How to Vacuum a Pool Without a Skimmer: The Ultimate Guide

Why Vacuuming a Pool Without a Skimmer Can Be a Pain

A skimmer is designed to catch floating debris before it sinks, making pool maintenance way easier. Without one, all that dirt, leaves, and random gunk settle at the bottom, which means you’ll have to put in a little extra work to keep things clean. Luckily, there are a few good workarounds.

Method 1: Using a Pool Vacuum with a Garden Hose

What You’ll Need:

• A garden hose
• A venturi-style pool vacuum head (available at most pool supply stores)
• A telescopic pole
• A debris bag or fine mesh net

Steps:

1. Attach the vacuum head to the telescopic pole.
2. Connect the garden hose to the vacuum head. The pressure creates suction, pulling debris into the attached bag.
3. Submerge the vacuum head and move it slowly across the pool floor.
4. Empty the debris bag as needed.

Pros & Cons:

✅ Cheap and easy to use
✅ No need for a pump
❌ Won’t catch super fine particles
❌ Needs frequent bag emptying

Method 2: Using a Manual Pool Vacuum with a Submersible Pump

What You’ll Need:

• A submersible pump
• A manual pool vacuum head
• A telescopic pole
• A vacuum hose
• A large container or drainage area

Steps:

1. Connect the vacuum head to the telescopic pole.
2. Submerge the hose to remove air bubbles.
3. Attach the hose to the submersible pump’s intake.
4. Turn on the pump, which will suck in water and debris, sending it out through the drainage hose.
5. Move the vacuum head across the pool floor slowly.

Pros & Cons:

✅ Stronger suction than a garden hose vacuum
✅ More effective for deep cleaning
❌ Requires a drainage solution
❌ Uses up some pool water

Method 3: Connecting to a Pool Filter System

What You’ll Need:

• A manual vacuum head
• A telescopic pole
• A vacuum hose
• A vacuum plate (fits over the pool’s suction port)

Steps:

1. Attach the vacuum head to the pole and hose.
2. Submerge the hose completely to remove air.
3. Connect the hose to the vacuum plate and place it over the suction port.
4. Turn on the pool pump to create suction.
5. Vacuum the pool floor in slow, even strokes.

Pros & Cons:

✅ Uses the pool’s filtration system
✅ Good suction for deeper cleaning
❌ Needs a working pump
❌ Can clog the filter if there’s too much debris

Alternative Cleaning Methods

Pool Leaf Rake & Manual Cleaning

A deep net can help scoop debris off the bottom. It’s not as efficient as a vacuum, but it helps reduce buildup.

Robotic Pool Cleaners

Some battery-powered robotic cleaners don’t need a skimmer and collect debris in a built-in filter system.

Pool Flocculants & Clarifiers

If your pool is cloudy with fine debris, using a flocculant can help settle particles at the bottom, making them easier to vacuum.

Tips for Keeping a Pool Clean Without a Skimmer

• Use a pool cover to keep debris out.
• Brush the pool walls regularly to prevent algae buildup.
• Run the pump (if available) to circulate water.
• Check your water chemistry to keep everything balanced.

Need help keeping your pool in top shape? Check out this pool maintenance guide for more tips and tricks. And if you're looking for top-quality pool chemicals, AquaDoc has everything you need to keep your water crystal clear.