Cara's Pool School — vacuum

First, ensure that the pump is properly primed (minimal to no air in the basket area). Second, confirm that the filter pressure is operating at normal levels. If it's low, you should check and clean skimmer and pump baskets, check and clear suction lines of any possible debris or blockages, and possible check and clear any pump impeller obstructions or debris. If the pressure appears high, clean or backwash the filter according to manufacturer recommendations and then confirm that the pressure has resumed to normal operational levels.

There will be times that the steps, floor, and walls may need to be vacuumed to remove sand or other heavy debris. Unless an automatic pool cleaner is in use -- and sometimes as a necessary compliment, after heavy storms and the like -- a manual vacuum can be used. When vacuuming manually, a hose is attached to either a suction port in the pool's wall or in the base of the skimmer opening and the opposite end is attached to a vacuum head after that has been attached to a pole for manual direction. It is imperative to pre-fill...