An inflatable pool can be so handy these days that public beaches and pools are still not open to the public. Inflatable pools have a low infiltration system, so some debris may remain at the bottom of the pool. So how do we clean it?
Pool vacuum cleaner
A pool vacuum is a quick solution to automatically removing debris from the bottom of your pool. It is a good investment if you have an inflatable pool as it will always serve its purpose.
How do you use a pool vacuum?
1. Attach the suction head to one of the telescopic pole heads. This allows you to move the vacuum cleaner's head around the bottom of the pool. There should be a vacant spot at the top of the head where you will attach it to the post.
2. Connect a vacuum hose head to the vacuum end.
3. Hold the pole in your hand and lower the suction head together with the hose into the pool. Make sure the other end of the hose is outside of the pool.
4. Position the skimmer filter against the pool walls.
5. Insert the other end of the hose into the water inlet nozzle. This forces water through the hose. Once the hose is filled with water, no more bubbles come out. At this point, a suction has been created and the head is flat and firmly on the pelvic floor.
6. Switch the filter nozzle to entry mode and then use the telescopic rod to guide the suction head across the floor. You will see that the dirt sticks.
7. Disconnect the filter hose when finished. (Source: By Pleasure Pools)
4 main types of pool vacuums
1. Robot vacuum cleaner
Robot vacuums are the most effective and energy efficient option. The downside is that they are also the most expensive than the other options. Instead of plugging into your existing filtration system, robot vacuums are standalone units that plug into an outlet.
How to use a robot vacuum cleaner?
Robot vacuums are the easiest option to install. Once the cleaning cart is plugged into an outlet, all you have to do is plug the cleaner into the cart and dunk it in the pool. You can then select the programming option that controls the caddies and press start
2nd pressure - side
Pressure-side suction cups connect to the pressure-side of the filter pump and move using the water pressure as a force. They often require the use of a booster pump in addition to your current filtration system, which can increase water circulation but also increase your costs. Pressure side vacuums are generally a budget option, but the cost of the booster pump must be considered. They don't reduce the load on your filter by not throwing dirt in. Dirt picked up by this type of vacuum cleaner is kept in a separate bag, but they are better at picking up larger dirt than small ones and typically clean the floor rather than the walls.
How to use a discharge side vacuum?
When installing a pressure side vacuum, the pool's own pressure line is usually fitted with a quick disconnect. This connects to the vacuum line which needs to be adjusted to the correct length of the pool according to the instructions provided. Once the vacuum is attached to the pump, all you have to do is test the speed of the wheel and adjust the nozzle on the back for optimal wall climbing.
3. Suction-side vacuum
Suction side vacuums connect to the suction side of your existing pool filter pump and suck debris into the filter. By sucking, they move randomly across the bottom surface of the tank. Aside from handheld vacuums, they're the cheapest option, but they put extra wear on your filter and don't always do the best job. However, for pool owners who are on a budget and don't have the time to do the job manually, a suction-side system is usually sufficient for a small pool.
How to use suction side vacuum?
Suction side cleaners have the advantage that they are easy to assemble. Essentially, you flood a hose, connect it to the suction side of your pool pump, and connect the flooded suction cleaner. The valve may need to be adjusted to ensure flow is within the desired range.
4. Manual cleaners
A handheld pool vacuum attaches to a long pole that the user holds out of the pool and runs over the surfaces to be cleaned. It connects to the suction side of the pool filter pump and is the most economical option. However, it requires regular manual labor and creates the same drainage on your filter as a suction pool cleaner.
Vacuuming is the easiest way to clean the bottom of your inflatable pool, but what if you don't have a vacuum at home? Well, there are a few other ways to clean the bottom of your pool, but it takes a little more effort.
Here is the list of alternative cleaning methods you can use without a pool vacuum.
Pool skimmer and net
A pool skimmer is used to remove any floating debris on the surface of the pool. Use the pool net to collect debris from the bottom of the pool. It may take a lot of effort, but it will be worth it when the pool is cleaned.
leaf rake
You can use a leaf rake as a replacement for a pool vacuum. Use the rake to sweep debris off the bottom of the pool and after piling it up, remove it with a rake or pool net.
pool brushes
Pool brushes are a great cleaning tool. Not only can you clean the bottom of your pool, you can also clean the walls of the pool. Brush the bottom to prevent it from becoming slimy and covered in algae.
Shop-Vac
One of the best alternatives for those who don't have a pool vacuum is to use a shop vacuum. Vacuum any debris from the bottom of the pool.
Chlor
Chlorine is a necessity in knowing how to remove dirt from the bottom of the pool. Chlorine kills things that get into the water and keeps it clean.
The table below shows some of the best vacuums for cleaning the bottom of your pool.
| vacuum mark | writes | weight | hose/cable length | Booster pump required | advantage | In contrast |
| Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus robotic pool vacuum | robotics | 19 pounds | 60 cakes | no | Automatically. Clean floor and walls. It comes with 2 filter sizes. programming filter | Expensive. The cable can become tangled. Need regular filter cleaning |
| Zodiac Baracuda G3 Automatic Pool Cleaner | suction side | 8.16 pounds | 39 cakes | no | Automatically. Clean floors, walls and steps. Simple with few moving parts. Works with lower pumps. | Slower than robot options. Designed for in-ground pools. Can gey get clogged with large leaves? Not for large pools. |
| Polaris F9550 Sport | robotics | 21 pounds | 70 cakes | no | Built-in filter. 7 day programmable timer. Dirty filter indicator. Cleans pools up to 60 feet long | Expensive. It can easily get tangled. Not the best for small debris. |
| Hayward 500 Aqua Bug Automatic Above Ground Pool Cleaner | suction side | 21 pounds | 32 cakes | no | Affordable. Cleans up to 27 feet long. Easy installation Simple and easy to maintain. | Slower than robot options. Designed for above ground pools. It can become clogged with large leaves. not for large pools |
| XTREMEPOWERUS Automatic cleaner for pools | suction side | 12 pounds | 32 cakes | no | Economically. Clean the floor and walls. Light. Cleans pools up to 29 feet | Slower than robot options. It can become clogged with large leaves. Not suitable for large pools. |