The basic process for vacuuming a Bestway pool

Vacuuming a Bestway pool means using a pool vacuum to remove debris from the bottom and sides. The process takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on pool size and how much debris has settled. You'll attach a vacuum head to a pole, connect it to your filter system with hoses, and move it slowly across the pool floor in overlapping passes, the way you'd mow a lawn.

Bestway pools come in different sizes — from 8-foot round above-ground pools to larger rectangular models — but the vacuuming method is the same for all of them. The main difference is that smaller pools need less time and fewer passes. You do not need to drain the pool to vacuum it; the debris goes directly into your filter system.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a vacuum head, telescoping pole, and two hoses: one from the skimmer to the vacuum, one from the vacuum to the return jet.
  • Turn off the pump, attach the hoses, and prime the vacuum by filling the hose with water before turning the pump back on.
  • Move the vacuum head slowly across the pool floor in straight, overlapping lines, keeping the pole vertical and the head flat against the bottom.
  • Watch the filter pressure gauge; if it rises more than 8 to 10 pounds per square inch above the starting pressure, backwash your filter before continuing.
  • Empty the skimmer basket and check water level before you start, because a low water level can pull air into the system and break the vacuum seal.

What equipment you need before you start

A Bestway pool vacuum kit usually includes a vacuum head (the flat brush part that sits on the pool floor), a telescoping pole that extends to reach the entire pool, and one or two hoses. If your kit came with only one hose, you'll need to buy a second one — most Bestway pools use 1.25-inch diameter hoses, which cost $15 to $30 each.

You also need access to your pool's pump and filter system. The pump pulls water through the vacuum, so if your pump is broken or the filter is clogged, the vacuum won't work. Check that your pump runs and that water flows from the return jet (the opening where water comes back into the pool) before you start vacuuming.

Have a skimmer net nearby. Before vacuuming, use it to remove large leaves, bugs, and floating debris from the surface. Vacuuming works better when the surface is already clean, and it puts less strain on your filter.

Preparing the pool and connecting the hoses

Empty the skimmer basket — the small basket that sits in the skimmer opening on the pool wall. A full basket blocks water flow and weakens the vacuum. Check the water level; it should reach the middle of the skimmer opening. If the water is below that, add water with a hose until it reaches the right level. Low water can pull air into the system and break the vacuum seal, so this step matters.

Turn off the pump. Attach one hose to the skimmer opening (the intake side). This hose pulls water and debris from the pool. Attach the second hose to the return jet opening — the opening where clean water flows back into the pool. This hose carries water back after it's been filtered. Both connections should be hand-tight; you don't need tools.

Attach the vacuum head to the telescoping pole. The pole usually screws into the top of the vacuum head. Screw it in firmly but don't force it. Attach the first hose to the vacuum head — the end that connects to the skimmer. The second hose stays connected to the return jet.

Priming the vacuum and starting the pump

Before you turn the pump on, you need to fill the hose with water so air doesn't get trapped in the line. This step is called priming. Hold the vacuum head and pole in one hand and the free end of the hose (the end connected to the vacuum head) in the other. Submerge the vacuum head in the pool and let water flow into the hose until it's completely full — you'll see water come out of the end you're holding. This takes 30 seconds to a minute.

Once the hose is full, keep the free end underwater and turn on the pump. The vacuum should start pulling when ready; you'll feel suction at the vacuum head. If you don't feel suction, turn off the pump, check that both hoses are connected tightly, and try again. If the suction is weak, the skimmer basket may be full or the filter may need backwashing.

Vacuuming the pool floor in the right pattern

Hold the pole so it stays vertical — straight up and down — and keep the vacuum head flat against the pool floor. Move slowly across the pool in straight lines, overlapping each pass by about 6 inches. Think of mowing a lawn: you want to cover every inch without missing strips. Move at a pace where you can see debris being pulled into the vacuum head; if you move too fast, debris won't have time to be sucked up.

Start at the deep end if your pool has a deep end, or at one corner if it's a flat-bottom pool. Work toward the shallow end or opposite corner in parallel lines. Corners and steps collect more debris, so spend extra time there. If you see a pile of debris, go over it two or three times to make sure it's all pulled up.

Watch the filter pressure gauge on your filter tank as you work. The gauge shows how much resistance the filter is experiencing. If the pressure rises more than 8 to 10 pounds per square inch above where it started, turn off the pump and backwash the filter — this reverses water flow to clean out trapped debris. After backwashing, turn the pump back on and continue vacuuming.

Finishing and disconnecting the equipment

Once you've covered the entire pool floor, turn off the pump. Disconnect the hoses from the skimmer and return jet. Disconnect the hose from the vacuum head and the pole from the vacuum head. Drain any remaining water from the hoses by holding them upright over the pool or a bucket — standing water in hoses can grow algae or mold.

Rinse the vacuum head with fresh water from a hose and let it dry before storing it. Check the skimmer basket again; if it's full, empty it. Leave the pump off until you're ready to run it for regular circulation — usually a few hours a day to keep the water clean.

If the pool still looks cloudy or has visible debris on the bottom after vacuuming, you may need to vacuum again in a day or two. Debris settles over time, so a second pass often picks up what the first pass missed.

Troubleshooting weak suction and common problems

If the vacuum has weak suction, check the skimmer basket first — a full basket is the most common cause. Empty it and try again. If suction is still weak, check both hose connections at the skimmer, the vacuum head, and the return jet. A loose connection lets air in and breaks the seal. Hand-tighten any connection that feels loose.

If the filter pressure rises quickly and stays high, the filter is clogged. Turn off the pump and backwash the filter by switching the multiport valve to "Backwash" and running the pump for 2 to 3 minutes until the water in the sight glass runs clear. Switch back to "Filter" and resume vacuuming. If pressure stays high after backwashing, the filter may need chemical cleaning or replacement.

If the vacuum head won't stay on the pool floor and keeps floating up, the water level is too high. Lower it slightly so it reaches the middle of the skimmer opening, not above it. If the vacuum head is cracked or warped, it won't seal properly and will lose suction; you'll need to replace it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I vacuum my Bestway pool?

Vacuum once a week if the pool is in regular use and the water is clear. If you see debris on the bottom or the water looks cloudy, vacuum more often. Pools in areas with lots of trees or wind may need vacuuming two or three times a week. During heavy use or after storms, vacuum as needed.

Can I vacuum the pool if the pump is off?

No. The pump creates the suction that pulls debris into the vacuum. Without the pump running, the vacuum head won't work. Always turn on the pump after you've primed the hose and connected everything.

What should I do if water level drops while I'm vacuuming?

Stop vacuuming and add water until it reaches the middle of the skimmer opening again. Continuing to vacuum with low water can pull air into the system and damage the pump. It's normal for water level to drop slightly during vacuuming because some water goes into the filter; add water as needed to keep the level correct.

Do I need to backwash the filter every time I vacuum?

Not every time, but watch the pressure gauge. Backwash when pressure rises 8 to 10 pounds per square inch above the starting pressure. For a new filter, this might happen after several vacuuming sessions. For an older filter, it might happen during a single session. Backwashing takes 5 minutes and keeps suction strong.

Can I use a manual vacuum or do I need an automatic one?

A manual vacuum — the kind you operate with a pole — is what most Bestway pool owners use and is included in most Bestway kits. Automatic pool cleaners exist but are more expensive and not necessary for small to medium above-ground pools. A manual vacuum works well for Bestway pools and gives you control over which areas get cleaned first.