Need to drain your above ground pool? Maybe it’s full of nasty, stagnant water. Or maybe you need to completely take it down for the season or make emergency repairs. Either way, you’ll need to drain some or all of the water from your swimming pool. And if you’ve never drained your pool before, doing it the wrong way can damage your pool liner, or worse: the whole thing can collapse.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to drain an above ground pool with or without a pump.
When Should You Drain an Above Ground Pool?
There are only a few reasons you’ll ever need to completely drain your pool. Depending on the size of your swimming pool, you should only need to ever partially drain it, even to fix leaks. But there are several situations when you’ll want to drain out most or all of your water:
1. Your water chemistry is beyond rebalancing
Part of regular pool care is maintaining your pool’s water chemistry. But even if you’re meticulous about your pool maintenance, you can end up with a build-up of total dissolved solids (TDS). These are the by-products of all the chemicals you use to keep your pool clean that slowly build up over time. When your TDS level is greater than 2,500 parts per million (PPM), you’ll need to drain and replace some of your pool water with fresh water.
Another reason to replace your pool water? Your Cyanuric Acid (CYA) levels are too high. The only way to bring those levels down is by partially draining your pool and replacing it with fresh water.
2. You need to make structural repairs
You can handle most pool repairs without draining all of the water from your above ground pool. It’s even possible to patch and repair your pool liner while it’s still underwater. Special maintenance, however, may require an empty pool. And that includes jobs like completely replacing your pool liner or repairing your pool frame’s base.
3. You need to store your pool for the winter
If you have a smaller above ground swimming pool and live in a cold climate, you may need to drain and store it during the winter. Not only will this protect your pool from freezing temperatures, but storing your pool in the off-season may be required to preserve your warranty.
How to Prepare an Above Ground Pool for Draining
Before you drain your above ground pool, you’ll need to have a few things prepared:
- Have a water disposal plan. Check with your city for rules or regulations about how to dispose of pool water, especially if you’re draining your entire pool. Most areas won’t allow you to empty your pool water into storm drains, so you’ll need to empty it directly into the sanitary sewer line outside your home.
- Bring down your pool’s chemical levels. No matter where you’ll dispose of the water, you need to be sure your pool water isn’t full of chemicals before you do. Stop adding chemicals in the days before you drain and test your water before you empty your pool to make sure it’s chlorine neutral. Then check with your local water authority for other chemical requirements. If you need to speed up the process, consider using a chlorine neutralizer.
- Wait for mild, warm weather. Depending on where you live, you may be limited in terms of when you can drain your pool. Check with the local water authority for any rules. But otherwise, plan on waiting for a clear day that’s not too hot. Aim for temperatures at or below 85°F (29°C) to prevent damage to your pool liner.
- Turn off pumps, filters, heaters and automatic timers. If you have any pool equipment with automatic timers, like pumps, turn them off before you start draining. If the water level falls below the skimmer line and the pump turns on, it can overheat.
- Plan to stay near your pool when it drains.
Never leave your pool unattended while it’s draining or refilling. You can expect it to take 8 to 14 hours to drain, based on the size of your pool and whether you’re using a pump or a hose. And keep in mind that you’ll also spend about the same amount of time filling it up again (check out our pool fill time calculator to help you determine how much time it’ll take to drain or fill your pool).
3 Ways to Drain an Above Ground Pool
You have three options for how to drain an above ground pool: siphoning water with a garden hose, using a submersible pump, or using your pool’s drain adapter.
If you only need to partially drain your pool because you need to adjust your water chemistry, siphoning the water out with a garden hose is an easy option. However, if you need to completely drain a larger pool, you’ll want to use a sump pump to speed up the process.
Finally, if you’re draining a pool to store it during the winter months in a colder climate, you may want to use your pool’s built-in drain adapter (if there is one).
Here’s a step-by-step walk-through of each method.
How to Drain an Above Ground Pool Without A Pump: Garden Hose Siphon Method
If you’re only partially draining your pool or you don’t want to use a pump, you can use a garden hose to siphon out your pool water. It will take longer than using a pump, but this easy, DIY method means you won’t need to buy or rent any equipment.
The easiest way to create a siphon is by submerging the entire garden hose underwater and then removing one end of the hose out of the pool:
- Submerge the entire hose underwater in the pool. Hold both ends below the surface until the air bubbles stop. This means the hose is now full of water.
- Place your hand over one end of the hose. While keeping that end covered, pull that end of the hose out of the water.
- Place the end you’re holding on the ground at a lower level than the pool’s waterline. When you move your hand away, the water should start siphoning out. The hose on the outside of the pool needs to be lower than the water level in the pool. And make sure the end that’s in the water remains under the surface.
If your water level is too shallow for this method or you’re not getting a siphon, you can speed up the process by attaching your garden hose to your house’s spigot (or outdoor faucet).
How to Make a Garden Hose Siphon with a Spigot
- Connect one end of your garden hose to your spigot and place the other end in your pool. This setup is the same as if you were going to fill up your pool with water. Make sure the end of the garden hose that’s in the pool is secured or weighed down so it won’t pop out.
- Turn on the water. Water should be running through your hose and filling your pool.
- Once the hose is completely full of water, unscrew it from the spigot. Place that end of the hose on the ground and then turn off your spigot. This should create a siphon at this point and water should be draining from your pool out the hose. Just make sure this end of the hose is lower the water level in your pool.
Keep in mind that your hose siphon will get slower and slower as the water level decreases. If you have a larger above ground pool, it can take several days to complete the draining process. It’ll also leave an inch or two of water at the bottom of your pool liner. Any remaining water can be removed by a shop vac.
By the way, if you want more pool care tips like this one, check out our Pool Care Video Course.
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
How to Drain an Above Ground Pool With a Sump Pump
Using a submersible electric pump, a.k.a. a sump pump, to drain your pool is much quicker than using a garden hose. And if you need to drain your pool every winter, buying a sump pump can be a worthwhile investment. But you can also rent one from a local hardware store if it’s a one-time job and you want to save some money.
You’ll need:
Make sure the power cord of your sump pump is long enough to reach the bottom of the pool from the nearest outlet. While it is possible to use an extension cord, it needs to be heavy-duty enough to handle a sump pump.
- Attach the garden hose to your sump pump.
- Locate your house’s clean-out port. This is usually in the ground in your front yard near a water spigot. Open the clean-out port by unscrewing the cap. Unravel your garden hose and place it inside the port. Just keep in mind that your hose won’t be sanitary afterward.
- Place the sump pump underwater in the middle of your pool floor. Turn on the sump pump by plugging it in. Remember, try not to use an extension cord. At this point, water should be flowing through the hose.
- Monitor your water flow. Carefully watch the pump, hose, and power cords to make sure everything is running smoothly and that the water is properly draining into the clean-out port. Remember, never leave a sump pump running unmonitored.
- Turn off your pump once the water level is too low. Once the water level is low enough that the pump isn’t pushing water out, turn it off and take it out of the pool. It’s okay if you still have a few inches of water at the bottom. If you need to remove all of the water, use a shop vac.
How to Drain an Above Ground Pool With a Drain Adapter
If you have an Intex, Coleman, or other temporary above ground pool, your pool may have a drain adapter. This allows you to drain the pool faster if you have to take it down at the end of the season.
- Connect the drain plug to a garden hose before opening the value. Without a hose, the water will drain around and underneath the pool, softening the ground your pool sits on. You may need an adapter to connect your garden hose to your pool.
- Place the other end of the garden hose away from the pool. Be sure it’s not draining into a neighbor’s yard.
- Monitor the flow of water. Depending on how many gallons of water your pool holds, you may need to move your hose occasionally. Remember, your water shouldn’t be flowing into a storm drain.
How to Refill Your Above Ground Pool
If you’re making repairs or adding fresh water, don’t plan on leaving your pool empty or dry for too long. Sunlight and weather can damage the liner of an empty pool. So as soon as you’ve completed your repairs, start refilling your pool. Consider using multiple garden hoses to speed up the process.
Once the water reaches halfway up your skimmer, you can turn on your pool pump and filter again. Then retest and rebalance your water. If you need help figuring out the right chemistry levels for your pool, check out our guide on Basic Pool Chemistry 101.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Drain an Above Ground Pool
Looking for more help with draining your pool? Find answers to the most common questions here.
How long does it take to drain an above ground pool?
It can take anywhere from 8 to 14 hours to drain your pool, depending on how large it is and whether you use a garden hose or a sump pump. Do not leave a sump pump unattended as you drain.
What’s the fastest way to drain an above ground pool?
Using a submersible pump is the fastest way to drain your pool. It acts like a vacuum to remove water quickly, but you’ll need to monitor it while it’s running. A garden hose siphon is another option for draining out water, but it will take much longer.
How often do I need to drain an above ground pool?
It is rare that you will ever have to completely drain an above-ground pool, unless you take it down every year for the winter. Otherwise, most minor leaks and liner repairs can be done while there is still water in the pool. However, if your cyanuric acid or Total Dissolved Solid levels are too high, you’ll need to partially drain and replace your water.
How do I drain my above ground pool without a pump?
You can drain your above ground swimming pool using a regular garden hose and creating a siphon. It will just take much longer than using a sump pump and the siphon will start to slow down as your pool’s water level gets low.
Can I drain my pool with my pool pump?
Never use your pool pump to drain an above ground pool. You’ll pull air into the suction line, which can damage or burn up your pump. Always use a submersible pump to drain an above ground swimming pool.
Need More Pool Maintenance Help?
- Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
- Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
- Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.
The post How to Drain an Above Ground Pool (Even Without a Pump) appeared first on Swim University®.
The best pool cleaner you can get is a robotic pool cleaner. You can’t beat the convenience of simply dropping an automatic cleaner into your pool without running your filter system.
You’ll find a few robotic cleaners for less than $500, but most cost between $500 and $1,000. While the inexpensive models will get the job done, premium models have convenient features like waterline scrubbing, remote controls, and programmable cleaning cycles.
But how do pool owners choose the best robotic pool cleaner? What features do you need to look for? What do you need to know before you buy one?
The Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for Inground Pools
DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Cleaner
Ideal for swimming pools up to 50 feet. Cleans large pools in just 2 hours. Includes dual scrubbing brushes and a built-in schedule using 3 settings: every day, every other day, or every 3rd day.
This cleaner continues to dominate and remains the king of robotic pool cleaners in our opinion.
Instead of relying on random patterns to navigate your pool, this robotic cleaner scans your pool to optimize its path around your pool floor and walls.
The Dolphin Nautilus has dual scrubbing brushes which provide more friction to pick up both large and small debris. It works best in pools up to 50 feet long, and the cord has swiveling technology to keep it from getting tangled. The filters are also simple to remove, empty, rinse, and reload.
The Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above Ground Pools
Dolphin E10 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above Grounds
Designed for above ground swimming pools up to 30 feet. It takes less than 2 hours to clean your pool with built-in water filtering and scrubbing.
The Dolphin e10 pool cleaner not only looks cool, but it’s also affordable too! It takes all the power of an inground robotic pool cleaner and puts it in a smaller package that’ll clean your entire pool in two hours or less.
And Dolphin cleaners are super energy efficient. The average operating costs are about $0.05 an hour.
NOTE: These automatic robotic pool cleaners are available to buy on either Amazon and InTheSwim.com. Check both sites for availability. All the links are affiliate links which means if you click a link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. It helps us keep the lights on 
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
How Does A Robotic Pool Cleaner Work?
These powerful little machines pick up debris of all sizes. Even better, they don’t attach to your pool circulation system at all, so they don’t rely on your pool filter. They run on good, old electricity. That’s right—you plug them in, and then put them in the water. Sounds counterintuitive, right?
They run on very low voltage, so they’re submersible. They have very long power cords that can only be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. Those are the outlets that will automatically shut off if any electrical imbalance is detected, so you won’t get shocked.
Some models are also “double insulated,” which means they’re designed to work safely without the grounding prong plug. However, for safety’s sake, it’s best if you plug those into a GFCI outlet too.
A robotic pool cleaner drives around your pool, scrubbing the walls and floor with little brushes and vacuuming up everything from silt to acorns. Most models will clean your pool floor and walls, while some can even scrub the waterline around your pool. Because they’re not hooked into your filter system. Robotic cleaners have a filter bag or built-in cartridge for debris collection.
BONUS: Robotic Pool Cleaners also improve water circulation and act as a second filter to your pool. As water is pulled into the cleaner, debris is collected into a bag that can filter the water down to 2 microns for a really clean pool.
Why Robotic Cleaners Are Better Than Pressure-Side and Suction-Side Pool Cleaners
Suction-Side Pool Cleaners attach to your pool skimmer. It uses the suction of your pump and filter to power the cleaner around your pool and pick up debris from the floor. These are the least expensive of the automatic pool cleaners. But because they rely on your filter system, a lot can go wrong if you’re not around to watch it.
Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners (like a Polaris 360 or Polaris 65) attach to one of the return jets in your pool. They use water pressure from your pump and filter to move the cleaner around your pool. It also creates a water vortex vacuum to pull debris into its own filter bag. This cleaner also relies on your filtration system, but at least it has its own filter bag, so a lot less can go wrong.
Robotic pool cleaners are the best of both cleaners. They clean your pool without the use of your filter system. And they use suction instead of pressure and collect dirt and debris in its own filter bag inside.
If you wanna learn more about all the different types of automatic pool cleaners, when you use them, and which one will work best for your pool, invest in our pool maintenance video course. Not only does it include lessons on automatic pool cleaners, but it’ll also show you how to master pool chemistry, cleaning, and troubleshooting.
The 10 Best Features to Look For in a Robotic Pool Cleaner
1. Lightweight
While the size of a pool cleaner doesn’t matter, the weight does. Sure, the bigger the pool the bigger the robot, but you need to make sure you can lift it to get it in and out of the pool. If the pool cleaner is too heavy, you’ll have a hard time caring for it—and your pool—without a little help.
2. Wide Tires and Four Wheel Drive
No, you won’t be taking it off-roading. But a pool cleaner can’t do its job if it can’t get around your pool. We recommend four-wheel drive and wide tires made of rubber—not plastic—so the cleaner can easily get over bumps and won’t have any trouble navigating slippery surfaces along the sides and bottom of your pool.
3. Swivel Cord
Unfortunately, you can’t escape the need for cords with a pool cleaner. Because it’ll be moving around your pool and climbing vertical walls and even stairs, the cord can easily tangle, keeping the cleaner from moving. A swivel cord can help prevent tangles and give your robotic pool cleaner the freedom of movement it needs.
4. High-Quality Brushes
Removing the dirt and debris from your pool is hard work, and pool cleaners accomplish it with brushes. We recommend hard-bristle brushes or rotating rubber brushes that can scrub dirt from almost any surface in your pool.
5. Programmable Timer
The whole point of a pool cleaner is to make your life easier. If you have to go out and start it every time you want it to run, it takes away the automation and ease of use. The best cleaners come with programmable timers so you can set it and forget it. Just don’t forget to clean it out once in awhile. Even a cleaner needs to be cleaned!
6. Climbing Ability
Ideally, you want a robotic pool cleaner that’s good at climbing. The best ones can easily climb the sides of your pool, clean the waterline, and even climb your pool’s stairs (if you have them) to do a thorough job.
7. Deflecting Features and Sensors
One of the most frustrating things about robotic pool cleaners is that they can get stuck in corners from time to time. Some of them come with deflecting features that help prevent the robot from getting stuck in a corner or on other obstacles.
8. Efficient Pool Cleaning Cycles
Every pool cleaner has a different pool cleaning cycle, with some lasting longer than others. Ideally, you want one that can clean your pool as quickly and efficiently as possible while still doing a good job. Some cleaners come with multiple cycles for different levels of pool cleaning.
9. Durability
Pool cleaners can be expensive, so you’ll want one made from high-quality materials that will last. Eventually, you may have to repair it, but you shouldn’t need to do that for at least a few swimming seasons. Read your warranty before using your cleaner so you know what to do if it fails.
10. Energy Efficiency
The size of your pool cleaner will determine how much energy it uses. You can expect smaller cleaners to consume around 200 watts of power per hour. Larger units will use more, but try to avoid models that use more than 1,000 watts per hour as they’ll cost more to operate over time.
How to Use a Robotic Pool Vacuum
- After assembling your cleaner, plug it into a GFCI outlet.
- Select your preferred pool cleaning settings. These options will vary by model, but some common modes include Bottom Only and Waterline Only.
- Bring your robotic cleaner to the halfway point of your pool length to reduce cable tangling.
- Submerge the cleaner, gently shifting it from side to side, allowing all air to escape.
- Turn on your pool cleaner, and let it sink to the bottom of the pool. Important: Do not turn your cleaner on before submerging it as it can damage the machine. Also, remember to turn it off before removing it from the water.
- During its first wall-cleaning cycle, watch to be sure your cleaner is able to fully climb your pool walls. If not, you’ll need to make adjustments per the manufacturer’s suggestions.
- Always remove your cleaner after it’s finished working. Lift it from the pool, allowing all the water to drain out before storing it.
How Long Do Robotic Pool Cleaners Last?
Once you find the best pool cleaner for you, make sure to take good care of it. It’s the only way to avoid an eventual robot uprising. Oh, wait—different kind of robot.
But taking care of your machine will keep it running well so it can do its job for a good, long time. Always read any instructions that come with the device before you let it loose in your pool. At the very least, perform some general care to keep it functioning well.
- Take the cleaner out of your pool once its cycle is complete. It’ll help preserve the motor and make your pool a safer place to swim.
- Drain the cleaner of water according to manufacturer instructions.
- Wash your pool cleaner after every use. That means checking the brushes and wheels for debris as well as emptying and rinsing the filter.
- Keep an eye on the wear of your brushes, and replace them when they get worn down. Think of it as getting a new toothbrush for your swimming pool.
- Store your cleaner out of direct sunlight.
- If you notice the cord becomes kinked over time, wrap it in the opposite direction than you usually do when storing.
- Replace worn brushes promptly to ensure optimal cleaning power.
Caring for your cleaner doesn’t have to be hard. Some minor maintenance pales in comparison to the hours of cleaning it’ll save you.
Robotic Pool Cleaner Troubleshooting Tips
- Any type of issue: First check that it’s plugged in tightly, and that the power cord has no damage.
- If the cleaner gets stuck: Check the brushes, drive tracks, and impellers for lodged debris.
- If your machine doesn’t seem to be moving properly: Lift it partially out of the water to see whether the unit is sucking water as it should. If it’s not, you may need to have it professionally repaired (one of the few times in life you’ll need to fix something because it doesn’t suck).
Are Robotic Pool Cleaners Worth It?
Bottom Line: Yes! Robotic pool cleaners are 100% worth the investment. It’ll be the best money you ever spent on your swimming pool.
Any automatic swimming pool cleaner should be able to clean your pool within about three hours, depending on your pool’s size. Its performance can be affected significantly by routine maintenance, such as keeping filters clean and valve settings optimized.
Even if you check every element of your cleaner after every use, the time and work involved in keeping it in tip-top shape will be insignificant compared to the time you’re currently spending bent over your poolside, scrubbing with a brush.
The only thing you’ve got to lose by investing in an automatic pool cleaner is that pain in your back.
Happy Swimming!
The post The Best Robotic Pool Cleaners appeared first on Swim University®.
The best option for pool owners on a budget is a suction pool cleaner. This type of cleaner hooks up to your skimmer or dedicated suction line. It rolls around your pool cleaning up debris, sending it through your pool’s filtration system. It will pick up mostly medium debris, but some models can be set to pick up silt and small debris too.
You can usually buy a suction-side cleaner for somewhere between $100 and $400. While they cost a little less to own and operate, remember they rely on your pool filter to clean the water. This means you may find yourself spending a bit more time cleaning your filter.
NOTE: The following automatic suction-side pool cleaners are available to buy on either Amazon and InTheSwim.com. Check both sites for availability. All the links are affiliate links which means if you click a link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. It helps us keep the lights on
The Best Suction Pool Cleaner for an Inground Pool: Kreepy Krauly
Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Automatic Inground Pool Cleaner
It connects directly to your pool filter system and includes 32 ft. of hose. It’s powerful, balanced, and doesn’t have any hammering noises (common in other suction-side pool cleaners) for quiet operation.
The Kreepy Krauly is a well-known and highly respected automatic vacuum in the pool industry. Its unique cleaning function was invented by a South African hydraulics engineer named Ferdinand Chauvier. The first version of the cleaner was launched in 1976 and was an immediate success.
This modern automatic pool cleaner has a built-in navigation system that guides the unit throughout the entire pool – from the water line to the wall and to the bottom of the pool. And an automatic valve regulates water flow control the travel speed for thorough cleaning.
It’ll even clean around steps and ladders. And the wings help grab leaves, dirt, and large debris.
The Best Suction Pool Cleaner for an Above Ground Pool: Kreepy Krauly
Pentair Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac Suction-Side Above Ground Pool Cleaner
This Kreepy Krauly pool vacuum attaches directly to your pool skimmer line and is powered by your pool’s pump, using an internal free skimming valve to automatically regulate water flow, ensuring the unit is cleaning at the proper speed.
The Kreep Krauly E-Z Vac is the little brother and more affordable version for above ground and some Intex pools. It works exactly the same way as in the inground version.
It has only moving part (the flapper). No wheels or gears to fix over time. And it has the same valve to automatically regulate water flow to control speed for a more thorough, but random cleaning pattern.
And while there are a lot of brands to choose from including Hayward and Zodiac, we feel that the Pentair cleaners will be the best bang for your buck!
How Do Suction Pool Cleaners Work?
An automatic suction pool cleaner works the same way as your manual vacuum. It connects to your skimmer to create a siphon that sucks up dirt and large debris from the bottom of your swimming pool.
The cleaner moves on its own randomly around the pool. This is possible because it has a device that creates a start-and-stop pulsing effect which helps the cleaner to move.
Dirt and large debris are sucked up through the cleaner and into the hose which is connected to your skimmer.
What is the Difference Between a Suction and Pressure Pool Cleaner?
Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners attach to the return jet instead of the skimmer. So it uses the water flow coming from your filter system to power the cleaner.
They have a lot of moving parts including a drive belt, wheels, and a net to catch debris. It’s a self-contained cleaning unit and keeps the debris in a filter bag and doesn’t use your filter to clean. It only uses the clean water pressure from your pump.
Pressure-side cleaner tends to be a bit more expensive (especially if you need to add a booster pump) and can break more often because of all the moving parts. However, they’re better because they don’t require your filter to collect debris.
The best of both worlds is a robotic pool cleaner that runs completely independent of your filter system, uses suction instead of pressure, and collects all the dirt and debris into its own filter bag located inside the cleaner.
Buying Guide: What We Looked For In A Suction-Side Pool Cleaner
We put lots of automatic suction pool cleaners to the test over the years. And we’ve read thousands of customer reviews. Ultimately, we narrowed down our top picks to these key features.
Wall Climbing Ability
This was a must-have feature, especially for fiberglass, vinyl, and concrete inground swimming pools. With the price of a suction side cleaner being as high as even a robotic pool cleaner, this was important to nail down at this price range. We ruled out all cleaners that struggled with this.
Suction Power
Suction cleaners function identically to your manual vacuum. And with a manual pool vacuum, you have control over getting large debris at the bottom of your pool. So we made sure our top picks had this ability.
How Long Is The Hose And Can It Be Extended?
Another important feature for both inground and above ground pools so that our top picks would work for everyone. Even if the hose that comes with the cleaner isn’t long enough, we wanted to make sure you could easily add extensions. This also makes it easier to store.
Very Few Moving Parts
We tested a bunch of cleaners with a lot of moving parts. And even though they worked fine, they didn’t pass this test. Suction-side cleaners should be simple. And the simpler they are, the easier they are to fix and maintain.
Durability and Build
You don’t wanna spend upwards of $400 for an automatic pool cleaner just to have it break all the time. And besides the important factor of few moving parts, we looked for cleaners that we felt were made well and durable. Our goal is to recommend cleaners that will stand the test of time and hold up in even the harshest conditions.
How Do You Connect a Suction Pool Vacuum?
The setup comprises several steps, but once you’ve done it a few times, it’ll become second nature.
- Turn off your pump.
- Vacuum your pool, then clean your filter and pump basket.
- Run your pump for five minutes to clear the lines after cleaning, then shut it off again.
- Close your pool main drain line.
- Aim the return lines downward.
- Install the wall fitting to your return line or valve assembly inside the skimmer suction port.
- Lay the hose across your pool from the return line or skimmer to the farthest pool wall. Trim or remove sections of the hose to eliminate excess length.
- Attach the leader hose to the pool cleaner end of the hose.
- Submerge the hose, allowing it to fill with water.
- Submerge your automatic pool cleaner, so it will also fill with water.
- If your model has a flow regulator valve, install it on the hose now.
- Attach the leader hose to your pool cleaner.
- Allow your cleaner to sink to the pool floor, then turn on your pool pump and let your suction-side cleaner get to work.
Once your suction-side cleaner is hooked up to your skimmer, the power of the water being sucked through it will help it amble around your pool floor. Some suction-side cleaners will also climb walls, and some have wheels, while others have rubber disks that lay flat against your pool floor.
You can use your cleaner daily if you wish, but you’ll at least need to use it several times a week to keep your pool clean.
Suction-Side Pool Cleaner Maintenance
In addition to their bargain prices, the simple construction of suction-side cleaners makes them easy to care for.
- Empty your filter canister frequently, as it fills with debris from the vacuum.
- Some suction-side cleaners have in-line canisters to trap larger debris before it fills up your filter canister. If yours has one, be sure to empty it often as well.
- Check all inlets, brushes, and wheels for trapped debris after every use. Remove anything you find junking up the works. In some models, this will mean opening the body to access the engine, but don’t worry. It’s not like a car engine, just some little paddles that help suck up debris.
- Check and replace cleaning parts on your suction-side cleaner as needed. Depending on the design of your model, this could mean brushes, foot pads, and filters.
- Always store your pool cleaner hoses flat so they don’t develop kinks.
Note: Due to wide variations in design of suction-side cleaners, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the parts diagram and maintenance recommendations in your manual.
Suction Pool Vacuum Troubleshooting Tips
Something not quite right with your cleaner? You should be able to fix most issues on your own.
- The cleaner isn’t sitting on the pool floor correctly: Check the pressure. Hold your cleaner just below the pool surface with pump running. Depending on the model, you’ll either count wheel rotations or use a flow gauge. Adjust pressure if necessary per your pool cleaner’s specifications.
- The hose becomes kinked: Lay the hose in the sun for a day, or flush it with hot water to soften the plastic. Once it’s lying flat, store it flat so it doesn’t develop kinks again.
Storing an Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaner
When you close your pool, winter storage is a breeze. Disassemble all hoses and connectors. Drain all the water from the cleaner and hoses, then lay the hoses flat.
If you have a disc cleaner, lay the disc flat, too. Store the hoses and the cleaner out of direct sunlight.
Lifetime Extra Large Deck Storage Box
Perfect for storing pool maintenance equipment like cleaners, nets, brushes, hoses, and more. Also great protecting your pool gear from the sun and critters all year long.
Are Suction Pool Cleaners Any Good?
Like we said at the beginning, they’re the best automatic pool cleaner for anyone on a budget. While they have their drawbacks, using a suction side pool cleaner is better than not having an automatic pool cleaner at all.
Bottom line: we highly recommend investing in an automatic pool cleaner. And if you’re looking just to get started or have a tight budget to work with, we think you’ll be happy with our top picks for suction side pool cleaners for inground and above ground swimming pools.
Happy Swimming!
The post The Best Suction Pool Cleaner appeared first on Swim University®.
Pressure-side cleaners are available across a wide price range, with most models usually falling between $200 and $900.
NOTE: The following automatic pressure-side pool cleaners are available to buy on either Amazon and InTheSwim.com. Check both sites for availability. All the links are affiliate links which means if you click a link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. It helps us keep the lights on
The Best Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner for an Inground Pool: Polaris 360
Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Inground Pool Cleaner
The Polaris 360 automatic pool cleaner improves water circulation and helps mix chemicals and heat while it cleans the bottom and walls of your pool. It’s powerful enough to pick up larger items like leaves and pebbles, catching the debris in its own filter bag.
Polaris Cleaners are a trusted brand in the pool industry. And the Polaris 360 is the gold standard in pressure-side automatic cleaners. We chose this one specifically because it DOES NOT require a booster pump and perfect for all inground pools of any size and shape.
The Polaris 360 includes three jets to create the water vortex that vacuums up medium and large debris (see diagram below). It comes with a 31-foot hose and single chamber filter bag. Plus a backup valve that automatically frees the pool cleaner if it gets cornered so it keeps cleaning without interruption.
The Best Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner for an Above Ground Pool: Polaris 65
Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner for Above Ground Pools
Connects to the pressure side of your pool and uses a patented jet sweep assembly to loosen and remove dirt and other particles from hard-to-reach places. It also has a trailing all-purpose debris bag that scoops up some of the larger items that are blasted loose from the pool floor.
Again, Polaris tops our list for above ground pools. The Polaris 65 is the most unique cleaner on the market. This simple floating spaceship design moves back and forth across the surface of your pool. Then, using water pressure, it has a long 6-foot hose attached to a filter bag that descends to the bottom of your pool sweeping medium and large debris.
You’ll be surprised by how well and fast this cleaner works. And it has very few moving parts, so it’s easy to fix and maintenance when needed — which is rare.
How Do Pressure Pool Cleaners Work?
Pressure-side pool cleaners hook up to a return jet in your pool and use water pressure from the filter system to propel itself through your pool and vacuum using a water vortex.
Pressure-side pool cleaners have wheels, a filter bag, a sweep hose, and a return-jet hose. They’re great at picking up medium and large debris.
The cleaner moves on its own randomly around the pool. If it gets stuck anywhere, most come with a backup valve. The valve kicks on every so often, stopping water flow to the cleaner and instead, blasting all the water through a tiny jet on the side of the valve. This produces a burst of force that shoves the cleaner to a new location so you can get on with your life and not worry about whether your pool cleaner is doing its job.
What’s the Difference Between Pressure-Side and Suction-Side Pool Cleaners?
Suction-Side Pool Cleaners attach to the skimmer. And it uses the suction power of your filter system to move the cleaner and pick up debris from your pool.
Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners attach to the return jet. They use the water pressure from your filter system to power the cleaner and create a water vortex to pull debris into its own filter bag.
A robotic pool cleaner is the best of both cleaners. They clean your pool without the use of your filter system. They use suction instead of pressure and collect dirt and debris in its own filter bag inside.
Buying Guide: 5 Key Features We Looked For In A Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner
We put lots of automatic pressure pool cleaners to the test over the years. And we’ve read thousands of customer reviews. Ultimately, we narrowed down our top picks to these features.
1. Wall Climbing Ability
This was a must-have feature for fiberglass, vinyl, and concrete inground swimming pools. We even noted if it climbed and cleaned stairs.
2. Does It Require A Booster Pump?
Some pools won’t have quite enough water pressure to run certain pressure-side cleaners. If you choose a cleaner that needs a lot of oomph, you may also need a booster pump that hooks into your pool’s filter system boosts the water pressure.
Note: If you must use a booster pump, we recommend having a professional install it. It’s a little more complicated than just the pool cleaner.
3. Does It Have a Backup Valve?
Many pressure-side automatic pool cleaners have this simple-looking little doodad that helps redirect your pool cleaner so it will clean the entirety of your pool, rather than spend a few hours stuck by your stairs.
4. How Long Is The Hose And Can It Be Extended?
Another important feature for both inground and above ground pools so that our top picks would work for everyone. Even if the hose that comes with the cleaner isn’t long enough, we wanted to make sure you could easily add extensions. This also makes it easier to store.
5. Durability and Build
You don’t wanna invest in an automatic pool cleaner just to have it break constantly. We looked for cleaners that we felt were made well and durable. Our goal is to recommend cleaners that will stand the test of time and hold up in even the harshest conditions.
Plus, many local pool dealers have the ability to repair Polaris pool cleaners since they’re so popular. You won’t have trouble finding any parts to keep your cleaner for a very long time.
How to Install and Use a Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner
Once installed, your pool pump pushes water through a hose to jets located underneath the pool cleaner and along with the sweep hose. These concentrated streams of water work to move the cleaner along while also loosening debris and pushing it up into the filter bag. Fine particles will flow through the filter bag and get cleaned out in the pool filtration system.
This process is very similar to the installation and use of a suction-side cleaner, just opposite in some ways as it works at the end of the circulation cycle rather than the beginning.
- Clean your pool filter.
- Flush your return line by turning your pump on for five minutes, then back off again.
- Install a universal wall fitting into your dedicated return line or a return jet.
- Trim the leader hose so its length equals the deepest part of your pool.
- Screw the leader hose into the wall fitting. Note: The leader hose is installed on the opposite end from suction-side pool cleaner installation.
- Attach the leader hose to the feed hose.
- Extend the feed hose across the pool surface to the farthest pool edge from the return line. If it extends far past the pool edge, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for trimming the hose. Typically, you’ll cut equal amounts from each section when making adjustments.
- Ensure all feed hose floats are evenly spaced.
- Connect the feed hose to the pool cleaner.
- Secure the filter bag per the instructions for your model.
- Prime your pool pump. If you’re using a booster pump, turn it on next.
Important: Measure rotations per minute (RPMs) of the cleaner’s wheels to ensure they’re within the range recommended for your model. If your pressure-side pool cleaner’s wheels rotate too slowly, the cleaner won’t get around the pool well. If they’re rotating too quickly, the cleaner will lift off the floor, and won’t be able to vacuum properly. Ideal RPMs vary by model, so consult your manual before continuing.
- Using a marker, put a small line on one tire.
- Turn the cleaner on, and submerge it just below the pool surface.
- Set a timer for one minute.
- Count one tire rotation each time your mark passes the starting point.
- When the minute is up, compare the RPMs you counted to the manual to ensure the total falls somewhere within the recommended range.
- If it doesn’t, adjust as necessary, and repeat the test until you achieve a good number of RPMs.
Now your pressure-side cleaner is ready to roll! Use it at least twice a week, or as often as needed.
How to Maintain a Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner
Though they save you a lot of manual labor, you’ll still need to take a few practical steps to ensure your pool cleaner lives a full life. Keeping it clean is pretty simple, and routine maintenance will keep your pressure-side pool cleaner operating at peak performance.
- Carefully remove the filter bag, and allow it to dry out of direct sunlight. Once the debris inside has fully dried, you can easily dump it out.
- If the filter bag looks clogged up, give it a good spray with a hose before reattaching it to the pool cleaner. Tip: Alternate between two bags for hassle-free cleaning.
- Open the filter assembly. Remove the in-line filter, and wash it out with water.
- Secure the filter back inside the assembly.
- Check your sweep hose for debris, and hose it down when necessary.
- Clear the openings on the end of your sweep hose and in the body of the cleaner as needed. It’s a good idea to check these areas after each use.
- Ensure snug hose connections by gently hand tightening, if possible. Avoid over-tightening, which can strip the connectors.
Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner Troubleshooting Tips
Every once in a while, your pool cleaner may not work exactly the way it’s supposed to. You can fix most problems pretty easily.
- RPMs are outside the optimal range: Make adjustments per the manufacturer’s specifications. This may involve removing or adding flow restrictors, adjusting the in-line flow, cleaning your in-line filter, or cleaning your pool filter system components.
- The pool cleaner isn’t getting around the pool the way it should: Most models let you adjust the thrust jet to add or remove some power.
- The pool cleaner is spraying water outside your pool, or moving too rapidly: Adjust your sweep hose per your model’s specifications. The sweep hose should gently swish back and forth behind your pool cleaner, not flail wildly like a tube man.
- The backup valve isn’t working properly: Lift the cleaner out of the water. Wait to see if water sprays out of the valve every few minutes. If it doesn’t, you may need to replace the valve, or have your cleaner professionally serviced.
Storing a Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner
Closing your pool for the winter? Rinse the cleaner off, clean the filter and filter bag, then allow everything to dry. Store the pool cleaner and all its parts and accessories out of direct sunlight.
Lifetime Extra Large Deck Storage Box
Perfect for storing pool maintenance equipment like cleaners, nets, brushes, hoses, and more. Also great protecting your pool gear from the sun and critters all year long.
Are Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners Any Good?
Bottom line: we highly recommend investing in an automatic pool cleaner. And if you’re not ready to invest in a robotic pool cleaner, a pressure pool cleaner is your next best option. You’ll be happy with our top picks for inground and above ground swimming pools.
Happy Swimming!
The post The Best Pressure Side Pool Cleaner appeared first on Swim University®.
Your filter is one of the main components in keeping your pool clean, so it also needs to be kept clean. But maybe you’re new to pool maintenance. Or maybe you just got a new type of filter. Whatever the case, knowing how to clean a pool filter is an essential part of owning a pool.
But as long as you have the right equipment, enough time, and the desire to swim in a clean, clear pool (and who doesn’t want that?!), cleaning your pool filter will be a snap.
How to Clean a Pool Filter Depends on the Filter
Depending on the type of pool filter you have—cartridge, sand, or diatomaceous earth (D.E.)—the proper cleaning method will vary.
Just make sure you have the proper equipment on hand for your type of filter, and then set aside some time to make sure it’s done properly. A dirty filter makes for a dirty pool.
How to Clean a Cartridge Pool Filter
This is an easy type of filter to clean. That’s because with a cartridge filter, you can most often simply pull out the cartridge, clean it, and replace it.
Still, you’ll need to follow a few (OK, maybe more than a few) steps to make sure it’s done right. You’ll also need some equipment.
What You Need
- Garden hose
- Spray nozzle
- Filter cleaner
- 5-gallon bucket, if needed
- O-ring Lubricant
- Replacement O-Ring, if needed
- Replacement filter cartridge, if needed
- Owner’s manual, just in case
Once you have all the supplies you’ll need, set aside some time to clean the pool filter. The process may even extend overnight, depending on how dirty the cartridge is.
- Turn off the pool pump and the filter system.
- Remove air from the system. Turn the air relief valve (usually located on top of the filter) slowly to remove any excess air from the system.
- Remove the clamps (or other latching mechanisms) holding the filter together. If you’re unsure how to open it, check the owner’s manual.
- Remove the top of the filter.
- Slowly and carefully remove the cartridge and set it aside. Inspect it for damage and wear. If you find any cracks or tears, or it’s past the point where cleaning will be effective, it’s time to replace the cartridge.
- Clean the cartridge: Use a spray nozzle on your garden hose to spray down the cartridge, making sure to get between the pleats. If the cartridge is really dirty, use a filter cleaner. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If the cartridge is really dirty, soak the cartridge in filter cleaner overnight. Use a 5-gallon bucket, and make sure the cartridge is completely covered with the water and cleaner mixture.
- Check the O-ring on the filter tank. If it’s in good shape, lightly apply some lubricant to keep it that way. If it’s dry-rotted or appears worn out, replace it.
- Rinse the cartridge thoroughly.
- Return the cartridge to the filter, and secure it in place.
- Replace the filter top and close the clamps.
- Turn the system back on, and open the air relief valve to release any excess air in the system. Keep the valve open until a steady stream of water sprays from it.
- Check the system pressure to be sure it’s in normal range. If the pounds per square inch (PSI) is off, you may have put the filter back together incorrectly, or something else may be wrong with the system. Troubleshoot the pool filter to identify and correct the problem.
How to Clean a Sand Pool Filter
This is a little more involved, but don’t let cleaning a sand filter intimidate you to the point where you don’t do it as often as you should. It’ll only make the task more difficult when you do get around to it.
You have two options here. You can backwash the sand filter, which you’ll need to do whenever it reaches 10 psi over the normal operating level. It may also be time to clean the filter if you start to notice cloudy pool water.
But at least once a year, you need to chemically clean your sand filter. To do this, you’ll need a couple of supplies.
What You Need
- Backwash hose
- Sand filter cleaner
- Owner’s manual, just in case
In The Swim Liquid Pool Sand Filter Cleaner – 1 qt.
If you thought cleaning a cartridge filter was easy, just wait until you clean a sand filter!
- Backwash the filter for 3 to 5 minutes to remove debris.
- Turn off the pump, and turn the valve to Filter.
- Remove the pump’s strainer lid.
- Pour sand filter cleaner into the strainer basket, and replace the lid.
- Turn the pump on for about 15 seconds, just long enough to transfer the cleaner from the pump to the filter.
- Turn off the pump, and leave it off for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
- Backwash the filter for 3 to 5 minutes again to remove dirt and debris dislodged by the filter cleaner.
- Turn the filter system back on.
If you don’t already have a sand filter, you may want to consider investing in one. The time you’ll save in cleaning is time you can spend enjoying your pool.
How to Clean a D.E. Pool Filter
This combines the processes of cleaning a cartridge filter and a sand filter. You can chemically clean a D.E. filter, almost like you would a cartridge.
Or you can backwash a D.E. filter, and just like the sand filter, it’s time to do that when the filter’s gauge reads 10 psi above the normal operating level. Cloudy water can also be an indicator that the filter needs a good cleaning. Aside from those indicators, it’s a good idea to clean your D.E. filter at least once a month.
What You Need
- Backwash hose
- Garden hose
- D.E. filter cleaner
- O-ring Lubricant
- 5-gallon bucket
- Diatomaceous earth powder
- Muriatic acid (optional)
- Safety goggles (if using muriatic acid)
- Acid-resistant gloves (if using muriatic acid)
- Owner’s manual, just in case
Cleaning with D.E. Filter Cleaner
This is the quicker, easier, and less dangerous cleaning method.
- Backwash the filter for 3 to 5 minutes to remove debris.
- Turn the pump off.
- Open the air relief valve.
- Remove the drain plug, and let the water drain out of the filter tank.
- Remove the clamps (or other latching mechanisms) holding the filter together. If you’re unsure how to open it, check the owner’s manual.
- Open the filter tank.
- Remove the filter manifold, and take out all the grids.
- Rinse out the tank with the garden hose.
- Clean the manifold: Use a spray nozzle on your garden hose to spray down the manifold, making sure to thoroughly flush the grids of all debris. If the manifold is really dirty, use a D.E. filter cleaner. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If the manifold is really dirty, you may want to soak it overnight in a muriatic acid solution.
- Use a garden hose to rinse the filter grids, flushing out all debris, including the D.E. powder.
- Place the grids back into the filter tank.
Cleaning with Muriatic Acid
We recommend using this method if your filter is so filthy that regular filter cleaner isn’t enough. And if you use this method, do so sparingly. Once a year is plenty.
Important: The acid in muriatic acid is exactly that. It’s caustic, and can cause injury if you’re not careful. Take all the precautions necessary to protect yourself, and anyone else who may be around while you’re cleaning your filter.
- Backwash the filter for 3 to 5 minutes to remove debris.
- Turn the pump off.
- Open the air relief valve.
- Remove the drain plug, and let the water drain out of the filter tank.
- Remove the clamps (or other latching mechanisms) holding the filter together. If you’re unsure how to open it, check the owner’s manual.
- Open the filter tank.
- Remove the filter manifold, and take out all the grids.
- Rinse out the tank with the garden hose.
- Clean the manifold: Use a spray nozzle on your garden hose to spray down the manifold, making sure to thoroughly flush the grids of all debris. Put on the safety goggles and acid-resistant gloves. We also recommend you wear long sleeves, pants, and closed shoes. Dilute the muriatic acid with water in a 5-gallon bucket. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution. Place the manifold in the bucket, ensuring it’s completely covered with the diluted solution. Allow it to soak overnight.
- Use a garden hose to rinse the filter grids, flushing out all debris, including the D.E. powder.
- Place the grids back into the filter tank.
- Run the pool pump for at least 30 minutes to allow the D.E. to distribute evenly over the filter grids.
How to Add D.E. Powder to The Filter
- Refer to your filter owner’s manual to determine how much D.E. powder you’ll need to add.
- Prime the pool pump.
- Remove the strainer basket lid.
- Fill the basket with water, and allow some water to run through the incoming line.
- Lubricate the O-ring inside the tank.
- Replace the filter lid, and tighten the clamps or bolts to secure it.
- Open the air relief valve to release excess air from the filter tank.
- Turn on the pool pump.
- Close the air relief valve when water starts coming out.
- Mix the appropriate amount of D.E powder with enough water to make a slurry, which is a thin, creamy solution.
- Make sure the pump is running.
- Pour the slurry directly into the pool skimmer.
- Run the pool pump for at least 30 minutes to allow the D.E. to distribute evenly over the filter grids.
If you’ve been wondering how to clean a pool filter, wonder no more! Keep the supplies on hand so you’re always ready to clean the filter the minute you notice it’s not working as well as it should.
And more than having clean pool water, keeping your filter clean will also help it run longer and more efficiently, saving you money, energy, and time. The longer you keep your filter in good working condition, the longer you can wait to replace it, and the more you can focus on enjoying your pool.
Happy Swimming!
The post How to Clean a Pool Filter (Sand, Cartridge, D.E.) appeared first on Swim University®.
Before you bought a pool filter, the word backwash probably meant something kind of gross to you, right? Well, when it comes to pools, it has a literal meaning. And it’s something good.
Your pool is only as clean as your filter is. The good news is, when you backwash a pool, cleaning the filter doesn’t always entail taking it apart and washing every little crevice.
Why Backwash a Pool Filter?
So we’re talking about how to backwash a pool filter here, but a lot of people often use the shorthand of just “backwash a pool.” You know what we mean, right? Of course you do.
You also know you have to keep your pool filter clean. But when it comes to how to clean a pool filter, why is backwashing a good method?
As pool water passes through your diatomaceous earth (D.E.) or sand filter, it leaves behind dirt, oils, and other debris, which are collected in the filter medium—either D.E. powder or sand.
Over time, as water continues to pass in just one direction, the filter medium will become clogged, which will reduce your filter’s effectiveness. When you backwash a pool, you send water backward through the filter, and out the waste or drain port. This forces all the debris caught in the filter to dislodge so you can easily remove it and restore the filter’s normal functioning level.
Think of it like using a strainer in your kitchen sink. Bits of food can get stuck along the bottom of the strainer, and the only way to get them out is to turn the strainer over and run water through it from the opposite direction.
Backwashing a pool works on the same principle. While backwashing generally works the same way regardless of the type of pool filter, the procedures do vary a bit.
How to Backwash a Sand Filter
Can you imagine if you had to remove the sand and wash it? How messy would that be?! Luckily, when you learn how to backwash a sand filter, you quickly realize it’s a much easier process. The sand never leaves the filter.
Before you get started, you’ll need just one item.
What You Need
Heavy Duty Pool Backwash and Drainage Hose with Clamp
When backwashing your pool filter, use this easy-to-roll up and store backwash hose.
How to Backwash Using a Multiport Valve
This is a pretty straightforward process.
- Attach the backwash hose to the waste or backwash port.
- Turn the filter system off.
- Turn the multiport valve to Backwash.
- Turn the filter system back on.
- Let the water run out of the backwash port and through the backwash hose for about a minute, or until the water runs clear
- Turn the filter system off.
- Turn the multiport valve to Rinse.
- Turn the filter system back on.
- Rinse the filter for about 30 seconds.
- Turn the filter system off.
- Turn the multiport valve to Filter.
Important: Never turn the multiport valve handle while the pool filter is on and running. This could cause the rubber diverter gasket inside the valve to come loose or break, which will in turn cause water to leak out of the wrong ports while it’s running.
Hayward S244T ProSeries Top-Mount Sand Filter – 24 in.
How to Backwash a D.E. Filter
Before you get started, you’ll need a few supplies.
What You Need
- Backwash hose
- Diatomaceous earth powder
- One-pound D.E. scoop (or empty one-pound coffee can)
Diatomaceous Earth Powder (for D.E. Filters)
Filter media for backwashing and cleaning D.E. pool filters.
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
It’s a white powder composed of fossilized skeletons of one-celled organisms called diatoms. The powder is added to the filter and attaches itself to the grids inside creating a D.E. “cake.”
This cake, along with the filter grids inside, helps to filter out very fine particles.
How Much D.E. Powder Will You Need?
This will vary depending on the type and size of filter you have. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific information.
In any case, D.E. powder is measured in pounds, so use a one-pound D.E. scoop to make measuring easy. In a pinch, you can also use an empty one-pound coffee can.
How to Backwash with a Multiport Valve
You’ll want to set aside a little time to do this, but don’t worry. It’s not an arduous task that’s going to take all day.
- Turn off the filter system.
- Connect the backwash hose to the filter’s waste port.
- Turn the multiport valve to Backwash. If you have a push/pull valve, open the backwash gate.
- Turn the filter system back on, and let it run for about two minutes. This will allow pool water to flow out of the backwash valve or port.
- Turn the filter system off.
- Turn the multiport valve to Rinse, turn the system back on, and let it run for about another minute.
- Turn the filter system off.
- Turn the multiport valve back to Filter.
- Add D.E. powder to the filter.
- Refer to your filter owner’s manual to determine how much D.E. powder you’ll need to add.
- Prime the pool pump.
- Remove the strainer basket lid.
- Fill the basket with water, and allow some water to run through the incoming line.
- Turn on the pool pump.
- Mix the appropriate amount of D.E powder with enough water to make a slurry, which is a thin, creamy solution.
- Make sure the pump is running.
- Pour the slurry directly into the pool skimmer.
- Run the pool pump for at least 30 minutes to allow the D.E. to distribute evenly over the filter grids.
Important: Never turn the multiport valve handle while the pool filter is on and running. This could cause the rubber diverter gasket inside the valve to come loose or break, which will in turn cause water to leak out of the wrong ports while it’s running.
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How to Backwash with a Push/Pull Valve
This procedure differs only slightly from the multiport valve process.
- Turn off the filter system.
- Connect the backwash hose to the filter’s backwash port.
- Open the backwash gate.
- Turn the filter system back on, and let it run for about three minutes. This will allow pool water to flow out of the backwash port.
- Turn the filter system off.
- Close the push/pull valve.
- Add D.E. powder to the filter.
- Refer to your filter owner’s manual to determine how much D.E. powder you’ll need to add.
- Prime the pool pump.
- Remove the strainer basket lid.
- Fill the basket with water, and allow some water to run through the incoming line.
- Turn on the pool pump.
- Mix the appropriate amount of D.E powder with enough water to make a slurry, which is a thin, creamy solution.
- Make sure the pump is running.
- Pour the slurry directly into the pool skimmer.
- Run the pool pump for at least 30 minutes to allow the D.E. to distribute evenly over the filter grids.
Pentair 188592 Quad Cartridge Style D.E. Pool Filter – 60 sq. ft. – 120 GPM
When to Backwash a Pool
When you first set up your filter, whether it’s sand or D.E., take note of the pressure gauge reading. That’s your normal operating filter pressure. Over time, as the filter starts to accumulate dirt and debris, pressure will begin to build up because the water can’t flow as freely through it.
When the pressure gauge reads 10 pounds per square inch (psi) above the normal operating level, it’s time to backwash. If it reads more than 10 psi over the normal level, it’s really time to backwash.
While you could backwash before the pressure reaches the 10 psi over normal mark, we recommend waiting. Yes, your filter functions better when it’s not clogged. But before it gets to the fully clogged point, the presence of small dirt and debris actually helps your sand or D.E. filter work a little better.
Those tiny bits of debris help to catch and stop other tiny bits of debris from getting through the filter medium, and making it back into the pool water.
So, a clean filter is good. A slightly dirty filter is better. A clogged filter is bad, and needs a backwashing.
How to Dispose of Filter Backwash Water
Every time you backwash your pool filter, you could be pulling hundreds of gallons of water from your pool. Where is all that water going to go? Into your yard? The street? The creek behind your house?
None of those are good options, and in fact, may even be illegal, depending on where you live. The water that comes out of your pool is chemically treated, and can damage plant life, groundwater, and aquatic life.
Disposing of backwash water properly is essential, not just to avoid potential fines, but to keep your community and the environment safe from illness and damage.
Storm Drains
Some cities do allow pool water to be released into storm drains. But they may also require that you apply for a permit first.
You may also need to reduce or eliminate chemicals or salt levels in the water before you’re allowed to dispose of it in your community’s sewer system. Check with your local water authority.
Plumbing Cleanouts
You may be able to dispose of backwash water by directing it into one or more of your home’s plumbing cleanouts. Again, it’s best to check with your local water/sewer authority to ensure this is allowed, find out whether you need to treat the water in any way before disposing, and to obtain any necessary permits.
It’s unlikely any municipality will allow you to release pool water into a septic system. You wouldn’t want to do that anyway. Septic systems rely on the existence of active enzymes to dispose of waste. Pouring chemically treated water into the tank—especially water with chlorine in it—would likely kill those enzymes, leaving you with quite a mess.
Dry Wells
These can be a life (or property) saver if you live in an area that sees a high level of rainfall, or experiences tropical storms. They can help prevent flooding and erosion. While a dry well could work for disposing of pool water, that’s not usually its purpose.
Regardless of how many levels of gravel, sand, or other media the water may pass through, it will still end up in the ground, which means it can be a problem if you live in an area that doesn’t allow the disposal of pool water into the ground.
Aside from the issue of permission, a dry well must be constructed by a professional, and it’s a project that can easily cost thousands of dollars.
You can definitely find an easier, safer, and less expensive way to dispose of your filter backwash water. Your local water authority can help you.
Release the Kraken!
Or maybe just some dirty pool water. But keeping a kraken in your pool is all the more reason to keep the water clean. Anyway, when the time comes to backwash your pool, you’ll be ready with the right equipment and procedures.
Take comfort in knowing you’ll be able to help your filter keep your pool clean, which will also help your filter live a longer life, which can save you money. Then you’ll be able to afford that cute little kraken you’ve been wanting to adopt.
Happy Swimming!
The post How to Backwash a Pool Filter The Right Way appeared first on Swim University®.
Spring: time for “The Big Reveal.” Every spring, a pool owner stands at the edge of their pool deck, looking down at the curtain of mystery that is their pool cover, wondering if all the extra time and effort that … Continue reading
The post Pool Opening Checklist: 15 Pool Supplies to Have on Hand appeared first on InTheSwim Pool Blog.
Shocking your pool on a regular basis is a simple way to prevent stray algae and bacteria from taking root in your water. It also helps keep your pool smelling … well, hopefully like nothing at all.
What is Pool Shock?
Think back to the last time you walked past a hotel pool. The chemical smell probably knocked your socks off, right? You may think that unmistakable smell is chlorine, but the odor actually comes from chloramines, a sign of improperly balanced water.
Chloramines form when the chlorine in your pool mixes with the nitrogen in sweat, oils, and urine (which we’re sure isn’t in your water, though we can’t vouch for the hotel). This is a natural chemical process, basically a byproduct of your chlorine doing its job.
In addition to giving your pool a funky smell, too many chloramines can also irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
By shocking your pool, you’re adding enough chlorine (or other chemical) to clean the water and destroy the buildup of chloramines. This process is also called superchlorination.
Pool Chlorine 101
Before we dive into how to shock a pool, you first have to understand the difference between total and free chlorine, and what combined chlorine and breakpoint chlorination are.
Free Chlorine (FC) is the amount of chlorine actively disinfecting your water. You want your water’s FC level to be between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm) so the chemical can do its job.
Combined Chlorine (CC) is the chlorine that’s been used. It’s still in the water, but its sanitizing power is greatly diminished. You want to keep your CC level at less than 0.2 ppm.
Total Chlorine (TC) is the sum of FC and CC in your pool.
Pool water testing kits can measure the FC and TC of your water. To find the CC of your pool, simply subtract the FC from your TC.
Breakpoint Chlorination is when you have enough FC to shatter the molecular bonds of chloramine. You need to add ten times the amount of CC to hit this point.
Try to reach the breakpoint every time you shock your pool. Not hitting the breakpoint can result in even more chloramines in your pool, and if the chloramine levels continue to rise unchecked, you may eventually have to partially or even fully replace your water to fix the issue.
Complete Liquid Test Kit for Pools and Hot Tubs
A simple but effective liquid test kit for chlorine pools and hot tubs.
Types of Pool Shock
You generally can’t shock your pool using your regular chlorine tablets, but you do have your choice of products when it comes to pumping up your chlorine levels.
Calcium Hypochlorite
Also known as cal hypo, this chemical has been used to disinfect swimming pools and municipal water sources since 1928. It’s one of the most inexpensive and convenient ways to shock your pool.
Features
- Most commercial versions contain between 65% and 75% chlorine.
- Calcium hypochlorite needs to be dissolved before you add it to your pool.
- It must be used after dusk.
- It will be roughly eight hours before you can safely swim again.
- It adds about 0.8 ppm of calcium to your water for every ppm of FC added, so use caution if your water source already has a high level of calcium.
Calcium Hypochlorite Shock
Use the entire contents of the bag when opened. If any granules settle to the bottom of the pool use brush to disperse. Add the right dosage of this product during evening hours while the filter pump is running.
Lithium Hypochlorite
If your water has high calcium content, and you don’t mind paying a little extra, lithium hypochlorite is the way to go. It dissolves much more quickly than calcium hypochlorite, so you can add it directly to your pool without dissolving it beforehand.
Features
- Commercial versions contain 35% chlorine.
- It must be used after dusk.
- It will be roughly eight hours before you can safely swim again.
- It can be toxic to aquatic life (making it a solid algaecide), so you must take care when disposing of recently treated water.
Note: You may have a difficult time finding lithium hypochlorite. Some pool chemical manufacturers have stopped producing it due to the rising cost of lithium, most of which is now used to make lithium batteries.
Dichlor
The actual names of this swimming pool shock chlorine are sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione or dichloroisocyanuric acid. (Try saying either of those five times fast.) Dichlor shock is much easier to say and even easier to use. Depending on the brand, you may be able to add it directly to your pool.
Features
- It typically contains between 50% and 60% chlorine.
- You can use it for both regular chlorine doses and shock treatments.
- You typically don’t have to dissolve it ahead of time.
- It adds 0.9 ppm of cyanuric acid for every ppm of additional FC.
- It must be used after dusk.
- It will be roughly eight hours before you can safely swim again.
StarPlus Dichlor Shock for Swimming Pools – 1 lb. – 12 Pack
Non-Chlorine Shock
If you’re looking to shock your pool and take a dip soon afterward, this is exactly what you need. Non-chlorine shock using potassium peroxymonosulfate is a fast, inexpensive pool shock alternative.
Features
- You can add it directly to your pool water at any time.
- It will be roughly 15 minutes before you can safely swim again.
- Because it doesn’t rely on chlorine, it does not function as an algaecide.
Chlorine-Free Pool Shock
Powerful oxidizing agent that eliminates combined non-sanitizing chlorine (chloramines) and provides higher free chlorine levels. Helps eliminate algae growth as well as harmful bacteria. Ideal for use with chlorine or bromine sanitized applications, weekly maintenance, and will not affect other chemical levels
When to Shock Your Pool
You might have noticed the instructions on chlorine shocks say they need to be used after the sun has gone down. This is because the sun will burn off unstabilized chlorine, which means the shock won’t be as effective. Shocking your pool at night makes sure the chemicals work the way they were meant to.
How Often to Shock Your Pool
You don’t want to wait for a bad smell or itchy eyes to happen before you shock your pool. We recommend shocking your pool once a week, or at least once every other week to properly maintain your water chemistry. The more often you use the pool, the more often you should reach for the swimming pool shock.
In addition to your weekly or semi-weekly treatments, you may want to perform an extra pool shock under certain circumstances, such as after:
- heavy pool use (like a pool party)
- a severe rainstorm or damaging winds (especially if your pool collected debris)
- a major water level change
- a bowel-related pool accident
Think of extra shocks as insurance against wayward algae and other contaminants. It’s better to take out any bacteria before it has a chance to affect the quality of your water or make anyone sick.
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
How to Shock a Pool
You’ve got the chemical knowledge. Now it’s time for practical experience. Superchlorinating your pool is shockingly (sorry, we couldn’t resist) easy once you get the hang of it.
Important: Remember, if you’re using chlorinated pool shock, wait until the sun goes down before adding it.
Supplies
- Protective eyewear
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Pants and long-sleeved shirt (that you won’t mind messing up)
- Closed-toe shoes
- Water test strips or liquid testing kit
- Calcium Hypochlorite Pool Shock
- 5-gallon bucket (if you need to dissolve the pool shock before adding it to the water)
- Wooden stick (for stirring to dissolve)
5 Gallon Bucket with Lid
A 5-gallon bucket is very handy to have for mixing chemicals, soaking filters, or testing for leaks.
Before you start, you’ll need to calculate your pool’s volume. If you don’t already know how much water your pool holds, you can use this pool calculator to figure it out.
Pool Volume Calculator
Click on your pool shape to calculate the volume of water.
Rectangle
Round
Instructions
- Suit up in your protective gear.
- Do a quick round of pool water testing for FC and TC to determine how much CC is in your pool. This measurement will dictate how much swimming pool shock you need.
- Carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions on your shock product. Most packages include charts or steps to help you calculate how much shock you need. If you need to calculate it yourself:
- Subtract the FC from the TC to find the CC
- Multiply the CC by ten
- Subtract the FC from that sum
- Find how many ounces of shock will produce a 1 ppm chemical change in 10,000 gallons of water
- Divide your pool volume by 10,000 gallons
- Multiply the chemical change by the divided pool volume and the CC/FC difference
- Convert the answer into pounds by dividing by 16. The result will be how much pool shock you need to use
- If you need to dissolve the shock first, fill your bucket roughly ¾ full with warm water. Otherwise, skip to step six.
- Add the shock to the bucket, and slowly stir until the chemical is as dissolved as possible. Work in one-pound increments. Skip to step seven.
- If you do not need to dissolve your shock, count how many containers of shock you need. Add one bag at a time until you reach your calculated breakpoint.
- Slowly pour the shock while walking around your pool for more even distribution. (If your shock-water mix has solid particles at the bottom, dip the bucket into your pool water, carefully swish around to dissolve, and keep pouring.)
- Wait to use your pool based on when you added the shock and the manufacturer’s recommendations. You don’t want to irritate your skin and eyes or bleach your swimsuit.
Gateway Safety IR Filter Shade 5.0 Lens Safety Glasses
Pool Shock Safety
Shocking your pool is a necessary part of good maintenance, but please remember those chemicals can be extremely dangerous if they’re mishandled. We’re not exaggerating the danger—improperly stored chlorine can literally explode.
Always wear protective gear—especially goggles and chemical-resistant gloves—when handling and dissolving chlorine. Pool shock, especially calcium hypochlorite, can sometimes release small amounts of chlorine gas. Wearing protective gear can help prevent eye and skin irritation.
Do your best to avoid directly breathing from the containers. Exposure to chlorine gas can cause throat and lung irritation. You probably don’t need a dust mask, just try not to breathe too close to the container. If it makes you feel safer, though, you can use a chemical mask.
Never, ever mix types of pool shock. We don’t want you to become a home science experiment gone wrong. Mixing liquid chlorine or even dry chlorine granules can cause a volatile reaction. Add each chemical to your pool separately.
Do not add shock directly to the pool water unless instructed to do so. If the package says dissolve before adding, make sure to do just that.
Only open one container at a time. If you need to use more than one container of shock, make sure you completely empty out each container before moving on to the next one.
Chemical Resistant Gloves - Medium
Don’t be Shocked, You Made It!
Now you know why, when, and how to shock a pool. There might be a little math involved, but aren’t occasional brain teasers good for your memory anyway? We’re pretty sure that’s true, but we may have forgotten.
Anyway, however you feel about the math, regularly using pool shock can prevent more work in the long run. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep bacteria at bay, your water clear, and your pool time fun.
Happy Swimming!
The post How to Shock a Pool The Right Way appeared first on Swim University®.
We tested and reviewed a bunch of automatic inground pool cleaners on a variety of pools, both big and small. And here are our top picks for the best pool cleaners specifically for inground swimming pools.
NOTE: The following inground pool cleaners are Amazon affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. It helps us keep the lights on.
The Best Robotic Pool Cleaner
DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Cleaner
Ideal for swimming pools up to 50 feet. Cleans large pools in just 2 hours. Includes dual scrubbing brushes and a built-in schedule using 3 settings: every day, every other day, or every 3rd day.
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus scans your pool to optimize its path around your pool floor and walls for the perfect cleaning cycle. Very few cleaners do this and it’s one of the main reasons we picked it.
The Dolphin Nautilus also has two scrubbing brushes that help scrub and climb walls. Plus, it’ll scrub the floor of your pool while picking up small and large debris. It’ll work on all pool surfaces including vinyl liner, concrete, and fiberglass pools.
The built-in filters that collect the debris are easy to remove, empty, rinse, and reload.
What is a Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaner?
Robotic pool cleaners are our favorite type of automatic pool vacuum. They combine the best parts of suction-side and Pressure-side cleaners and they fall right in the middle when it comes to price.
They have a built-in motor with drives the cleaner around the pool. And inside, they have a mesh filter bag that collects debris via an internal water pump.
It’s a completely self-contained cleaner that doesn’t require running your entire filtration system to power the vacuum. And pool cleaning can take place when the filter system is off! It even improves water circulation and filters the water through the mesh bag down to 2 microns!
NOTE TO POOL OWNERS: If you’re worried about putting an electric cleaner in the pool water, don’t be. They’re safe. Also, check out our best robotic pool cleaners specifically for both inground and above ground pools.
The Best Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner
Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Inground Pool Cleaner
The Polaris 360 automatic pool cleaner improves water circulation and helps mix chemicals and heat while it cleans the bottom and walls of your pool. It’s powerful enough to pick up larger items like leaves and pebbles, catching the debris in its own filter bag.
Polaris Cleaners (now owned by Zodiac Pools) one of the most trusted brands in the pool industry. And the Polaris 360 is the gold standard in pressure-side automatic cleaners for inground pools.
We chose this one specifically because it DOES NOT require a booster pump (or extra pool pump) and works for any size pool.
What is a Pressure Side Pool Cleaner?
We’re huge fans of Pressure-side pool cleaners because they connect to your return jet and use water pressure from your pool filter system. They do not suck debris into your filter system like suction-side cleaners (more on those later).
Instead, the water flows through the cleaner powering the wheels with a turbine and also sprays the water upwards into a filter bag attached to the unit. This creates a water vortex that lifts dirt and debris up into the bag making it a complete self-contained cleaning unit.
Every once in a while, water is diverted into what’s called a backup valve which lifts the cleaner off the bottom of the pool and sends it to a different part of your pool. This is awesome just in case your cleaner gets stuck and stops it from cleaning the same spot over and over again.
As far as pricing goes, they’re usually cheaper than a robotic cleaner. However, some inground pressure-side cleaners require a booster pump to be installed and they can be pretty expensive. If your pool requires a booster pump to run a pressure-side cleaner, we recommend just going with a robotic pool cleaner instead.
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
The Best Suction-Side Pool Cleaner
Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Automatic Inground Pool Cleaner
It connects directly to your pool filter system and includes 32 ft. of hose. It’s powerful, balanced, and doesn’t have any hammering noises (common in other suction-side pool cleaners) for quiet operation.
The Kreepy Krauly by Pentair has a built-in navigation system that guides the cleaner from the water line to the wall and to the bottom of the pool. And an automatic valve regulates the flow control and travel speed for thorough cleaning.
It’ll clean around steps and ladders and the flapper help grab leaves, dirt, and large debris.
What is a Suction-Side Swimming Pool Cleaner?
Suction-side pool cleaners use the suction power to vacuum your pool from your pump and filter. It works exactly like your manual vacuum cleaner by connecting to your pool skimmer. The big difference is that it moves around on its own in a random pattern.
These are the most inexpensive automatic pool cleaners on the market. And while they work, they’re not our favorite type of pool cleaner.
This is simply because it requires the full power of your filter system to work. Plus, we worry about the cleaner getting stuck or collecting large debris and clogging the filter system when we’re not home which can cause a lot of long-term damage.
We recommend to only run a suction pool cleaner while you’re home and can monitor its activity.
The Best Inground Pool Cleaners Recap
Here’s a recap of what we recommend when it comes to automatic pool cleaners for inground swimming pools of all shapes and sizes.
DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Cleaner
Ideal for swimming pools up to 50 feet. Cleans large pools in just 2 hours. Includes dual scrubbing brushes and a built-in schedule using 3 settings: every day, every other day, or every 3rd day.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Inground Pool Cleaner
The Polaris 360 automatic pool cleaner improves water circulation and helps mix chemicals and heat while it cleans the bottom and walls of your pool. It’s powerful enough to pick up larger items like leaves and pebbles, catching the debris in its own filter bag.
Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Automatic Inground Pool Cleaner
It connects directly to your pool filter system and includes 32 ft. of hose. It’s powerful, balanced, and doesn’t have any hammering noises (common in other suction-side pool cleaners) for quiet operation.
Learn More About Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaners
There are a lot of other brands out there that make great inground pool cleaners including Hayward. But after testing and evaluating the cleaning process, we decided these were our picks.
If you’re confused at all between all the different types of pool cleaners there are on the market, I recommend you check out our guides on suction-side, pressure-side, and robotic automatic pool cleaners when you get a chance. It’ll explain everything you need to know. And if you happen to know someone who owns an above ground pool, check out our favorite above ground pool cleaners too.
Happy Swimming!
The post The Best Inground Pool Cleaner appeared first on Swim University®.
After testing every single above ground pool vacuum on the market on a variety of pools, both big and small, here are our top picks.
NOTE: The following above ground pool vacuums are available to buy on either Amazon and InTheSwim.com. Check both sites for availability. All the links are affiliate links which means if you click a link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. It helps us keep the lights on
The Best Robotic Above Ground Pool Vacuum
Dolphin E10 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above Grounds
Designed for above ground swimming pools up to 30 feet. It takes less than 2 hours to clean your pool with built-in water filtering and scrubbing.
The Dolphin E10 not only looks really cool, but it’s also affordable for a robot that cleans your above ground swimming pool. Dolphin pool cleaners have been around for more than 35 years and they’re a trusted name in the pool industry.
After testing a bunch of different robotic pool cleaners over the years, we’ve switched our favorite from Aquabot to Dolphin. They’re extremely innovative and their goal is to provide affordable cleaners that save energy and help you keep a clean pool. Gotta love it.
What is a Robotic Swimming Pool Cleaner?
Robotic pool cleaners combine the best parts of other automatic vacuums. For example, suction-side cleaners (which we’ll get to later) are inexpensive but a pain to get set up. Mainly because they connect to your pool skimmer the same way a manual vacuum does. And if the cleaner sucks up any rocks, it can cause damage to your filter system.
Pressure-side cleaners use the water pressure from your return jet to power the vacuum along the bottom of your pool in a random cleaning pattern. What’s great about this is they have their own mesh filter bag that picks up the debris instead of your filter system. So it won’t cause any potential damage.
Robotic cleaners have a mesh filter bag inside them and are powered by water pressure from your pump and pool filter. But that pressure comes from a motor within the unit powered by electricity. So even better, it doesn’t require running your entire filter system to power the vacuum. You can clean your pool while the pool filter system is off! It even improves water circulation!
NOTE: If you’re worried about putting an electric vacuum in your pool, don’t be. They’re perfectly safe. Also, check out our favorite robotic pool cleaners specifically for inground and above ground swimming pools.
The Best Pressure Side Above Ground Pool Vacuum
Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner for Above Ground Pools
Connects to the pressure side of your pool and uses a patented jet sweep assembly to loosen and remove dirt and other particles from hard-to-reach places. It also has a trailing all-purpose debris bag that scoops up some of the larger items that are blasted loose from the pool floor.
I was blown away when I first started using the Polaris 65 automatic pool cleaner. It’s a bit weird because there’s the spaceship looking part that floats on top of the water while it drags a mesh bag along the bottom of the pool floor.
What is a Pressure Side Above Ground Pool Cleaner?
It connects to your return jet and uses the water pressure from your pool pump and filtration system to power the spaceship along the top of the water (both backward and forward). At the same time, it sends water pressure to the mesh bag pushing debris into it in a random cleaning pattern.
One of the best things I like about this cleaner is that it’s incredibly easy to repair. It only has a few parts that can go wrong. And you can fix it just by looking at it.
It works surprisingly well. And it’s fun to swim with it! Check our favorite pressure-side pool cleaners for inground pools.
NOTE: Even though the spaceship looking thing floats on the top of the water, it doesn’t skim debris off the pool surface. Also, the better your water flow rate, the more quick and efficient this vacuum will clean your pool bottom.
The Best Suction Side Above Ground Pool Vacuum
Pentair Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac Suction-Side Above Ground Pool Cleaner
This Kreepy Krauly pool vacuum attaches directly to your pool skimmer line and is powered by your pool’s pump, using an internal free skimming valve to automatically regulate water flow, ensuring the unit is cleaning at the proper speed.
The Pentair Kreepy Krauly suction cleaner will quickly and effectively clean any above ground swimming pool, even pools with dished out bottoms up to 72 inches with the help of the flapper. With just one moving part, it’s exceptionally easy to maintain and provides remarkably quiet operation while vacuuming.
What is a Suction-Side Swimming Pool Cleaner?
As the name implies, it uses the power of suction to vacuum your pool from your pool pump and filtration system. It actually works exactly like your manual vacuum cleaner by connecting to your pool skimmer either with just a hose or a vac plate. The only big difference is that it moves around on its own in a random cleaning pattern.
Check out our favorite suction-side pool cleaners for above grounds.
All The Best Above Ground Cleaners For Any Pool Size (Including Intex Pools)
Dolphin E10 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above Grounds
Designed for above ground swimming pools up to 30 feet. It takes less than 2 hours to clean your pool with built-in water filtering and scrubbing.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner for Above Ground Pools
Connects to the pressure side of your pool and uses a patented jet sweep assembly to loosen and remove dirt and other particles from hard-to-reach places. It also has a trailing all-purpose debris bag that scoops up some of the larger items that are blasted loose from the pool floor.
Pentair Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac Suction-Side Above Ground Pool Cleaner
This Kreepy Krauly pool vacuum attaches directly to your pool skimmer line and is powered by your pool’s pump, using an internal free skimming valve to automatically regulate water flow, ensuring the unit is cleaning at the proper speed.
Buying Guide: Learn More About Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaners
There are a lot of other brands out there that make great above ground pool vacuums for smart pool owners like Dolphin. But after much debate, testing, and evaluating the pool cleaning process, we decided these were our picks.
If you’re confused at all between all the different types of pool vacuum cleaners there are on the market, I recommend you check out our more detailed guides on suction-side, pressure-side, and robotic pool cleaners. when you get a chance. It’ll explain everything you need to know.
Happy Swimming!
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