The pool pump should be on the filter setting when vacuuming.
When vacuuming your pool, it's crucial to have the pump set to the correct mode for effective cleaning and to protect your filtration system. According to the provided reference, you should use the filter setting for vacuuming.
Why Use The Filter Setting for Vacuuming?
Using the filter setting during vacuuming ensures that the water being sucked up, along with debris, passes through the filter. This process traps the dirt and contaminants, resulting in cleaner pool water. The other setting mentioned in the reference, backwash, is for cleaning the filter itself. Backwashing reverses the flow of water to flush out trapped dirt. Therefore, using the backwash setting for vacuuming would not effectively remove debris.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a summary of the steps you need to take:
- Turn off your pool pump: Before making any changes to the system, turn off your pool pump to avoid any issues.
- Connect your vacuum hose and head: Attach your vacuum head and hose to the skimmer.
- Prime the vacuum hose: Fill the vacuum hose with water by putting the vacuum head on the floor, removing the hose from the skimmer, and holding the hose to a return jet until water runs out the hose end.
- Turn the valve to the filter setting: Locate the valve on your filter and make sure the valve is set to "filter" position.
- Turn on your pool pump: Turn the pump back on.
- Begin vacuuming: Vacuum the pool floor slowly and methodically to avoid stirring up debris.
By using the filter setting while vacuuming, you're ensuring that your pool stays clean and your filter is functioning correctly. Remember to regularly check the pressure gauge on your filter to know when it's time to backwash.
