How to VACUUM a POOL to WASTE with a Sand Filter

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If you have debris or particles lingering in your pool, but you don’t want it going through your filter, you’ll need to vacuum them out on the waste setting. That means as you vacuum, the dirty water bypasses your filter and is sent directly out your waste port. Once you know how your filter valve works and how to hook up your vacuum to get suction in the line, it’s a simple process that’ll remove particles fast. So here’s a quick tutorial on how to vacuum a pool to waste with a sand filter.

⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - How to Vacuum a Pool to Waste
00:48 - When to Vacuum on the Waste Setting
01:10 - How the Waste Setting Works
01:43 - Vacuuming Supplies
02:07 - How to Vacuum to Waste (Step-by-Step)
04:09 - Vacuuming and Troubleshooting
04:34 - Empty Pump Basket
04:55 - Backwashing, Refilling, and Rebalancing Chemicals

[Jonwisniewski]

I have a DE filter that has a multiport valve and a Waste setting. Should the procedure generally be the same?

[williamtaylor]

Thanks but my pump keeps switching off under this setting. Why is this?

[gmn]

Does this concept apply to indoor therapy pool as well?

[wifiDOLLARS-dg]

If I don't have the option waste ? But still have a sand filter.

[MickBaby]

Question…I don’t have just a ‘waste’ option. I have ‘Pump to waste’ and ‘filter to waste’ which one do I use? Also I’m having trouble understanding where the suctioned hose goes? Does it go inside skimmer taking out basket or can I use the hole under skimmer that I use for normal vacuuming?? I’m in Desperate Need of Answers. Thanks!!

[malebolgia]

To minimize the amount of water being sucked out of the pool turn off the bottom drain in the deep end and for a two skimmer pool turn the three way valve to the skimmer you are vacuuming from. It will greatly increase your vacuuming time before the water level drops below the skimmer level.

[apple-guy]

Can you make another video for us that have filter cartridge.. thanks

[NBmusic]

So when vacuum to waste using a skimmer plate. do you leave the basket in or do you take the basket out?

[krazyeric]

Would leaves and other debris be harmful to the pump?

[tcapone]

Wouldn't all the leaves get stuck in the pump basket?

[nuffdoggiggey]

I opt out on the pressure gage attachment, why, because it's a excellent Air relief valve, now when the return water current is looking slow, slower then normal, that's a sign it's time to backwash, air has always been a issue with my pool pump hardware, so after cleaning the pump basket air gets entrapped in the filter and pump, I can just release the air through the pet cock we call it, no gage needed. I mite put a spliter on it to have both options later.

[diannadl]

I have a Hayward D.E filter with slide valve only, how would I bypass filter and still get suction to vacuum.

[telboyynwa]

What’s the point of lowering the vacuum head into the pool carefully if you’re going to fill the hose from the jet which pushes air and water out through the vacuum head so disturbing the sediment on the pool bottom🤔

[nhappy]

My filter doesn’t have the waste option, so do I vacuum it?
TIA

[michaelweingart]

Thank you! Great instructions for sand filter!

[edgardodubon]

What's the procedure when there are 2 sand filters?

[mystenamarina]

What about for an above ground pool w/sand filter and a vacuum that moves around by itself?

[nuffdoggiggey]

God, that used to piss me off. Actually, the big oak tree that dropped all its stuff pissed me off.

[LubaLuba]

On waste, to clean leaves from basket what do you mean pause, turn filter off because this will make me lose my prime????