How To A Vacuum Intex Pool Without Skimmer (Step-by-Step Guide)

A swimming pool is one of the most common items in a home owner’s wishlist. Thanks to Intex’s assortment of above ground pools, having a backyard pool is more affordable and convenient. To make the most out of your Intex above ground pool, it needs to be cleaned and maintained.

For cleaning pools, a very important tool that you can use is a skimmer. It works in a similar function as a handheld leaf skimmer to keep leaves and debris from entering the pool filter. But what if you have no skimmer?

Prime the vacuum by removing excess air from the vacuum line. Connect the vacuum line to the pump and turn it on. Guide the vacuum head along the bottom of your Intex pool to clean it without a skimmer.

Keep reading for a more detailed guide on how to vacuum an Intex pool without a skimmer.

Even if you don’t have a skimmer, knowing how it functions will help you better understand the steps outlined ahead.

There are two types of pool skimmers that relate to the same area. One type is a net that you attach to the end of a telescoping shaft to fish out leaves and debris out of your pool. The other type is a more complex mechanism that’s built-in into an inground pool or mounted to an above ground pool.

Above ground pool skimmers are mounted on the poolside with either a plastic attachment or a vacuum-mounted floating model. Pool skimmers are the starting point of a pool’s circulation system and serve as filter gates.

As the water passes through the skimmer, larger debris is blocked from going all the way to the filter or pump. The skimmer keeps the pump and filter in good working condition by clearing large debris that can cause major problems. Without a skimmer, chemicals and debris won’t be properly removed from the pool.

Suction-side vacuums work as a dedicated suction line that connects to the skimmer. They use the pump’s suction to move the cleaner around the pool to get rid of dirt and debris. A leaf canister may be added for particularly heavy debris load.

Pressure-side vacuums utilize the existing pressure side water flow for moving the cleaner. The water that’s cycled back into the pool serves as the vacuum’s fuel. This type doesn’t use the pool’s filtration system but instead, it uses a filtration bag.

Robotic vacuums are like the bulkier, aquatic cousins of the Roomba. Unlike the first two types above, robotic vacuums don’t hook up to your existing pool equipment. In fact, many of them support “plug and play” operation. They offer higher efficiency and reduced power consumption but with a higher upfront cost.

Algae are microscopic plants that grow in water. They’re usually green in color but they can appear in different colors as well. Chlorine by itself can kill algae.

However, there are cases when chlorine levels drop too low or the water has a high level of stabilizers. When this happens, the pool water can’t kill the algae. Always make sure that there’s enough chlorine in the pool and add a dose of algaecide once a week.

This is a very difficult question to answer because everyone’s needs and preferences are different. However, there are some key factors to consider when shopping for an above ground pool.

What size and shape of the pool that best fits your backyard and family? Which pattern and design fit your landscaping and community better? Does the manufacturer offer a warranty?

Typically, you want a pool that compliments your home and backyard. If it’s meant to be a focus piece, make sure it has a design that fits the personality of your family.