Pool vacuums and sweepers, whether manual or automatic, are a must at most pools. The most commonly used pool tools, vacuums and sweepers are available in a variety of models and should be studied thoroughly, as not all will work efficiently in all pools. Certain pool shapes, designs, and structures can stop the vacuum in its tracks or even turn it on its back. When an automatic pool vacuum "turtles up," it can lie motionless for hours without accomplishing any cleaning. If the interior pool shell is not kept clean and free of debris during the swimming season, the pool will look and feel dirty, algae and bacteria growth will increase, and as a result, more chemicals will need to be used to oxidize organics in the pool. Regardless of the type of vacuum you use, a vacuum head with brushes attached is a good idea because brushing and vacuuming can take place simultaneously.

Manual vacuums are pushed by hand with long extension poles. They are usually powered by suction generated by the circulation system. The manual vacuum incorporates a vacuum head, a flexible vacuum hose, and a long extension pole to push the head across the pool bottom. One end of the flexible hose connects to the head, while the other end fits into the surface skimmer. In this fashion, the circulation system provides strong suction for the vacuum. Other manual vacuums are powered by electricity or gas, but these older models are not as popular as those that are plugged in to the surface skimmer.

When linked to your pool circulation system, vacuums can be powered either by the suction side or the pressure side of the pool pump. Suction-side cleaners have the advantage of not using additional power - electricity, special plumbing, or booster pumps are unnecessary as these vacuums receive enough suction from the existing filtration system. Pool debris can be sent to the skimmer, to the filter, or directly to waste, depending upon the circumstances.

Nonetheless, automatic vacuums are rapidly replacing manual suction-side vacuums. Unlike the manual model that must be pushed by hand with a long extension pole, the automatic vacuum uses recirculating pool water to propel it hydraulically. Automatic cleaners wander along the bottom of the pool, requiring more time (but not your time) to complete the job that do manual vacuums.

Pressure-side vacuums are similar to their suction-side counterparts, except that they create suction by using a sucking action provided by the pressure side of the circulation system. In this case, pool water is pushed down into the vacuum head and up into a collection bag. This action creates suction that pulls water and debris up from the pool bottom and into the vacuum bag. When vacuuming is complete, the vacuum bag must be emptied and cleaned, but at least this dirt does not end up in the filter. Some pressure-side vacuums require a booster pump to provide sufficient water power for good vacuuming suction, and must be pushed by hand. See Cyclone Power Vac.

Jet cleaners, or jet vacuums, use a garden hose, with or without a booster pump, to create a venturi suction and draw debris up into a vacuum bag. A jet cleaner does not use the pool circulation for suction nor does it deposit dirt into the filter. Jet cleaners are simple, inexpensive manual vacuum cleaners that are used by many service companies and homeowners.

Some vacuums are powered by electricity and contain a motor, gear box, and drive belts. These electric vacuums resemble underwater robots and do an excellent job of roaming the bottom, picking up dirt and other debris. Like the other self-propelled vacuums, pool robots catch dirt by traveling randomly along the bottom. They are powered by electricity, so no one should be in the pool when they are in use. A malfunction could cause serious electric shock.

Pool sweepers are used to clean pool bottoms and walls, too. Pool sweepers are attractive water hoses that are attached to the return inlets in the pool or added to an automatic vacuum roaming the bottom. Some sweepers require a booster pump (an extra pump that is used when household pressure is low) to produce sufficient water pressure to work well, but simply use the returning water in the circulation system. Sweepers are agitating hoses that whip across the bottom and sides of the pool, constantly spraying water to push dirt toward the main drain, where the dirt is removed from the pool by the ever-present suction. Floating sweepers can also be installed to keep the surface clean.

Automatic pool vacuums and sweepers work well together. Don't swim during vacuuming it is impractical and unsafe. Swimming action stirs up the dirt, making it more difficult to catch, and swimmers can become entangled in the hoses.

Water Chemistry • Popular Disinfectants • Chorine • Calcium Hypochorite • Sodium Hypochlorite • Stabilized Chlorines •
Bromine • Other Disinfectants • Water Balance • pH • Total Alkalinity • Calcium Hardness • Total Dissolved Solids •
Balancing Pool Water • Water Testing • Pool Vacs & Sweepers •

Pool Maintenance • Daily Chores • Weekly Chores • Solving Common Problems • Cloudy, Milky Water • Malodorous, Irritating Water
Green Water • Red or Brown Water • Blue - Green Water • Blue or Black Water • Pump Problems • Sand in Pool •
Excessive Water Loss • Excessive Foaming