[@jayarcher7864]

I have a above ground pool with a sand filter(50lb.) Kinda like the filter in video ...how would i vacuum it. My filter is next to sand filter...any help would be appreciated. Thanks Jay

[@BobsPoolService]

The process is essentially the same but some AG pools have a vacuuming port below the skimmer or part of it to hook the hose to. I'm still a fan of using a skim vac plate though. Some sand filters have a push pull valve that only has 2 functions, backwash and filter, in that case you'd vacuum on filter then backwash, no rinse or other functions.

[@vhicgado4987]

Hello Sir, Im dont much idea on how to operate the pool as Im newly owner, how often should I run the pump in the pool? Should I run the pump always even I will not always using it? Thanks

[@BobsPoolService]

Hi Vhic, sorry I didn't see this sooner and this is something I'm glad you asked! To answer this question pools need to be run regardless if people are using them or not... the water needs to be circulated, filtered and sanitized throughout the season once the pool is uncovered. I've seen many people turn off the pool because they weren't using it and then the water turned green eventually from algae. The more you run the pump the better for the pool but to save on electricity most people run the pool 8 to 12 hours a day but to really get an answer you should calculate the flow rate of your pump and divide that into the gallons in the pool, ideally you want to turn over all the water 2x in a 24 hour cycle. I rarely do this math but have a good feel for pools. When it gets hot out the demands on the pool are even greater and I often suggest our customers run the pool 24x7 during those really hot 100 degree days. Hope this helps!

[@edmaw01]

Presumably if you are not vacuuming large debris then the plate doesn’t really serve much purpose and you can fit the end of the tube directly into the hole, after removing the skimmer strainer?

[@BobsPoolService]

Absolutely, it's just there to catch large debris so you can't clog up a pipe and you don't have to open the pump to empty the strainer basket. I can't begin to tell you how many things we've found clogging pipes, kids toys, underwear, acorn, once a plastic wine glass that was clear so it probably wasn't seen. By all means if you only have light dirt put the hose in directly, just be careful to keep your fingers away from the suction port.

[@rethaainslie7184]

Good day, what do you call the blue plastic pipe that you connected to your backwash outlet...to the grass? Would like to buy it, but do not know how to explain it to retailers...they do not understand or SA do not sell it....

[@BobsPoolService]

it's just a roll up discharge hose, you can get it 1 1/2" or 2", in my opinion 2" is a better choice because the hold up longer due to less pressure. The cheap ones most pool stores sell usually don't last more than a year or two, if you want something better look into a produce like "ironsides" discharge hose which is a red color and has reinforcements.

[@rethaainslie7184]

@@BobsPoolService Thank you

[@duwariages-kq4nt]

The power have to be put off before changing the backwashing?

[@BobsPoolService]

Yes, anytime you move the multiport valve handle the pump (power) needs to be off.

[@FJLit]

could i use the vaccumm hose attached to the skimmer to drain the whole pool? but change the filter to waste instead?, i have drained the pool below skimmer but dont know how to continue draining it since i dont have a isolating valve for the main drain n skimmer. they are together

[@BobsPoolService]

You could do that provided the vacuum hose was free of any air leaks and if you could secure it into the bottom of the skimmer but usually vacuum hoses aren't 100% nor is the skim back plate and they tend to lose suction trying to do what you're attempting. More importantly if you have a finalized pool and you drain it too low the liner is going to pull away from the walls and shrink up and won't go back properly so I would highly advise against doing that.

[@FJLit]

@@BobsPoolService how would u recommend draining below the skimmer, I don't have isolating valves for the skimmer n main drain.

[@joseynoyb9467]

Why do you vacuum with the pump on filter instead of on vacuum to waste? That still the part I'm confused about

[@BobsPoolService]

Hi Josey. The reason vacuuming with the multiport set to "waste" isn't a good idea for regular vacuumings is you lose a lot of pool water. When you set the multiport to "waste" it pumps water directly out of the pool, when it's on filter the water is cleaned and then returned to the pool. If you have an extremely dirty pool OR too much water in the pool from heavy rains then vacuuming to waste is a good idea because it gets the dirt right out of the pool, just be sure the waste pipe isn't flooding something out when doing so. Many systems have the waste pipe going into the lawn or other area that's ok for running on waste for a few minutes but something extended like a vacuuming can create a lake in the yard. I hope this helps answer your question.

[@vhicgado4987]

Hello Sir, after vacuuming the pool, should I add water to maintain the water level of the pool? Should I close the main drain after vacuuming the pool? Thank you

[@BobsPoolService]

I would always maintain your pool water level if it's low. As far as the main drain goes in the video, I actually suggested closing it off so you can get more suction from the skimmer. Normally I would keep the main drain and skimmer both open for normal pool operation so you get water circulation in the bottom of the pool as well as the top.

[@chawjer]

​@@BobsPoolService how do you know which line is the main drain line and which one is the skimmer? Neither are labeled.

[@BobsPoolService]

@@chawjer you'll have to rotate the valve and look inside the skimmer to see if it's been turned on or off. I'd suggest once you do label it with a sun resistant marker like a sharpie extreme, most inks fade out in a year.

[@angiem5554]

what was the reading after backwashing and rinsing?

[@BobsPoolService]

I'm not sure, it's been awhile but most systems run about 9 to 15 psi. It's really just a reference and the exact number is of little value. The key is to note the clean operating pressure and when it rises 5-7 psi higher you know it's time to backwash the system.

[@ChrisDavis1975]

I am new to owning a pool. My system has a Polaris & booster pump for the Polaris. Should my operating pressure still be 15-16 ?

[@BobsPoolService]

The Polaris booster pump would be plumbed in after your filter and wouldn't have any bearing on the pressure of your main filter. But filter pressure is a relative thing, a system with a 2hp pump and 1.5" plumbing will normally run about 15psi clean, on the other hand a system with a smaller pump, say 3/4hp and unrestricted plumbing would need backwashing at that pressure and run normally with a clean filter at 10psi. Now if you're speaking of the pressure gauge that may be installed AFTER the booster pump that could easily be as high as 20 psi but most polaris systems don't have a gauge to measure the outlet pressure. Hope this helps, this season I intend to make a lot more informative videos on these subjects but right now ti's winter in NJ and all our pools are closed up :)

[@ChrisDavis1975]

@@BobsPoolService thank you so much for the response. I’ve just got 1 gauge right there at the big valve on top where you change it to back wash and all that. I have 1 wall skimmer about halfway down the length of the pool & no drain/skimmer in the deep end. My system runs about 30 psi. I just moved into this house back in August. I have very little history on it. 😬 I think I may just need to have a qualified pool tech come out & give it a look over. Return jets are strong & the Polaris works like it’s supposed to. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BobsPoolService]

@@ChrisDavis1975 Make sure your gauge goes back to zero with the system off. I've seen gauges that start at 10! Since it's a relative reading you can still use it but realize it's not an absolute reading if that's the case. If it really is 30 psi though that's higher than most systems run clean.

[@ChrisDavis1975]

@@BobsPoolService I’m gonna replace the gauge. It does not go back to zero. It shows about 20-25 psi so I will start there. Thank you so very much for your help ! Very much appreciated.

[@ChrisDavis1975]

@@BobsPoolService Finally got around to replacing the gauge. That was the problem! Bad gauge. Easy fix too. Reading about 11 psi when the system is on. Thank you so much for your direction!

[@joseynoyb9467]

And is it correct that you must always turn the handle clockwise on the pump?

[@BobsPoolService]

I would, the settings are designed in that order. With newer designs it probably wouldn't damage it like the older ones but it's still advisable.

[@johnsmith-qe2fd]

Yep, if you turn it the other way you’ll destroy your spider gasket and will have to take ur valve apart to fix it.

[@tenncutt]

Not required but less chance of damaging the seal inside if you always turn the same direction

[@dianehanson1050]

I have a sand filter but after vacuuming the same stuff(sand)? returns. Where is the bypass system for my sand filter located? How can I vacuum to waste?

[@BobsPoolService]

If debris is coming back into the pool you may want to address the filter problem and have that checked. With that said, sand filters often don't capture super fine particles and vacuuming to waste can be the ticket. If your filter has a multiport valve as shown in the video just set that to "waste" (not backwash!) and make sure the waste line isn't near the pool or anywhere that could be problematic having lots of water. A good time to do this is after a heavy rain when your pool is overfilled so you're not wasting water.

[@VR60100]

When vacuuming, the filter should be set to wash mode right? Thanks

[@BobsPoolService]

I've never seen a "wash" mode on a filter but it should be in the same mode it is when filtering your pool, after your done then you can "backwash" the filter. I often backwash before vacuuming just to make sure the filter isn't clogged and then also do it afterwards. Don't vacuum on backwash though, you'll dirty your filter from the inside out if you do so.

[@VR60100]

@@BobsPoolService Thx Bob, I meant waste mode.

[@BobsPoolService]

@@VR60100 you can definitely vacuum on waste mode but you will lose water from the pool doing so.

[@curtisnelson7765]

What size sand filter are you using and ur pump info I need to upgrade mine

[@BobsPoolService]

This pool has a Hayward S-244T sand filter which holds 300 lbs of sand. For almost all inground pools 300lbs is the ideal size up to 40,000 gallons. On a smaller pool I'd still go with the same size filter, more is better in the case of sand filters.

[@fillipuskhauwanga9490]

When I'm vacuuming ,Where should i position my machine? Is it on waste or on backwash?

[@BobsPoolService]

If there's heavy debris in the pool you can use waste but you'll lose a lot of pool water. For normal vacuumings position the filter on "filter". Do NOT vacuum with the multiport set to backwash, if you dio that all the dirt you vacuumed up will come right back into the pool when you switch to filter.

[@scbeachbum94]

So for clarification, you don’t vacuum in waste setting? Just on the normal setting?

[@BobsPoolService]

If you have heavy debris vacuuming on waste is an option but realize you're pumping water out of the pool doing so. If you have to drain water after heavy rains doing that is a good option, just make sure wherever the waste line goes doesn't flood out yourself or a neighbor (I've seen that!)

[@ms._rover3397]

Once I start vacuuming, I usually turn the handle to backwash position . I noticed you have it on FILTER position instead . I’m confuse am I doing it incorrectly

[@BobsPoolService]

Yes, the filter should be on filter when vacuuming. If you put it on backwash what will happen is you'll pump that dirty water into the filter in reverse and when you put the system back on after vacuuming all the debris will go right into the pool. Waste however is a different function, if you do that you're simply pumping water out of the pool which is fine if you have heavy debris and want to bypass your filter.

[@ms._rover3397]

@@BobsPoolService thank you

[@sanassunn932]

in my pool while vacuuming dirty water comes back into the pool (i cleaned the filter mysefl today, nothing happend) so maybe i need to backwash??

[@BobsPoolService]

If dirt is coming back into your pool while vacuuming and the filter is in the "filter" position it's highly unlikely back washing will remedy this. Make sure you don't have a bypass valve open where unfiltered water can pass back into the pool without going through the filter. If that doesn't help you could have a problem inside the multiport valve or channeling in the sand which can usually be fixed by having the sand changed inside your filter. Depending upon the age of the sand filter it may be wiser to just replace it. We're not a fan of sand filters but they are easier than DE or Cartridge to maintain, the downside is fine debris can sometimes pass through the sand and back into the pool. Hope this helps, you may want to consult a pool professional if it's not something simple like an open bypass valve.

[@ruthrodgers2741]

How do you get yourpressure up and what should it be at

[@BobsPoolService]

Typically normal operational pressure is between 10 and 15 psi. If the system is running correctly there should be no "getting it up", it's just a product of the water flowing through correctly.

[@tokyoghoul9267]

I have the same equipment how would I do it for a above ground pool?

[@BobsPoolService]

The process is really very much the same, just need a skim vac plate for the model AG pool you own. Often the vacuum hose is 1 1/4 not 1 1/2" but both should work.

[@tommcallaster2373]

@@BobsPoolService m

[@ants7279]

This all makes sence

[@cadonbarton2119]

No. I disagree with cleaning the filter prior to the inital vacuuming. Sand filters filter better when they are dirty

[@BobsPoolService]

This is correct, the layer that forms atop the sand actually aids in filtering the water but, and this is a big one, oftentimes filters haven't been backwashed in way too long and that would lead to not enough suction. I totally agree over-backwashing can be detrimental to getting the most out of your sand filter. When approaching a new system I like to start with a baseline and know what pressure their filter runs at when clean and freshly backwashed, from there we can determine whether or not to backwash prior to vacuuming or not. Once I know the system and normal operating pressure I may choose to not backwash prior to vacuuming but for the purpose of an all inclusive beginner video I wanted to keep it simple. The clean filter captured the debris well and it was a non-issue. Good point though.

[@user-su9bp8bg6d]

please can you help me my pool is taking 2 to 3 days to be clean when I put flocculant inside I want my pool to look as yours

[@BobsPoolService]

There's so many factors without seeing the pool it's hard to diagnose your dirty water. Is it green, is it just cloudy, is it another color? The main principles are good circulation, good filtration, proper water balance and enough sanitizer (usually chlorine) to keep algae and bacteria from growing. I'd suggest taking a water sample to a local pool store, make sure you take the sample from 2' below the surface. Also make sure your filter is working correctly and run it 24x7 until the pool starts to clear. Flocculant can help but you still need to run and backwash the filter to get the particles out, flocculant just makes them larger and easier for the filter to pick up. If you have a D.E. filter flocculant isn't necessary. Hope this helps

[@rockcrawlinnut]

Will this clean up sand from the bottom of a pool?

[@BobsPoolService]

Yes, it should suck up sand but if it's filter sand at the bottom of your pool I'd fix the filter and address that first. Also you may want to put a fine mesh sock in the skimmer basket to catch the sand so you're not pulling it through the pump. A little bit probably no big deal but a lot of sand can grind on the impeller (you'll hear it).

[@andytwentyman9573]

How is backwashing different from the rinse mode?

[@BobsPoolService]

Rinsing doesn't reverse the direction of the water through the filter (thus cleaning it). It simply passes water through the same direction as filtration mode but directs it out the waste pipe. It's a step only really used after backwashing to prevent debris from entering the pool that was stirred up.

[@andytwentyman9573]

@@BobsPoolService . Thanks for the reply!

[@margaretwrigley2449]

,I have 100% suction on one skimmer but NO suction on the other one which is nearest the pump Can you help??

[@BobsPoolService]

Hello Margaret it's difficult to say exactly what your problem is without actually seeing the pool but I will give you a few of the most common scenarios. The first thing I would check is to make sure there isn't a plug in the skimmer that's not sucking and also check to make sure the valve which should be located in front of your pool pump for that skimmer is open. Another thing we see commonly are skimmers that are actually sucking lots of water but because the weir door which is a flap in the front of the skimmer is sometimes missing making it appear that the skimmer is not actually taking in water. These doors create a waterfall effect so the water rushes by faster and the skimmer works more efficiently. The last possibility is that that skimmer pipe is either crushed broken or clogged if you can isolate it with the valves in front of the pump try turning just that skimmer on if the pump is getting sufficient water then the skimmer is indeed sucking but as I said in the last thing to look for the weir door may be missing or not floating properly. I hope this helps.

[@arturogonzalez1004]

What size is the filter and pump and what is the thing after the filter .I have a pentair 3/4 horse power and a t500 filter and my clean PSI on the filter pressure gauge is 20 PSI and I think that is why my pool takes forever to clear can you please help me

[@BobsPoolService]

20 psi with a clean filter sounds a bit high with that setup but pressure gauges are notorious for not being accurate too, I generally use them as a reference and don't look at absolute numbers. With that said I would check for restrictions on the return side of your system as a lot of things can cause a higher pressure reading than normal. If your filter has a recirculate position try it there and see how much the pressure goes down, it's a good way to troubleshoot a system and see if indeed the filter is clogged up.

[@charleshendrix232]

You should have 1 and 1/2 horse

[@bbldrizzaay]

How to vacuum pool with sand filter: Pass on that account

[@BobsPoolService]

not quite sure what this means...

[@tonygithu9229]

Meaning you have to backwash before you vacuum?

[@BobsPoolService]

You don't have to but doing so eliminates the variable of someone trying to vacuum with a clogged filter. If your filter was recently backwashed or running without restriction you can surely skip backwashing before you vacuum.

[@CockySpaniel]

Why don’t you vacuum to waste instead of filter? When i do it on filter it comes back in the pool.

[@BobsPoolService]

If dirt is coming back into your pool from the filter that means the filter isn't doing it's job properly and likely needs the sand changed or the filter replaced. Vacuuming on waste means you're going to lose a lot of the pool water which can be OK if you need to lower it anyways but if you're vacuuming to waste and refilling that's a wasteful practice. In addition, if dirt is going through your filter like that it's not filtering efficiently even when you're not vacuuming. We generally reserve vacuuming to waste for extremely dirty pools or situations where we need to remove water from the pool. Hope this helps, thanks for commenting.