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How to Vacuum to Waste Inground Pool? The Definitive Guide

Vacuuming to waste in an inground pool is a crucial process for removing significant debris that would otherwise clog your filter system and potentially damage it. This involves bypassing the filter entirely and sending the dirty water directly out of your pool and onto your property’s drainage system.

Understanding the Need for Vacuuming to Waste

Why vacuum to waste instead of using your standard filter setting? The answer lies in the type and amount of debris. Normal vacuuming runs water through your filter, removing particulate matter. However, when dealing with excessive algae blooms, large amounts of leaves, or heavy silt and sediment, forcing this volume of debris through your filter can overwhelm it. This can lead to:

Filter Clogging: Severely reduced water flow and ineffective filtration.
Filter Damage: Potential damage to the filter grids or cartridges, requiring costly replacements.
Increased Chemical Imbalance: Organic matter breaking down in the filter can negatively impact water chemistry.

Vacuuming to waste bypasses these issues by directly removing the contaminated water from the pool. However, it’s crucial to understand the process correctly to avoid unnecessarily wasting water or causing other problems.

Step-by-Step Guide to Vacuuming to Waste

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to vacuum to waste your inground pool:

1. Gather Your Equipment

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need:

Pool Vacuum Head: A standard pool vacuum head designed for inground pools.
Telescopic Pole: Connects to the vacuum head, allowing you to reach all areas of the pool.
Vacuum Hose: Long enough to reach from your skimmer to the furthest point in your pool.
Backwash Hose: This is the hose that will direct the waste water away from your pool. Ensure it’s long enough to reach your designated drainage area.
Hose Clamp (Optional): Can be used to secure the backwash hose to the waste outlet.

2. Prepare Your Backwash Hose

This step is crucial for preventing property damage or unintended water redirection.

Connect the Backwash Hose: Attach the backwash hose to the waste outlet on your filter valve.
Position the Hose End: Direct the open end of the hose to a suitable drainage area. This could be a street drain, a designated drainage ditch, or a part of your yard that can tolerate a large volume of water. Avoid draining water onto your neighbor’s property or areas prone to flooding. Check local regulations regarding pool water discharge.

3. Prepare Your Vacuum System

Getting your vacuum system ready ensures efficient debris removal.

Prime the Vacuum Hose: Submerge the vacuum hose entirely in the pool water to remove all air. This is critical for creating a proper suction. Hold one end of the hose against a return jet to force water through it, or use a dedicated priming device.
Connect the Vacuum Head: Attach the vacuum head to the telescopic pole, then connect the primed vacuum hose to the vacuum head.

4. Set the Filter Valve to “Waste”

This is the critical step that diverts water away from the filter.

Turn Off the Pool Pump: Always turn off the pool pump before changing the filter valve setting.
Locate the Filter Valve: This is typically a multi-port valve on the side of your filter.
Set the Valve to “Waste” (or “Drain”): Carefully rotate the handle to the “Waste” or “Drain” setting. Refer to your filter’s manual for the precise location of this setting. Never force the handle.
Re-Engage the Handle: Ensure the handle is fully engaged and locked into the “Waste” position.

5. Begin Vacuuming

Now you can start removing the debris.

Turn On the Pool Pump: Carefully turn the pool pump back on.
Begin Vacuuming: Slowly and methodically vacuum the pool floor, overlapping each pass slightly. Avoid rushing, as this can stir up sediment and reduce the effectiveness of the process.
Monitor Water Level: Vacuuming to waste removes water from your pool. Closely monitor the water level and stop vacuuming when it reaches the skimmer opening. Running the pump dry can damage it.

6. Stop and Refill

Refilling the pool is essential to maintain proper operation.

Turn Off the Pool Pump: Again, turn off the pump before changing any valve settings.
Turn Off the Valve to Refill: Close the valve to stop vacuuming and ensure the water starts to fill back up.
Refill the Pool: Use a garden hose to refill the pool to the appropriate level.

7. Repeat if Necessary

Depending on the amount of debris, you may need to repeat the vacuuming and refilling process.

Allow Sediment to Settle: After refilling, allow any remaining sediment to settle before vacuuming again.
Repeat Steps 3-6: Repeat the vacuuming process until the pool floor is clean.

8. Return to Normal Filtration

Once the pool is clean, return your filtration system to normal operation.

Turn Off the Pool Pump: Always turn off the pump before changing the filter valve setting.
Set the Filter Valve to “Filter”: Rotate the valve handle back to the “Filter” setting.
Turn On the Pool Pump: Turn the pool pump back on.
Check Water Chemistry: Test and adjust the water chemistry as needed. Vacuuming to waste can significantly alter your pool’s pH and alkalinity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much water will I lose when vacuuming to waste?

The amount of water lost depends on the size of your pool and the severity of the debris. Expect to lose several inches of water depth. Monitor the water level closely to avoid running the pump dry.

2. Can I vacuum to waste with a sand filter?

Yes, you can vacuum to waste with a sand filter. The process is the same as with other filter types. Ensure you have a properly functioning backwash valve.

3. Is it better to backwash or vacuum to waste?

Backwashing cleans the filter itself, while vacuuming to waste removes debris entirely from the pool system. Backwashing is a routine maintenance task, while vacuuming to waste is reserved for significant debris removal.

4. Can I vacuum to waste if I have an above-ground pool?

While less common, some above-ground pools have multi-port valves that allow for vacuuming to waste. Check your pool’s manual for instructions. If you can’t vacuum to waste, you may need to use a submersible pump to remove heavily contaminated water.

5. How often should I vacuum to waste?

Only vacuum to waste when necessary, such as after a heavy storm, an algae bloom, or when there’s a large amount of debris on the pool floor. Overusing this method wastes a significant amount of water.

6. What if I don’t have a “Waste” setting on my filter valve?

If your filter valve doesn’t have a “Waste” or “Drain” setting, you may not be able to vacuum to waste. Consult your pool professional for alternative solutions, such as using a sump pump.

7. Can I vacuum to waste directly onto my lawn?

It’s generally not recommended to vacuum to waste directly onto your lawn, especially if the water is heavily chlorinated or contains algae. This can damage the grass and soil. Choose a proper drainage area.

8. What if my vacuum hose keeps losing suction?

Ensure the vacuum hose is properly primed and that there are no leaks. Check the connections between the hose, vacuum head, and telescopic pole. Also, verify that the skimmer basket is clean and not obstructing water flow.

9. How do I prevent algae from coming back after vacuuming?

After vacuuming to waste following an algae bloom, shock the pool with a high dose of chlorine and run your filter continuously for 24-48 hours. Regularly test and balance your water chemistry to prevent future blooms.

10. What is a good drainage location if I can’t use a street drain?

Ideal drainage locations include a designated drainage ditch or an area of your yard that slopes away from your house and doesn’t pool water. Ensure the water won’t erode the soil or damage nearby structures.

11. Can I use an automatic pool cleaner to vacuum to waste?

Most automatic pool cleaners are designed to run through the filter system and are not suitable for vacuuming to waste.

12. What do I do if I accidentally run the pump dry while vacuuming to waste?

Immediately turn off the pump and allow it to cool down. Check for any signs of damage, such as unusual noises or reduced water flow. If you suspect damage, consult a pool professional. Running a pump dry can cause significant damage and potentially void your warranty.