How to Prime a Pool Vacuum Hose: Step-by-Step Guide

Priming a pool vacuum hose is a crucial step that ensures its efficient operation. This guide provides you with a comprehensive, step-by-step process to prime your vacuum hose.

Step 1: Connect the Hose

The first step in priming a pool vacuum hose is to correctly connect it. Attach one end of the vacuum hose to the vacuum head and the other end to either the skimmer or a dedicated vacuum line.

Step 2: Fill the Hose with Water

Method 1: Using a Garden Hose

With one end of the vacuum hose connected, insert a garden hose into the vacuum hose to fill it with water. Ensure that the open end of the vacuum hose is submerged in the pool water.

Method 2: Submerging in Water

Alternatively, fully submerge the vacuum hose in the pool water. Keep the open end submerged to fill it with water, making sure no air bubbles are trapped inside.

Step 3: Remove Air Bubbles

As you fill the hose, eliminate any trapped air bubbles. Gently shake the hose while it is submerged to remove these bubbles.

Step 4: Connect to the Skimmer

Once the hose is full of water and free of air bubbles, quickly connect the open end of the hose to the skimmer or vacuum line. This prevents any air from re-entering the hose and ensures the pump can draw water through the system effectively.

Step 5: Start the Pump

Turn on the pool pump. The suction should pull water through the hose, causing the vacuum head to work effectively.

Step 6: Check for Air Leaks

If you notice that the vacuum isn’t working well, check for any air leaks in the connections or the hose itself. This could be a sign that the priming process was not complete or that the hose is damaged.

Alternative Method: Using Return Jets

Another effective method to prime the vacuum hose is by using the return jets. Toss the vacuum head into the pool and leave the pole on the edge of the pool. Place the other end of the vacuum hose over one of the return jets and push it against the jet hard to make a seal with your hand.

The pressure from the return jet will fill the vacuum hose with water and push out any air bubbles from the suction hose. The vacuum end will bubble and rise, indicating that the hose is filled with water. Keep the seal on the suction hose intake tight until no more bubbles come out and the vacuum head sinks back into the pool.

Once the vacuum head shows no more bubbles, take the hose away from the return jet and keep it under water. Move over to the main skimmer and quickly place the hose in the skimmer. If you have additional return lines, such as for a Barracuda system, you might need to follow this method to prime the vacuum hose more effectively.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your pool vacuum operates efficiently and effectively, significantly enhancing your pool cleaning process.