Vacuuming out the last few inches of water & GUNK...

[JimmyFW1]

I have a 24' above ground pool. We drained it this winter due to some problems we were having. I drained it with a gravity syphon and it got all but about 6" from the bottom.
My plan was to just hook up the vacuum hose to my pool pump & just waste out the remainder before cleaning & refilling this spring. Well, spring turned to summer faster than I wanted & here I am with 6" of gunk remaining in my pool.
My problem is that I can't get the vacuum to catch prime. I've filled the pump with water, filled the hoses with water, but I still can't get it to catch.
Suggestions???

Thanks in advance for your help...

 

[Blake1989]

Is this an Intex pool? If it's a permanent steel wall above ground, you shouldn't drain the water fully unless you plan on replacing the liner. The liner loses its elasticity after filling and if you drain it, it can shrink.

 

[Richard320]

Sounds like it's time for the bucket brigade. Or a wet-n-dry shop vac, five gallons at a time.

 

[DarrelB]

I use a utility pump, sucks it down to about 1/4", then use a plastic scoop I made out a out of a washer fluid bottle for the rest. I scoop the water up and into a 5 gallon pail. Then I use some old towels to finish up, wring them out over the side.