The Basic Process for Cleaning an Intex Pool Floor
Vacuuming an Intex pool means using a pump or manual siphon to pull debris from the floor and walls into a collection bag or your pool's filtration system. Most Intex pools come with a manual vacuum kit that uses your pool pump, though some owners use a separate wet/dry shop vacuum instead. The manual method takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on pool size and debris load, while a shop vacuum works faster but requires more equipment setup.
The key difference between Intex vacuuming and in-ground pool vacuuming is that Intex pools have thinner walls and smaller pumps, so you need to move slowly and avoid creating suction that could damage the pool lining. You will also need to monitor water level as you work, because vacuuming pulls water out of the pool along with the debris.
Key Takeaways
- Intex pools use either a manual vacuum kit connected to the pool pump or a separate shop vacuum, and both methods require you to move slowly to avoid damaging the pool lining.
- Before you start, brush the pool floor and walls, check that your pump is running, and position the vacuum head so it sits flat on the bottom without tilting.
- Lower the water level by 6 to 12 inches before vacuuming so debris does not overflow the skimmer basket during the process.
- Vacuum in overlapping passes from the shallow end toward the drain, working methodically rather than randomly, and empty the collection bag when it reaches half full.
- After vacuuming, check your pool pump's strainer basket and backwash the filter if needed to restore water flow.
Gather Your Equipment and Check Your Setup
You will need the vacuum head (the flat attachment that sits on the pool floor), the vacuum pole (usually two sections that screw together), the hose, and either a collection bag or a connection to your pool pump's skimmer line. If your Intex kit came with a collection bag, attach it to the hose before you start. If you are using your pool pump's filtration system, connect the hose to the skimmer basket opening after removing the basket itself.
Check that your pool pump is plugged in and working. Turn it on and listen for water flow through the hose. If you hear air being sucked instead of water, the hose is not sealed properly or the water level is too low. Make sure the pump is set to "filter" mode, not "drain" or "backwash." For a shop vacuum setup, plug it in and set it to wet mode before connecting the hose.
Lower your pool water level by 6 to 12 inches using the drain plug or by running the pump in drain mode. This prevents debris from overflowing the skimmer basket and clogging your filter. The water should sit at least 6 inches below the skimmer opening.
Prepare the Pool Floor and Walls
Brush the entire pool floor and walls with a pool brush before you vacuum. This loosens debris stuck to the surface and pushes it toward the center of the pool, where the vacuum can reach it more easily. Use firm, overlapping strokes and pay special attention to corners and the seam where the wall meets the floor—debris collects there. Brushing takes 5 to 10 minutes but saves time during vacuuming.
Let the debris settle for 15 to 20 minutes after brushing. Stirred-up sediment clouds the water and makes it harder to see what you are vacuuming. While you wait, assemble the vacuum pole by screwing the two sections together hand-tight—do not over-tighten, or you will strip the threads.
Connect the Vacuum Head and Prime the Hose
Screw the vacuum head onto the end of the assembled pole. The head should sit flat on the pool floor without tilting or rocking. If it tilts, the pole may be bent or the head attachment may be loose. Tighten the connection and test again by laying it on the pool deck.
Before you put the vacuum in the water, you need to fill the hose with water so suction works when ready. Lay the hose on the pool deck and submerge one end in the pool while holding the other end above water. Water will flow down the submerged end and fill the hose. Once water reaches the end you are holding, quickly place your thumb over the opening to trap the water inside, then connect that end to the vacuum head or the skimmer line. This priming step takes 2 to 3 minutes and prevents you from vacuuming air for the first minute of work.
Vacuum in Overlapping Passes From Shallow to Deep
Lower the vacuum head into the water and place it flat on the pool floor at the shallow end. Turn on the pump if it is not already running. You should feel suction pulling the head down slightly. Move the head slowly across the floor in straight, overlapping passes—each pass should overlap the previous one by about 6 inches so you do not miss any spots. Move at a pace of about 1 foot per second. Faster movement means debris does not have time to be pulled into the hose.
Work from the shallow end toward the deep end and toward the drain. This pushes debris toward the lowest point where it is easiest to collect. If you are using a collection bag, you will see debris moving up the hose into the bag. If you are using the pool pump's filtration system, the debris goes into the pump's strainer basket. Pause every 5 to 10 minutes to check the collection bag or strainer basket. If the bag is half full or the basket is visibly clogged, stop and empty it before continuing.
Pay extra attention to corners, the deep end, and the area around the drain. These spots collect the most debris. You may need to make 2 to 3 passes over the same area to pull everything out.
Monitor Water Level and Empty Collection Bags
Vacuuming pulls water out of the pool along with debris. Check the water level every 10 to 15 minutes. If it drops below 6 inches from the skimmer opening, stop vacuuming and refill the pool using a garden hose before continuing. Running the pump when the water level is too low can damage the pump and pull air into the system, breaking the suction.
If you are using a collection bag, empty it when it reaches about half full. A full bag creates back-pressure that slows suction and makes the work harder. To empty the bag, lift it out of the water, hold it over a drain or yard area, and open the bottom valve to let the debris and water drain out. Rinse the bag with the garden hose before reattaching it.
Finish and Maintain Your Filter After Vacuuming
Once you have covered the entire pool floor, turn off the pump and remove the vacuum head from the water. Disconnect the hose and drain any remaining water from it into the pool or a drain. Disassemble the vacuum pole and store it in a dry location.
Check your pool pump's strainer basket. If it is full of debris, turn off the pump, open the strainer housing, and empty the basket. Rinse it with the garden hose and replace it. If your filter pressure gauge reads 8 to 10 pounds per square inch higher than normal, backwash the filter by switching the pump to "backwash" mode and running it for 2 to 3 minutes until the water runs clear. Then switch back to "filter" mode and run the pump for 1 minute to reset the filter.
Refill the pool to its normal water level if you lowered it before vacuuming. The water level should sit at the middle of the skimmer opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular shop vacuum instead of the Intex vacuum kit?
Yes, a wet/dry shop vacuum works well for Intex pools and often cleans faster than the manual kit. Set it to wet mode, connect the hose to the vacuum head, and follow the same slow, overlapping passes. Shop vacuums create stronger suction, so move even more slowly to avoid pulling the vacuum head against the pool floor too hard, which can damage the lining.
What should I do if the vacuum head gets stuck to the pool floor?
The suction is too strong. Turn off the pump when ready to release the pressure. Tilt the vacuum head slightly to break the seal, then lift it out. If you are using a shop vacuum, reduce the suction by partially opening the air intake valve on the vacuum itself. If you are using the pool pump, the suction should not be this strong—check that the hose is not kinked and that the pump is on the correct setting.
How often should I vacuum my Intex pool?
Vacuum once a week if the pool is used regularly and sits in a yard with trees or grass nearby. If the pool is in a clean area and used less often, vacuuming every two weeks is usually enough. Brush the floor and walls twice a week regardless of vacuuming schedule to prevent algae and debris buildup.
Can I vacuum while people are swimming in the pool?
No. The vacuum hose and head are hazards, and the suction can pull hair or skin. Empty the pool of swimmers before you start. Vacuuming also stirs up sediment that clouds the water, so swimmers will not enjoy the pool anyway.
What if my Intex pool does not have a pump—can I still vacuum it?
You can use a wet/dry shop vacuum, but you cannot use the manual kit because it requires a pump to create suction. A shop vacuum is the only option for non-pumped Intex pools. The process is the same: prime the hose, move slowly, and empty the vacuum tank frequently.