Why Does My Pool Vacuum Hose Collapse? A pool hose has only one job: to convey water from where it’s stored to where it’s needed(or in any number of ways). As simple as the job description sounds, a pool hose may have trouble transporting water as it should, collapsing on itself while in use. To function properly, the hose has to be in great shape to start with. But if you’re sure that your hose is the right quality, then continue reading to find out why it keeps collapsing.

The most likely reason why your hose is collapsing is because of a blockage somewhere. Since it has only one function, which is to take water from one point to the next, any obstruction in the path through the hose could easily alter the pressure inside it, causing a collapse from the suction. A good site to check for blockage would be the pool vacuum filter. 

If you’re experiencing hose collapses while vacuuming in filter mode, it might help to switch off the vacuum and inspect the vacuum’s filter. If the filter canister is filled with lots of dirt, then you may have found the problem. Simply backwashing or cleaning out the filter may be all the fixes you need. However, if the hose is fatigued from years of use and handling, you may want to pick up a new one. 

Why Does My Pool Vacuum Hose Collapse?

Swimming pool hoses are a necessity; we use them to move water from the pool to the filtration unit and back. Many pool vacuums also need hoses to operate. A collapsing hose would mean that pool water filtration and vacuuming will grind to a halt, leaving your pool generally unhygienic. Your first line of action would be to determine the cause of the collapse, then fix it. Here’s how to go about it: 

Step 1

Scan the length of the hose for visible signs of damage or weakness; it could be a bend, crimp, or fold along the hose’s length. If you find any, you may need to replace the hose and handle the next one with care. 

Tip: Do not curl a pool hose too tightly around, it may get a memory and be prone to bend on the next use.

Step 2

Take measurements of all the hoses and pipes that lead to the pool pump. 

Step 3

Next, determine the flow rate for your pool’s plumbing system. To do this: 

• Add 42 GPM (gallons per minute) for every 1½ inch line.
• Add 73 GPM for every 2-inch line. 
• Add 120 GPM for every 2½ inch line. 
• Add 160 GPM for every 3-inch line. 

 

The maximum flow rate of your climbing system will be the sum of flow rates in the individual pipes. 

Step 4

Look up the maximum flow rate for your pool’s pump – it should be written in the technical information aspect of your owner’s manual. If you can’t find it, you may need to contact your manufacturer. 

Once you know the maximum floor rate for the installed pool pump, compare it with the figure you got in step 3. If the pump’s maximum flow rate exceeds the calculated flow rate of the plumbing supply line, then the pump is too much for the plumbing system. As a result, there will be too much suction in the hose, enough to collapse it. 

Why Is My Pool Hose Twisting?

If the hose connected to your pool cleaner is twisting, your unit is likely moving only in one direction. This is common with automatic pool cleaners that don’t have swivels where the hose attaches to the unit – although some models with swivels still experience this inconvenience. Identifying the cause of the twisting is the first step in fixing the hose. 

To test, turn on the automatic pool cleaner. Then, hold the hose below the waterline so that the unit is just off the pool floor. Ideally, the pool vacuum should rotate in both directions – back and forth. If, however, you observe that the unit goes in one direction only, then it may make the hose twist. One way of correcting this will be to manually untwist the hose, but then you would have to do it again and again. The major cause may be a gearbox that’s stuck moving in one direction.

If the hose is coiling when it’s out of the pool, do not have them coiled up on storage; it could make it worse. Rather, take the hose apart section by section and lay them out on a leveled ground. To remove any curls, allow them to lay on the ground on a hot day for a few hours to remove any memory curls. 

How Do I Keep My Pool Cleaner Cord From Tangling?

If you have a pool robot, you will agree that a tangling power cord is a huge problem. It can easily immobilize your pool robot so that you have to untangle it a couple of times during a cleaning session. Many new models now have advanced features like 360° swivel cables to counter this problem. If your pool cleaner is getting tangled on the power cable, here’s what you can do: 

Buy a Pool Robot Having a Swivel Cable

Many pool robot manufacturers have now started to add 360° anti-tangle swivel cables to their robotic pool cleaners to eliminate tangling. These units rarely get tangled and can efficiently go about their work without needing your assistance until the end of the cleaning cycle. 

If you’re looking to get a new pool robot, we recommend that you purchase one with the 360° swivel cable feature. However, if you don’t want to invest in one right now, read on to discover more tips. 

Use Only the Needed Length

This reduces the chances that the power cord can get entangled. If you dumb the entire power cord into the water, then you may have to standby just to untangle the unit whenever it tangles. Ideally, the length needed to cover the entire pool plus 3 feet of cable is all you need to put in the water. You can spool the rest of the cable on the pool deck and secure it with a zip tie or tape so that more length can’t enter the pool. 

Stretch it Out

If your cable is curling, it can cause it to tangle while in the pool. You can give the cable the same sun exposure as you would a hose. To stretch it out, lay the cable on the deck on a hot day for a few hours. This will remove any curls in the cable. 

Store it Properly

Improper storage can make your cables curl. If you loop your cable around too tightly, it can easily deform, creating permanent curls. The proper way to keep the cables In shape is to curl them in loose loops before storing them indoors. 

Check the Connectors

In the above suggestions, we assumed that the pool robot didn’t have a swivel cable. If, however, you own a unit with the swivel cable feature but it still tangles, it’s likely that the cable connectors are not working properly. Check the connector at both ends and contact your manufacturer if they turn out to be faulty. 

How Do I Know If My Pool Hose Is Leaking?

Your pool vacuum works in much the same way as a regular vacuum, it takes up debris by employing suction. However, if there’s any leak along the length of the hose, there won’t be enough suction for your pool vacuum to function properly. Your first line of action, in that case, would be to determine where the leak is. Once found, you can change the hose section or try to fix it. Here’s how to know if your hose is leaking: 

• Submerge the pool cleaner and turn it on. If you notice any bubbling, that may be a sign. Make sure it’s not any of the hose connectors. Otherwise, tighten any loose connections you find. 
• Observe the filter basket close to the pump. It should be full while the pool vacuum is active. However, if you notice that the basket is only partially full or is bubbling, the vacuum may be leaking. Ensure that the seal sits correctly on the vacuum lid. The filter basket should prime after this. 
• Submerge the hose and allow it to fill with water. Then slowly lift it out. When the trouble point breaks the waterline, it will suck in some air, causing it to bubble. 

Can You Repair a Pool Vacuum Hose?

If your pool hose starts to leak, the best thing you can do is get another one. They can get damaged due to reasons such as improper handling or old age. However, if you’d rather not get a new hose just yet, you can easily follow the steps below to quickly fix it: 

• Locate the leak along the length of the hose just as we recommended in this previous heading. 
• When you find the leak, cut the vacuum in that location using a hacksaw. Try not to crease the hose as you cut through. 
• Attach the threaded male adapter to both sides of the cut hose to secure them. Join the two parts together securely using a PVC primer: first, clean the inside and other edges of the vacuum hose, then apply.
• Next, apply PVC cement to the adapter and vacuum hose, then twist the male adapter into the vacuum hose connection end. 
• Allow a few moments to let the glue dry completely. 

If you like, you could use duct tape if you don’t want to go through the rigors of cutting the hose – although, that would be a more temporary solution. As an alternative, you could fix leaks in your vacuum hose by using a waterproof hose repair spray. Here’s what we recommend:

Recommended: Max-Pro Leak Fix (14 oz)

Once you’ve located the leak, you only have to spray the leak fix on the affected portion and wait for it to dry. 

Pros

• Fast-acting. 

Cons

• May not be a permanent fix.

When Should I Replace My Pool Vacuum Hose? 

You should replace your pool vacuum hose as soon as it starts to leak or has trouble being straight. Due to years of use and handling, the pool hose might develop bends, cracks, or a somewhat permanent memory curl. In that case, you should change your hose. Ideally, a premium quality hose, though relatively more expensive, can provide you with hassle-free usage for about 20 years.  

However, if you’re like many pool owners and don’t wish to replace your hose now and then, there are simple maintenance tips you can follow to increase its lifespan. Take a peek: 

• Before you add pool chemicals to your pool water, ensure that you first take the pool hose out of the water. Pool chemicals like chlorine can damage the vacuum hose over time. 
• After use, do not leave the vacuum hose in the sun for extended periods. Always make sure to store the vacuum hose in a cool, dry place after each use. 
• Pulling on the hose may stretch and damage it faster. Discourage kids from playing with the vacuum hose so that they do not stretch it and make it prone to damage. 
• Try not to coil the hose too tightly when you store it. Rather, loosely coiling it will prevent memory curl.

What Is The Best Quality Pool Vacuum Hose To Buy?

If you’re looking for a hassle-free pool vacuum hose that would last you a long time, we have done the research and come up with the best ones money can buy. Here they are: 

Milliard 5-Piece Pool Vacuum Extension Hose

Milliard pool hose is a 5-piece set with each hose measuring 15 feet. With this, you can easily customize the length of the hose to match your pool’s depth. Each end of the hoses has a male and a female connector for end-to-end joining and is suitable for both in-ground and above-ground swimming pool use. 

Why Do We Like It?

• Budget-friendly
• Customizable length
• Can withstand harsh pool chemicals. 

Intex Spiral Filters (Lightweight) Pool Vacuum Hose

Intex is a market leader when it comes to above-ground pool accessories, and the Intex spiral filter pool vacuum hose is no exception to the rule. This hose is huge on length (25 feet) and is light enough (at only 3Ibs) so that it can easily be packed up and stored after each use. 

If you have a smaller pool and do not need the entire 25 feet length, this pool vacuum hose can be cut to an appropriate length that matches your pool size. It is also compatible with all Intex pool filters and pumps and uses a 1.5″ hose connector. 

Why Do We Like It? 

• Lightweight (3Ibs)
• Flexible
• Enough length (25 feet)
• Customizable length

U.S. Pool Supply Heavy-Duty Pool Vacuum Hose

If you’re looking for a lot of length, you can trust the U.S Pool supply Heavy Duty pool vac hose. And it is not only great with length (30 feet at least), it is also designed to work hard – as the name implies. It attaches using standard 1.5″ hose connectors and works with most pool filtration and vacuum systems. Depending on your pool size, you can choose between three length options: 30ft, 36ft, and 40ft. 

Why Do We Like It? 

• Heavy duty
• Great on length
• Durable

Wrapping Up on Why Does My Pool Vacuum Hose Collapse?

Of equal importance as your automatic pool vacuum is the vacuum hose which attaches to it. If your want a truly hassle-free experience with these pool cleaning machines, then you need to start choosing the right hose and accessories to match. Furthermore, every pool owner should know to handle and store them safely. We have taken the time to do the research for you in this article; so if you’re having a vacuum hose problem, you know what to do.