AUTOMATIC VACUUM CLEANER: An option you can purchase for your pool. An automatic cleaner is a pool vacuum cleaner that will vacuum the pool for you. Most pool owners operate their automatic vacuum cleaners in the evening, when nobody is swimming in the pool. Although great for routine maintenance, there are times when an automatic vacuum cleaner cannot be used. But still, the automatic vacuum cleaner is a worthwhile investment.

For more specific information on automatic chemical feeders, select from the following topics:

• SUCTION AUTOMATIC CLEANERS
• PRESSURE AUTOMATIC CLEANERS
• WHEN TO USE THE MANUAL VACUUM

SUCTION AUTOMATIC CLEANERS: Automatic vacuum cleaners that use the suction of your pump in order to vacuum the pool; the same concept as your manual vacuum assembly-telepole, vac head, and vacuum hose-but it will vacuum the pool for you. The vacuum hose that accompanies your suction-type automatic vacuum cleaner will attach to your skimmer (or a designated vacuum line) and then just walk around and vacuum the pool for you. Some automatic cleaners only vacuum the floor while others vacuum both the floor and the walls. Most automatic cleaners come with an owner's manual and/or a video to teach you installation and "how to." If not, or if you do not understand the owner's manual or the video, consult your local pool professionals for advice. There are too many manufacturers of suction-type automatic vacuum cleaners for poolmanual.com to detail the installation and "how to" instructions for each-consult the local pool professionals that sold you the unit for any advice.

NOTES: Like your manual vacuum assembly, you will need to monitor the pressure guage and perhaps clean your filter if the pressure rises 8-10 psi above the standard operating pressure. With so much dirt and debris getting sent to the filter, pressure usually rises during a vacuum-whether it be completed manually or via your automatic cleaner. Also like your manual vacuum assembly, you want almost complete suction going to the skimmer (or designated vacuum line) that you will use to do the vacuum. Therefore, you will need to be familiar with valve positioning:

• If you vacuum from a skimmer:
  • Close the valve for the main drain.
  • If there is more than one skimmer, close the valve to the other skimmer(s) that you are not using to do the vacuum.

    NOTE: Since there is no main drain and only one skimmer typically installed on an aboveground pool, you do not have to worry about any valve positioning.

• If you vacuum from a designated vacuum line:
  • Close the valve for the main drain.
  • Close the valve for all the skimmers.

    NOTE: It would be extremely rare to find an aboveground pool with a designated vacuum line.

PRESSURE AUTOMATIC CLEANERS: Automatic vacuum cleaners that do not use the suction of your pool pump to vacuum the pool. Rather, another pump is plumbed in with your equipment-this pump will only operate the pressure-type automatic vacuum cleaner; it is plumbed in after your standard pump and filter. Most automatic cleaners come with an owner's manual and/or a video to teach you installation and "how to." If not, or if you do not understand the owner's manual or the video, consult your local pool professionals for advice. There are too many manufacturers of pressure-type automatic vacuum cleaners for poolmanual.com to detail the installation and "how to" instructions for each-consult the local pool professionals that sold you the unit for any advice.

NOTES: The additional pump (often called a booster pump) operates the vacuum. If you have a pressure-type automatic vacuum cleaner, valve positioning remains normal-all valves remain open for uninterrupted and complete circulation.

WHEN TO USE THE MANUAL VACUUM ASSEMBLY: If you own an automatic vacuum cleaner (as every pool owner should be fortunate enough to), you still cannot use it to do EVERY vacuum. Some situations call for the manual vacuum assembly (telepole, vac head, vacuum hose, and perhaps a vacuum seal plate) to be used:

• When the pool walls and floor are fully covered with thick and heavy dirt and debris. This is too much for your automatic vacuum cleaner to vacuum out of the pool. Automatic vacuum cleaners were designed to vacuum the pool on a routine basis; not when you have neglected vacuuming and now the pool walls and floor are covered with dirt and debris.

• After a pool that has been winterized is opened again in the spring. Even with a properly covered pool (via your winter cover), dirt and debris may, and probably will, enter the pool. This dirt and debris can tend to be thick and heavy since the pool water has not been circulating all winter. Once the pool is opened, add your initial chemicals (algaecide and shock, and perhaps a Metal Sequestering Agent for some regions) and allow the equipment to operate (and the water to circulate) continuously-24 hours per day and 7 days per at least a week. After 1-2 days of continuous water circulation and the addition of chlorine (or its alternative), as well as the addition of the initial chemicals, vacuum the pool with your manual vacuum assembly.

• When you are pressed for time. The automatic vacuum cleaners, even at their fastest pace, tend to take their sweet time; in their defense, though, they do a thorough job and they are making your life easier).