Can I use this pump to make a portable pool vacuum?

[Ders]

I was recently gifted this pump and was trying to determine if I can use it to create a portable pool vacuum for cleaning problem area/corners.

Amazon.com : Intex 28633EG Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 2500 GPH Pump Flow Rate, 110-120V with GFCI, system flow rate of 1, 900 gallons per hour : Swimming Pool Water Pumps : Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com : Intex 28633EG Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 2500 GPH Pump Flow Rate, 110-120V with GFCI, system flow rate of 1, 900 gallons per hour : Swimming Pool Water Pumps : Garden & Outdoor

www.amazon.com

Is this possible or am I just going on a fools errand for trying to make this work?

 

[ajw22]

Give it a try and see how it works. My pool cleaner uses this rig...

Pool Vacuum Rig

• ajw22
• Apr 26, 2019

 

[Richard320]

That intex pump is for an above ground pool where gravity takes care of priming it. I'd test it to see if it is able to lift water before I got too involved in things.

 

[Ders]

Bump but that pump did not work as intended to even lift water. Back to the drawing board.

I've been looking at trash water pumps from Harbor Freight and local irrigation companies but everything is nearly the same price as a lower end pool pump and I'd have to make modifications after the fact to get those to work properly.

 

[cfherrman]

What are you trying to do? Vaccum your pool?

 

[zea3]

Keep an eye on Craigslist for people looking to get rid of pools, or used pool equipment. You could also call a few pool repair places and see if they have any used pumps they may want to get rid of cheap.

 

[Ders]

What are you trying to do? Vaccum your pool?

I have some low flow/dead spots in the pool where debris pile up and the cleaner robot cannot seem to reach. I was looking for something I can break out for spot cleaning when needed as we get a fair amount of material blowing into our pool due to the high winds around here.

 

[cfherrman]

Why can't you vacuum with your 3 hp pump?

 

[Ders]

Why can't you vacuum with your 3 hp pump?

I can but I thought it would be easier to have a separate setup if I could do it for cheap given the size of my pool (~65K gallons)

 

[cfherrman]

Yeah skimmer plate or vac port going to be easier and better than anything else.

Your cheap pump has a Crud filter, but the pump is ok, typically .44 hp which is plenty for 1 skimmer. I have used one on my pool full time and vaccuming is tough and slow. As you probably found out it won't prime.

If you wanted a separate pump and didn't mind spending money you can get a 1 hp inground pool pump that is self priming as the pic above. 1 hp works fine the problem is no filter so your wasting water or just circulating. You have to run off extension cord so anything above 1 hp is tough. Gas powered gets more power but same as pump to waste or circulate around.

Your 3 hp will work better than most options unless your vac to waste

 

[Ders]

Yeah skimmer plate or vac port going to be easier and better than anything else.

Your cheap pump has a Crud filter, but the pump is ok, typically .44 hp which is plenty for 1 skimmer. I have used one on my pool full time and vaccuming is tough and slow. As you probably found out it won't prime.

If you wanted a separate pump and didn't mind spending money you can get a 1 hp inground pool pump that is self priming as the pic above. 1 hp works fine the problem is no filter so your wasting water or just circulating. You have to run off extension cord so anything above 1 hp is tough. Gas powered gets more power but same as pump to waste or circulate around.

Your 3 hp will work better than most options unless your vac to waste

No vac to waste option. I was planning on getting a slime bag to run the cleaned water back to my pool but after doing some more research it appears that your suggestion is likely easier than to build a pump.