How to vacuum through skimmer with an equalizer

[natalieh]

Hello,

We have had trouble vacuuming all summer. After endless researching, I am coming for help. We have a single skimmer with two holes (pool pump and equalizer). When we vacuum, we can never obtain suction unless we cover the equalizer with something. We have used a Walmart-style plastic sack all summer and placed it over the equalizer and then vacuumed from there. I know there has to be an easier way to do this but we have not found it. I have tried placing a tennis ball over the equalizer port in the skimmer and that has not worked either. We do not have a main drain on our fiberglass pool (in case that is useful information).

Thank you for any help!

 

[Texas Splash]

Have you tried using a winterizing plug?

 

[natalieh]

Have you tried using a winterizing plug?

View attachment 530803

Thank you for the response. I have not tried this plug. Would I just insert this plug in the equalizer line when I begin to vacuum?

 

[Texas Splash]

Would I just insert this plug in the equalizer line when I begin to vacuum?

That's what I would do. Insert it into the equalizer hole in the skimmer so that all suction is from the hole you have the vacuum hose inserted into.

 

[1poolman1]

Hello,

We have had trouble vacuuming all summer. After endless researching, I am coming for help. We have a single skimmer with two holes (pool pump and equalizer). When we vacuum, we can never obtain suction unless we cover the equalizer with something. We have used a Walmart-style plastic sack all summer and placed it over the equalizer and then vacuumed from there. I know there has to be an easier way to do this but we have not found it. I have tried placing a tennis ball over the equalizer port in the skimmer and that has not worked either. We do not have a main drain on our fiberglass pool (in case that is useful information).

Thank you for any help!

Which skimmer do you have? Are you using some vacuum plate? Just put the vacuum hose in the rear hole of the skimmer, the one with the suction and you won't/shouldn't have an issue with the equalizer line.