How Long Should the Pool Vacuum Be Left On?

Manual Vacuums

• Manual pool vacuums hook up to a water spigot or a line on the pool. They use the power of water pressure to operate the vacuum. With these types of vacuum, you sweep the surface of the pool with the vacuum head. Keep these vacuums running only until you have removed all of the debris from the pool.

Automatic Vacuums

• Automatic pool vacuums hook up to a dedicated suction line on the pool and also use the power of water pressure to clean. The main difference between a manual and automatic vacuum is that the automatic model cleans the pool by sweeping the sides and bottom without your help. It's controlled by a computerized system that directs it to climb the pool surface. Most models shut off automatically or stop after they sweep the entire pool area. If the vacuum does not stop, look for any signs of debris and shut off the vacuum once all the debris is removed.

Vacuum Problems

• Under some circumstances, the vacuum may experience problems that cause it to malfunction. Some potential problems include the vacuum slowing, losing suction, floating to the top of the water or becoming stuck at certain points. If the vacuum experiences trouble during operation, turn it off, troubleshoot the problem and start the vacuum again after the issue is resolved.

Warnings

• Remove the vacuum from the pool when you are swimming.. Remove the vacuum before adding any pool water maintenance chemicals, such as chlorine, to the pool. Do not use the pool vacuum until you resolve any malfunctioning issues to prevent damaging the vacuum or causing injury to others.