Vacuum to waste - need pump basket?

[Packman04]

Opening my in-ground pool today and there are a lot of worms on the bottom. If I vacuum to waste can I remove the basket in the pump so it doesn't just fill up and clog with the worms? I'd rather not have to stop and empty it every few minutes.
Thanks!

 

[zea3]

That is not advisable. If you have any other debris in the pool such as mulch or pebbles they can jam your impeller and possibly damage your pump. If you have a vacuum plate use it and keep the skimmer basket in place to catch the worms before they get to the pump.

 

[Packman04]

Thanks for the quick response. If I should use the basket is there any harm in not vacuuming to waste and just save on water? I don't want to refill a bunch of water if I still need to deal with emptying baskets.

 

[zea3]

You don't have to vacuum to waste, you should be fine vacuuming to the filter. Just dump the worms when you are done!