Using a Shop Vac to Clean Your Pool: Tips and Techniques

Can I Use a Shop Vac to Clean My Pool?

While it is technically feasible to use a shop vac—commonly known as a wet/dry vacuum—to clean a pool, it is important to note that this method is often inefficient and labor-intensive, particularly for larger inground pools. However, if you find yourself in a pinch with a malfunctioning pool filtration system, a shop vac can serve as a temporary solution to keep the pool clean until repairs are made. For smaller above-ground pools, this method may be somewhat more manageable, though a dedicated pool vacuum would still be more effective.

How to Use a Shop Vac to Clean a Pool

Cleaning your pool with a shop vac is a relatively straightforward process. Follow these steps for the best results:

Position the Shop Vac: Place your shop vac as close to the pool as possible, ensuring it is secure and cannot accidentally fall into the water.
Prepare the Hose: Lower the hose and attach the vacuum head into the pool.
Start Vacuuming: Turn on the shop vac to begin the cleaning process.
Vacuum the Pool Floor: Slowly move the vacuum head along the pool’s bottom to collect dirt and debris. Take your time to avoid disturbing fine particles.
Empty as Needed: Once the shop vac bucket is full, turn it off, empty it into an appropriate location, and then restart the vacuuming process.

Pros and Cons of Using a Shop Vac

Pros

The primary advantage of using a shop vac for pool cleaning is that any debris you collect will not have to travel through your pool’s filtration system. This can be beneficial if you’re concerned about clogging your filter with large amounts of dirt. However, this is similar to manually vacuuming to waste when your multiport valve is set to the “waste” position.

Cons

Despite its potential benefits, there are several drawbacks to consider:

Many shop vacs require you to stop and empty the vacuum bucket once it’s full, which can significantly prolong the cleaning process.
Frequent vacuuming will lead to substantial water loss from the pool, necessitating replenishment from a garden hose, which can increase your water bill.
The electric motor in a shop vac is not designed for prolonged use, so extensive cleaning sessions may lead to premature failure of the device, and shop vacs are not inexpensive.
Most shop vacs come with a relatively short hose, which limits your reach. In contrast, standard pool vacuums attach to telescopic poles, allowing access to all areas of the pool. You may need to adapt a pool vacuum hose to fit the shop vac for better coverage.

Some models of shop vacs can be connected to a pool hose or backwash hose with an adapter, which can help eliminate the need for constant emptying of the bucket. This way, the water and debris can be directed to your backyard or a suitable drain.

What is the Fastest Way to Vacuum a Pool?

The quickest way to vacuum a pool is to utilize the pool’s filtration system along with a dedicated pool vacuum. Typically, this process takes no more than an hour, resulting in a thoroughly cleaned pool. For a more detailed guide, refer to my post titled “How to Vacuum a Pool.”

What is the Easiest Way to Vacuum a Pool?

Using a robotic pool cleaner, such as the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus, is the easiest method for vacuuming a pool. Simply place the cleaner in the water and let it do the work for you. This automated gadget usually completes its cleaning cycle in about two hours, saving you significant time and effort. Personally, my Dolphin pool cleaner has been the best investment I’ve made for my pool maintenance routine, drastically reducing the time I spend cleaning each month.

How to Use a Shop Vac to Drain a Pool

If you need to lower the water level in your pool, perhaps due to excessive rain, a shop vac can help, though it is not the fastest method. Since shop vacs have a limited water flow, the draining process will be slow. To drain the pool, follow the same steps as outlined for cleaning, but without using a vacuum head.

For additional methods of emptying a pool, check out my post titled “How to Drain Water from a Pool After Rain.”

Can You Use a Shop Vac to Clean a Hot Tub?

Using a shop vac to remove dust and debris from a hot tub is a more practical option than using it for a pool, given the smaller volume of water involved. For further insights on cleaning hot tubs, refer to my article on “9 Ways to Get Sand Out of a Hot Tub.”