To effectively remove fine dust from your pool that bypasses the filter, the best method is to vacuum it directly out of the pool system by using your filter's "waste" or "drain" setting.
Vacuuming fine dust requires a specific approach to ensure the tiny particles aren't simply sent through the filter and back into the pool. The key is to bypass the filter entirely.
The "Vacuum to Waste" Method
This technique involves changing your pool filter's setting so that the water and debris you vacuum up are sent directly out of the pool system, usually through the backwash line, instead of returning to the pool via the filter.
Here's how to do it:
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Prepare Your Equipment:
- Gather your pool vacuum head, vacuum hose, and telescopic pole.
- Ensure your skimmer or dedicated vacuum port is clear and ready.
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Turn Off the Pump:
- Crucially, turn your pump off before changing any settings on your filter.
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Set Filter to "Waste" or "Drain":
- Locate the multi-port valve on your pool filter.
- Press down the handle (if applicable) and rotate the valve to the "Waste" or "Drain" setting. This setting bypasses the filter media.
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Connect Vacuum:
- Submerge your vacuum head and hose in the pool, allowing the hose to fill completely with water (purging the air).
- Connect the open end of the vacuum hose to your skimmer port or designated vacuum line.
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Turn On the Pump:
- Once everything is connected and the filter is set to "Waste", turn your pump back on. You should see water coming out of your waste line.
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Vacuum Slowly:
- Begin vacuuming the pool floor. Move the vacuum head very slowly over the dusty areas. Rushing or disturbing the dust will cause it to billow up into the water column, making it harder to remove.
- Focus on areas where the fine dust has settled.
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Monitor Water Level:
- Vacuuming to waste removes a significant amount of water from the pool. You will dump about 500-800 ltrs depending on how long you vacuum for, as stated in the reference.
- Keep a close eye on your pool's water level. Stop vacuuming and refill the pool as needed to prevent the skimmer from sucking air, which can damage your pump.
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Finish Vacuuming:
- Continue vacuuming until the visible fine dust is gone or until your water level gets too low. Vacuum the fines completely out of the pool system.
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Turn Off the Pump Again:
- Tuen you pump off (turn your pump off) before disconnecting the vacuum or changing the filter setting.
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Disconnect Vacuum:
- Disconnect your suction vacuum from the skimmer or vacuum port.
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Return Filter to "Filter" Position:
- With the pump off, rotate the multi-port valve back to the "Filter" setting.
- Turn filter back to filter position.
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Restart Pump & Refill:
- Turn your pump back on to resume normal filtration.
- Refill your pool to the proper level using a garden hose.
This process will absolutely remove fines from your pool.
Why Vacuuming to Waste Works for Fine Dust
Standard pool filters (sand, cartridge, or DE) have a limit to how small the particles they can catch are. Very fine dust, like clay or silt, can sometimes pass right through the filter media and be returned to the pool. The "waste" setting bypasses the filter entirely, sending the vacuumed water and fine debris directly out of the pool, ensuring it's removed from the system permanently.
Considerations
- Water Loss: Be prepared to lose a significant amount of water. Have a hose ready to refill the pool as soon as you finish vacuuming.
- Time: Vacuuming slowly takes time, but it is essential for effectively capturing fine dust without stirring it up.
- Chemicals: You may need to adjust your pool chemicals after refilling with fresh water.
By following these steps and utilizing the "waste" setting on your filter, you can effectively remove stubborn fine dust and restore clarity to your pool water.
