Ive never had any equipment to clean the pool floor besides a robot, which works great. But pieces of pea gravel and bits of broken grout (that’s another story) that are a bit too big for the robot to capture are starting to accumulate. Would a manual vacuum likely be strong enough to suck these up? Id have to work with something attached via a plate in the skimmer.
Robot vs manual vacuum
- Thread starter trivetman
- Start date
- Apr 10, 2018
- 5,361
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45
A properly set up manual vac should can provide some strong suction. Make sure you keep the connection at the skimmer submerged so don't suck air. Try to capture as much debris as you can with a leaf rake or skimmer net.
- May 3, 2007
- 17,086
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
I second the leaf rake. I have used that for larger/heavier debris the robot misses and it usually works pretty well.
Last edited by a moderator:
- Apr 10, 2018
- 5,361
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45
It may be unnecessary, but for the benefit of others that may visit, I should clarify that a "pool" leaf rake should be used. When swept across the bottom, the leading edge is designed to pick up debris and direct them into the net.
Soooo…..you’re telling me I should NOT use this in the pool….
- Apr 10, 2018
- 5,361
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45
Does anybody have any luck with the 'rake' for floor debris? It's my first season with one (protuff) and I can't get it to scoop anything with push or pull strokes.
Previously I used the tennis racquet style net and that scooped the floor great. I will be buying the first one I see.
To the original question, my manual vac will suck up anything. Even something larger than the 1.5 inch hose and then it blocks all suction until you figure it out and remove the XYZ from the end.
Previously I used the tennis racquet style net and that scooped the floor great. I will be buying the first one I see.
To the original question, my manual vac will suck up anything. Even something larger than the 1.5 inch hose and then it blocks all suction until you figure it out and remove the XYZ from the end.
- May 3, 2007
- 17,086
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
You are using one like this correct?
I think they work great but it does require some practice to scoop and pull straight back. Many make the mistake of trying to lift upwards instead of backwards.
I think they work great but it does require some practice to scoop and pull straight back. Many make the mistake of trying to lift upwards instead of backwards.
Yes, the protuff version. The quality is GREAT, and it might outlive me. I've got no complaints there. But I haven't got the motions down yet.
I guess I'll keep trying.
I have one that looks like the one above.
There is a motion that helps. As mas985 says, you push it forward and then pull it straight back to "capture" the debris in the net. However, there is another motion I use to pick things up. Get near the object you're trying to pick up. Then, it's kind of a jiggle motion. Just before you get to the object, pull the rake bake a bit and then push it forward. This motion creates a bit of a suction that lifts the object just a little bit off the bottom then you push it forward to get it in the net. Again, it's kind of like a stutter motion. You're just trying to move the water in a way that will lift the object. Might want to try that.Yes, the protuff version. The quality is GREAT, and it might outlive me. I've got no complaints there. But I haven't got the motions down yet.
Generally, though, I just push it slowly along the bottom and most of the large debris goes in the net. Long strokes forward and back. I do that before I start my robot. I get the big stuff with the rake and the robot gets the smaller stuff. Seems to work pretty well.
@Newdude make sure the net is used right side in otherwise you're using the wrong side of the leaf rake lip. Ask me how I know this.
- Nov 12, 2017
- 11,969
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
If your manual vac head is not performing, and you have the vac plate as good as it's going to get, you might try a different head. There must be literally a thousand, of every shape and size and configuration.
Or a small brush might give you better suction for spot cleanups. I have one like this and it works well, especially for just grabbing a couple stones. If a little brush still doesn't pick up the bits, you can start shortening (cutting) the bristles until it does. The shorter they are, the more suction will occur.
Or a small brush might give you better suction for spot cleanups. I have one like this and it works well, especially for just grabbing a couple stones. If a little brush still doesn't pick up the bits, you can start shortening (cutting) the bristles until it does. The shorter they are, the more suction will occur.