What You Need to Know Before You Start

A Bestway pool vacuum removes debris from the bottom and sides of your above-ground pool without draining it. The vacuum works by creating suction that pulls dirt, leaves, and algae into a collection bag or filter system. Most Bestway pools come with a manual vacuum kit that you assemble and operate by hand, though some larger models work with electric pumps.

The basic process takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on pool size and how much debris is present. You'll move the vacuum head slowly across the pool floor, working in overlapping passes the way you would mow a lawn. The key is patience—rushing creates clouds of sediment that make the water cloudy again.

Key Takeaways

  • Assemble your vacuum pole, head, and hose before entering the pool, and fill the hose with water to remove air pockets that block suction.
  • Work in slow, overlapping passes across the pool floor, moving the vacuum head no faster than one foot per second.
  • Empty the collection bag or backwash the filter when suction drops noticeably, usually after 15 to 20 minutes of vacuuming.
  • Check your pool's water level before you start—it should be at the middle of the skimmer opening so the pump can run safely.
  • Vacuum your pool once a week during swimming season, or more often if trees or heavy use create extra debris.

Assembling Your Bestway Vacuum Kit

Bestway vacuum kits include a pole (usually two or three sections that screw together), a vacuum head with bristles on the bottom, a collection bag or filter basket, and a hose. Lay all pieces on the pool deck before you start so nothing falls in the water.

Screw the pole sections together hand-tight—do not use a wrench or pliers, which can crack the plastic threads. Attach the vacuum head to the end of the pole by twisting clockwise until it stops. If your kit has a collection bag, clip or screw it onto the head according to your manual. If it has a filter basket, insert it into the head's opening and find any clips.

Connect the hose to the vacuum head by pushing it onto the barbed fitting and twisting slightly. Do not force it—the hose should slide on smoothly. Leave the other end of the hose unattached for now; you'll connect it to the pump intake or skimmer in the next step.

Filling the Hose and Priming the System

Before you turn on the pump, you must fill the hose with water to remove air. Air pockets block suction and make the vacuum useless. Hold the vacuum head at the pool's edge and slowly submerge the hose into the water, letting it fill from the head end. This takes two to three minutes.

Once the hose is full, pinch it closed with your hand or a clamp to keep the water inside. Attach the free end to your pool's pump intake (usually the skimmer basket opening) or to the dedicated vacuum port if your Bestway model has one. Check your pool manual for the exact location—different Bestway models vary.

Turn on the pump and listen for suction at the vacuum head. You should feel strong pull when you hold your hand over the head opening. If suction is weak, turn off the pump, disconnect the hose, and refill it completely. Weak suction at startup usually means air is still trapped inside.

Vacuuming the Pool Floor in Overlapping Passes

Lower the vacuum head to the pool floor and begin at the deep end or the corner farthest from the pump. Move the head slowly across the floor in straight lines, overlapping each pass by about six inches so you do not miss strips of debris. Think of mowing a lawn—each row should slightly cover the edge of the row before it.

Move at a steady, slow pace. One foot per second is a good target. If you rush, you stir up sediment and create a cloud that makes the water cloudy. If debris is heavy or the pool is very dirty, move even slower—two to three feet per second is too fast.

Work your way across the entire floor, then move to the walls if your vacuum head has a brush attachment. Tilt the pole slightly and brush the sides with slow, downward strokes. Pay extra attention to corners and steps where debris collects.

Emptying the Collection Bag and Maintaining Suction

After 15 to 20 minutes of vacuuming, suction will drop noticeably. The vacuum head will feel less "sticky" to the floor, and debris will stop being pulled in. This means the collection bag is full or the filter basket is clogged. Stop the pump when ready.

If your vacuum has a collection bag, unclip it from the head and empty it into a trash can or compost pile. Rinse it with a garden hose to remove fine sediment, then clip it back on. If your vacuum uses a filter basket, lift it out of the head, tap it gently over a trash can to dislodge debris, and rinse it thoroughly before reinserting it.

Turn the pump back on and resume vacuuming. You may need to empty the bag or basket two or three times during a full pool cleaning, depending on how much debris is present.

Checking Water Level and Pump Safety

Before you start vacuuming, check that your pool's water level is at the middle of the skimmer opening. If the water is too low, the pump will suck air and lose suction. If it is too high, water may overflow the skimmer during operation.

If the level is low, add water with a garden hose until it reaches the correct height. Wait 10 minutes for the water to settle before turning on the pump. If the level is too high, use a submersible pump or siphon to remove water until it is correct.

Never run your Bestway pump for more than eight hours in a single day. If you are vacuuming a very large or very dirty pool, split the work into two sessions with at least four hours between them. This prevents the pump motor from overheating.

Finishing and Storing Your Vacuum

When you have finished vacuuming the entire floor and walls, turn off the pump and disconnect the hose from the intake. Drain the hose by holding one end high and letting water run out into the pool. Disconnect the hose from the vacuum head and lay it on the deck to dry.

Unscrew the vacuum head from the pole and rinse both with fresh water. Empty the collection bag one final time and rinse it. Separate the pole sections and store them in a cool, dry place—do not leave them in direct sunlight, which cracks plastic over time.

Coil the hose loosely and store it away from sharp objects. Check all connections and clips for cracks before your next use. A small crack in the hose or head will leak water and destroy suction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I vacuum my Bestway pool?

Vacuum once a week during swimming season if the pool is in a yard with few trees. If your pool is under trees or gets heavy use, vacuum twice a week or whenever you see visible debris on the floor. An uncleaned pool develops algae and cloudy water within a few days.

Why is my vacuum losing suction halfway through?

The collection bag or filter basket is full. Stop the pump, empty the bag, rinse it, and restart. If suction is still weak after emptying, check that the hose has no cracks or kinks. A pinched hose blocks water flow and kills suction when ready.

Can I vacuum the pool if the water is cloudy?

Yes, but vacuum first and run the filter for 24 hours afterward. Vacuuming removes the debris causing cloudiness. If you run the filter first, it will clog quickly and you will have to backwash repeatedly.

What if my vacuum head gets stuck on the pool floor?

The suction is too strong. Turn off the pump when ready—do not pull hard on the pole, which can break it. Once the pump is off, the head will release. Reduce suction by partially closing the valve on the intake line, or move the vacuum more slowly so sediment does not pack under the head.

Do I need to drain my pool to vacuum it?

No. A manual Bestway vacuum removes debris without draining. The only time you drain is for seasonal closing or if algae is so heavy that the water turns green—in that case, drain, clean the pool, and refill.