bluedove82 said:
Plus we need to get some sort of vacuum for the bottom. The old owner left a beaten up one behind but I doubt it works, not that we know how to even plug it in. Next summer we'll look into those robots but right now it's not even a possibility.
Vacuums are very simple mechanically - they have virtually no moving parts.
Here's a video about vacuuming an in ground vinyl pool:
[youtube:66bw6pmi]DpOfnNBZIzE[/youtube:66bw6pmi]
The vacuum head should have no wheels it should have brushes. Typically they are triangular not semi-circular in shape but any shape is fine - the key is brushes and a head that doesn't get stuck to the floor.
The video doesn't talk about a hose with a swivel but many are built that way. IF you have a swivel end on the hose it should be attached to the head not the skimmer. My hose does not have a swivel but my Vac head does. Either way works. If yours is dead or broken a new vac head can be purchased at at lowes or home depot for cheaper than at most pool stores (assuming they still have them in stock). The hose is more likely than the head to die btw...
If you don't have leaves and major debris on the floor you can remove the basket and adapter and just put the hose directly into the skimmer outlet on the floor of the skimmer and rely on the pump basket to catch anything too big for the impeller. Alternately they make a leaf cannister that can go inline on the vac hose to avoid overloading the basket.
In most cases you need to shut down or reduce flow to the main drain(s) to increase suction at the skimmer. If you have multiple skimmers you may need to reduce flow or turn off flow on all but the one you are vacumming from. If you have a 2 speed or variable pump you'll want it on a higher speed for this than you use for general filtering.
EDIT: With a 12 foot deep pool - you may need a longer pole than is standard. A 16' pole would be a challenge in a 12 foot deep pool as wide and long as yours.