Why does my pool vacuum have too much suction? Every pool owner knows that maintaining sparkly clean water takes a lot of cleaning and vacuuming. If you’re like others, you’ve probably gotten yourself an automatic pool vacuum to do the heavy lifting for you. If what you have is a suction side pool vacuum, chances are that you’re reading this article because you can’t figure out why your pool vacuum suddenly develops too much pressure. 

The major reason vacuums have too much suction is due to a worn brush on the vacuum head. With time and constant use, the brush on these units gradually wears down and the cleaner head gets closer to the pool floor. As the wear progresses, a stage is reached where the vacuum head gets close enough to the surface to grip it – which is a huge problem. 

Fortunately, many suction-side vacuum models have replaceable brushes; you can easily head over to the manufacturer’s site to see if there’s a replacement for your model. However, if your bristles are in good shape and you still experience too much suction, your vacuum may be too powerful – you need a vacuum regulator. The regulator goes between the skimmer and the vacuum and can adjust the flow into the vacuum.

What is a Pool Vacuum Regulator?

A pool vacuum regulator is a valve that helps to regulate the flow of a pool vacuum. One end of this device attaches to the skimmer while the other connects to the automatic pool vacuum. This way, it can adjust the flow rate of water going into the pool vacuum. 

If you notice your pool cleaner keeps getting stuck due to too much suction, you should try using a pool vacuum regulator to see if it helps. After some research,

here’s the best pool vacuum regulator you can buy:

Hayward V094P Automatic Pool Cleaner Regulator

The Hayward V094P Automatic pool cleaner regulator is about the best in its class. It is made of metal, extremely durable, and doesn’t suck in the air in operation. It also comes equipped with a locking wall adapter. The easy-to-control knob lets you increase or decrease the flow to your vacuum cleaner comfortably.

How Do Pool Suction Cleaners Work?

A suction cleaner is one of three classes of pool cleaners which also include pressure side and robotic pool cleaner. It functions by connecting to a dedicated suction line or directly with your skimmer. These devices can be classified as ‘automatic’ because they move around the pool by means of water pressure from the pump, and they do not not usually require electricity to operate. As they move around the pool, they pick up debris and sediments along the way. 

The pool pump can be regarded as the heart because it circulates water when it takes input from the skimmer, filtering the water as it gets it, after which it pumps the filtered water back into the pool. This process provides the necessary pressure to power the pool vacuum in the water. 

The benefits of this setup are huge. So if you’re looking to invest in a suction side pool vacuum, here are some of the benefits: 

• They do not need extra installation as they connect to your existing filtration facility, saving you a few bucks in the process. 
• Most models can climb walls to clean them.
• They work for most pool types, sizes, and shape. 
• They work silently and automatically so that they do not need constant supervision. 
• They do not use a waste basket. 
• They’re excellent for picking up small or medium-sized debris. 

Why Does My Pool Cleaner Keep Losing Suction?

 A leak in the circulation system usually prevents the pump from circulating water effectively; and there are numerous reasons for this to happen. Before requesting professional assistance, you may want to investigate the cause of the problem. Because, who knows, a little adjustment could be all the fix it needs. Below, we have enumerated possible reasons and how you can fix them: 

Block the Leaks

• Make sure that the water level is covering the skimmer at least halfway. If not, top up the water until it reaches the appropriate level. 
• Examine the suction hose for leaks. If it leaks, you need to change the hose. 
• Ensure that the vacuum hose is well fitted into the skimmer’s inlet port. 
• If the skimmer basket is dirty, take it out and empty it. 
• Air may be getting into the pump. To test, switch on the pump and look through the plate to check for bubbles in the machine. If you see some, it means you need to change the O-ring seal of the machine’s cover. 

Check the Pool Pump

If you still don’t get enough suction after performing the procedure above, you have good reason to suspect your pool pump. If you’re inclined towards mechanical devices, you can check the shaft seal inside the motor. You may discover a bad seal in which case you need to replace it. However, if you would rather leave it to the professionals, that would be great too. 

Remove Air From the Vacuum Hose

The pool vacuum cannot work properly if there is air in the vacuum hose. If you notice air the the vacuum hose, that is why your pool vacuum is losing suction. To fill it with water, simply detach and submerge the hose in water until it completely fills with water.

Clean the Filters

Clogged vacuum filters may be the problem. If your pool vacuum filters are clogged with dirt, the buildup will prevent water from flowing as fast as it should. Take out and clean the vacuum filter. When you replace it, this should bring the suction vacuum back to working order. 

What is a Pool Suction Line? 

A swimming pool suction line is the pipe that carries water from the pool into the filter. It can be made from flexible material or it can be rigid, and it affixed directly to the pump. The placement of the suction line depends on the pool type: above-ground or in-ground pool system, in which case the suction line is placed above or below the ground respectively.

For above-ground systems, repairs involving the pipes is fairly easy, unlike in-ground pool systems where you would have to dig them up for repairs. In both cases, however, the repair procedure will be the same.

How to Unclog Pool Suction Line

The suction line takes in pool water for filtration in the skimmer. If there’s a clog in the suction line, then there’s no way your pool can rid itself of unhygienic floating particles. Clogs in the suction lines are not uncommon, especially after years of use. The following are pointers to a clogged suction line: 

• Pool pump has trouble pumping a steady volume; instead it pulses.
• Slow water intake at the suction line. 
• Machine pumps noisily and doesn’t develop enough pressure.

Before you proceed, make sure that the skimmer basket is clear and the water is at the right level. If it contains a lot of dirt, clear the skimmer basket and see if the problem resolves. if you’ve established that the suction line is truly clogged, follow the steps below to unclog it: 

1. If the pool pump is running, turn it off, open the congested cleaner line and close every other intake. Note: At every point in time, a minimum of one intake and outlet open should always remain open. 
2. Take off the pump’s lid and fix the hose in the port securely. 
3. Turn on the hose so that water can now flows forcefully in the reverse direction through the line. This will dislodge the clog and clear the line. 
4. Additionally, you can create more pressure by obstructing the flow through the skimmer port temporarily. To do this, place and hold a tennis ball over the skimmer port to create pressure. When the pressure reaches a sufficient level, remove the tennis ball so that the force of the water can push the obstruction out. You can repeat this procedure for other clogged lines. 

 Very important: 

• Do not run the pump if when all the valves are closed. At every point in time, a minimum of one intake and outlet open should always remain open.
• If you think using a drain snake to clear the clog is a good idea, it isn’t. Reason being that they may struggle with right-angled pipe junctions. Also, you do not want to introduce harmful particles from the it’s former uses into your pool. 

How Do You Use a Suction Pool Vacuum? 

A suction pool cleaner allows you to easily clean your pool by sucking up dirt and debris from your pool floor. It is analogous to the regular vacuum cleaner except that the medium here is water, which goes through the pool’s filtration system and back in. Whether you’re a new pool owner or you want to use pool cleaning services less, you’re probably reading this because you need help with using your pool vacuum. Follow the steps below to learn how to use your suction pool vacuum: 

1. Fix the vacuum head to one end of telescoping pole. The telepscoping pole lets you to move the vacuum head along the pool floor. 
2. Next, fix one end of the vacuum hose into vacuum head.
3. With the telescoping pole in hand, lower the vacuum head into the pool. Careful not to let the other end of the vacuum hose drop into the pool. 
4. Fix the other end of the vacuum hose into the water supply nozzle. You should now see the vacuum head emitting a few bubbles. The bubbles will stop as soon as the hose fills up. At this point, the suction will be strongest in the vacuum and it will grip the pool floor firmly, ready to start cleaning.
5. Turn on the filter nozzle and move guide the vacuum head across the pool surface using the telescoping pole. The vacuum will suck in the debris everywhere it touches on the floor. 
6. That’s it. When you’re satisfied, unplug the hose from the filter and store it properly. 

Which Suction Pool Cleaner is Best For The Money? 

The best suction pool vacuums out there are designed to navigate pools of different shapes and sizes, sucking up debris as they go while needing almost zero supervision. If you’re looking to get your hands on a suction pool cleaner, we recommend that you pick ones with versatile mobility and suction power. But if you’re not which to go for (don’t fret!), we’ve researched for you. Take a look at the best suction pool cleaners for the money: 

Hayward PHS41CST AquaNaut Suction Side Pool Cleaner

The AquaNaut PHS41CST suction side pool vacuum comes with a robust intake to tackle large leaves and debris, unlike a typical suction pool vacuum. Something this versatile machine does not lack is powerful suction. It also has an adjustable skirt that helps it to maintain suction as it goes over obstacles on the pool floor. 

At a little over $500, price is the only shortcoming to it. But if you want a suction side pool vacuum that can clean just about any pool surface, has efficient gripping tires and operates quietly, you should pick up a PHS41CST AquaNaut Pool Vacuum.

PROS

• Picks up large debris
• Long connector hose
• Great for different pool types

CONS

• Expensive

Hayward Poolvergnuegen Suction-Side Pool Cleaner

Most suction side pool vacuums cannot generate more suction if they wanted to. This is because of the minimum horsepower threshold operate on – not Hayward’s Poolvergnuegen. This unit comes with a turbine that automatically adjusts to allow it to operate at any speed appropriate.

Its tire design allows it to easily make sharp turns and navigate obstructions easily. With an adjustable throat, it can also pick up small to moderately large debris like leaves without trouble. It also scores high in terms of ease of maintenance.

PROS

• Great tires facilitate traction
• Adjustable throat
• Self-adjusting suction power

CONS

Pricey

Best Suction Side Cleaner: Zodiac Baracuda G3 W03000

The Zodiac Baracuda G3 makes light work of cleaning your in-ground pool wall and floor using suction action. If set upright, you would not have to monitor your automatic cleaner because it will work efficiently most of the time. It connects to your pool’s dedicated suction line or skimmer to function properly. 

The Zodiac G3 suction side cleaner is easily installed and maneuvers around your in-ground pool in 100% random motion to keep it clean and clear. It is suitable for all pool surfaces and cleans both the bottom and walls of your pool. 

Pros

• Can clean walls, floors, and steps.
• Cleaner wheel for navigating obstacles.
• Cleans all pool surface types.
• Operates silently. 

Cons

• May have trouble staying on the pool floor.
• Has trouble picking large leaves.

Closing Remark on Why does my pool vacuum have too much suction?

The point of having an automatic pool cleaner is to spend less time cleaning your pool and more time enjoying it. So it can be frustrating when your suction line pool cleaner starts to demand a lot of attention; it defeats the purpose. First off, make sure to invest in an efficient model; many low-budget pool cleaners tend to develop various faults in the first few months of use. However, if you have a flagship pool cleaner like the ones recommended suction cleaners in this post, then you will find the troubleshooting tips in this article to be invaluable.