Asfyxiate Posted October 12, 2009 Report Posted October 12, 2009 I've taken a quick look around and didn't really find an answer to my question, so I was hoping some of you may be able to help me out, with what is hopefully a simple question. When I go to vacuum the pool I've always had it set to filter, but I've heard that it's better to just set it to "waste". Aside from the direct loss of water, is this really the better way to vacuum? Quote
Pool Clown Posted October 13, 2009 Report Posted October 13, 2009 When you vacuum to waste you are pumping water out of the pool, and you will be diluting the water in the pool when you fill it back up (salt, Cya, etc.). If you get too much of either, this could be a good thing. When you vacuum to filter, the debris goes to the filter. Some will say vacuuming to filter decreases the flow (suction) and you possibly wont get the same suction you would get going to waste. Personally, I think the loss is negligible. I don't do a lot of vacuuming, (just my own pool) so maybe someone else will jump in here and give some more pros and cons. Quote
quantumchromodynamics Posted October 13, 2009 Report Posted October 13, 2009 It really depends on what you are vacuuming. For vacuuming a generally clean pool of light debris, you should vacuum on filter. For heavy, dusty, dirty or algae conditions it is best to go to waste. I use a side pump when I need to vacuum to waste. I don't like to use the system to vacuum to waste. When vacuuming always use a vacuum plate to vacuum through the skimmer basket. Use a skimmer sock or women's knee-hi stocking in the skimmer basket to catch debris even when going to waste because you want to keep sand out of the multiport. Control the flow rate with the skimmer valves. Quote
Amber Watson Posted November 19, 2009 Report Posted November 19, 2009 Hi Asfyxiate, I think this will be a great answer to your question. When you vacuum your pool, it must always be set to "FILTER" Unless if the pool is extremely dirty, it might be a better idea to "vacuum out to waste" instead. This is where you set the filter to the "WASTE" setting before vacuuming, causing the system to bypass the filter and remove the water from the pool. Hope this helps... Quote
Nazman Posted November 30, 2009 Report Posted November 30, 2009 When vacuuming your pool I have to agree with everybody lol, because it really depends how dirty your pool is. If it hasn't been cleaned for months and a storm recently passed through then it is maybe better to waste the water then empty the pump basket repeatedly. But, if your are just doing some routine vacuuming I don't think it is necessary, and plus there are water restrictions because of droughts everywhere now...like here in California, never know when the water cops will pass by LOL! P.S. Vacuum plate? do I need that? LOL!, Thanks Again Quote
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