Manual pool vacuuming

[tpm]

Hello
I have been manually vacuuming my inground pool and I continually get some air intrusion. I have 2 skimmers and 4 returns in the main pool plus 3 returns in the swim- out ( seating area) that I can close off. After about 10 minutes or so it starts getting air in the system and I’ve tried everything to avoid it. I have a new 50’ hose, I close off the far side skimmer and tried closing the main drain but find if I keep it halfway open it helps with better water flow with the air getting in. Still get good vac suction. Any recommendations I could try because I’m rushing to get the vacuuming done the way it is?
I can take video at the pump if it helps
Thanks!

 

[1poolman1]

Hello
I have been manually vacuuming my inground pool and I continually get some air intrusion. I have 2 skimmers and 4 returns in the main pool plus 3 returns in the swim- out ( seating area) that I can close off. After about 10 minutes or so it starts getting air in the system and I’ve tried everything to avoid it. I have a new 50’ hose, I close off the far side skimmer and tried closing the main drain but find if I keep it halfway open it helps with better water flow with the air getting in. Still get good vac suction. Any recommendations I could try because I’m rushing to get the vacuuming done the way it is?
I can take video at the pump if it helps
Thanks!

Closing off all the suction ports but one and then using a vacuum hose at the bottom of the pool means that, if there is an air leak, even a minor one, the pump will find it and suck air. A little air won't hurt anything. If your pump loses prime, remove the hose and let it pick up again, continue your work.

 

[tpm]

Closing off all the suction ports but one and then using a vacuum hose at the bottom of the pool means that, if there is an air leak, even a minor one, the pump will find it and suck air. A little air won't hurt anything. If your pump loses prime, remove the hose and let it pick up again, continue your work.

Thanks, it has never lost prime. I usually stop half way through and bleed the filter until airs out and carry on. I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t damaging anything

 

[1poolman1]

Thanks, it has never lost prime. I usually stop half way through and bleed the filter until airs out and carry on. I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t damaging anything

Your filter should have an air relief tube and screen in it, so stopping to let air out doesn't really need to be done. I've seen people lose the screen and then plug the tube with a bolt, rag, twig, etc. That is a dangerous thing to do, especially if there is a suction leak (which most pools will develop sometime in their life).

 

[tpm]

Your filter should have an air relief tube and screen in it, so stopping to let air out doesn't really need to be done. I've seen people lose the screen and then plug the tube with a bolt, rag, twig, etc. That is a dangerous thing to do, especially if there is a suction leak (which most pools will develop sometime in their life).

It definitely rids itself of the air, I was just assuming I was letting some out before it built up. Guess I don’t need to do that
Thanks