Can I connect a suction side cleaner to my vacuum plate? (Kreepy Krauly type of cleaner)

[wayner]

The way that I was taught to connect my suction side cleaner was to take out the skimmer basket and plug it in to the drain under the skimmer basket that goes to the pump. This way the debris flows into the pump basket. Emptying the pump basket is far more of a PITA than emptying the skimmer basket. You have to shut off the pump and open the pump basket so all of the water drains from the pump.

Instead can I connect the cleaner to the vacuum plate so that the debris is caught by the skimmer basket?

The thing that I am wondering about is - does the regulator valve have to be under the water line? Right now my pool is overfull due to a biblical rainfall from last week, so the regulator is underwater. But this won't last for very long.

Or is there some other way of hooking things up that allows the debris to more easily be collected?

 

[borjis]

I think that should work. My setup didn't have the plate so instead I got the hayward leaf canister. (It attaches between hoses) Works great and cost about the same iirc

 

[wayner]

I didn't know those canisters existed. They make sense but seem kind of expensive for what they are.

 

[proavia]

I didn't know those canisters existed. They make sense but seem kind of expensive for what they are.

I have two neighbors who use this one - under $30

Amazon.com

 

[RoadRunrTX]

The way that I was taught to connect my suction side cleaner was to take out the skimmer basket and plug it in to the drain under the skimmer basket that goes to the pump. This way the debris flows into the pump basket. Emptying the pump basket is far more of a PITA than emptying the skimmer basket. You have to shut off the pump and open the pump basket so all of the water drains from the pump.

Instead can I connect the cleaner to the vacuum plate so that the debris is caught by the skimmer basket?

The thing that I am wondering about is - does the regulator valve have to be under the water line? Right now my pool is overfull due to a biblical rainfall from last week, so the regulator is underwater. But this won't last for very long.

Or is there some other way of hooking things up that allows the debris to more easily be collected?

Very interested in doing the same!
Can you send pic of working connection!!

Was planning on going with a Zodiac G3 and leaf cannister

 

[wireform]

I've been using This for years when vacuuming pools with lots of debris and works very well. It's a pain until you understand not get air into the suction line but ounce you have it figured out you'll know how to remove it if it filled up and you're not done yet. Also, when removing it from the line while it's full takes some skill if you don't want to get dirt back in to the water as you're removing it to empty.