We've spent the past week killing algae in our swimming pool. We've installed a new filter (Hayward ec65) and are at the point to vacuum out the dead algae from the bottom. The problem we're currently having is the amount of algae at the bottom of the pool is clogging the filter in minutes. Can we leave the clean out valve open while vacuuming the algae out? Or are there any other reasonable options? Or are we stuck bumping and draining til it's clean?!
cleaning out algae
- Thread starter starielaura
- Start date
If the algae is sludgy enough, you might try a leaf rake (fancy name for a mesh bag with a hoop that fits on the pole). The next option is to vacuumm to waste, if you have one of those fancy multiport valves installed. The pump will suck the stuff up and spit it out without it going near the filter.
NO, you can't vacuum on backwash - all you'll do is clog the screens from the inside. So vacuum, backwash, vacuum, backwash. Remember to only add about 80% of the DE after the backwash, unless you break the filter down and thoroughly clean the grids.
NO, you can't vacuum on backwash - all you'll do is clog the screens from the inside. So vacuum, backwash, vacuum, backwash. Remember to only add about 80% of the DE after the backwash, unless you break the filter down and thoroughly clean the grids.
We tried the leaf rake and it doesn't do much. So slow go it's going to be darn the luck. Okay and if anyone has any helpful quick tips I'll take it! 
Add a 3-way valve between the pump and filter. Then you can effectively have a way to vacuum to waste.
Whether or not doing that plumbing is quicker or not depends on your skill level
Whether or not doing that plumbing is quicker or not depends on your skill level