Pool Vacuum Losing Suction: 5 Troubleshooting Steps To Fix

Pool vacuum losing suction is a common issue almost every pool owner encounters after running the vacuum for several months. You can’t expect your vacuum to provide the suction you need if:

  • There is a lot of air in the hose
  • Leak appearance on and around the hose
  • A clogged vacuum hose
  • Dirty or clogged filter basket
  • Broken pump lid O-ring

Fortunately, we will break down how to solve those vacuum issues to let your vacuum cleaner function properly. So, stay in tune with us till the end. 

Why Is My Pool Vacuum Losing Suction?

Automatic pool cleaners or suction pool cleaners do their cleaning job by its suction power. That’s why, weak suction power or if you are losing your pool vacuum’s suction, it will reduce the vacuum’s cleaning performance.

Your pool vacuum will lose suction for several reasons. And this chapter will help you to discover why your pool pump loses prime when vacuuming. Above this, you can also get the solution to fix the suction issue. 

Too much air in the hose

The first culprit behind the vacuum suction issue is- there is a lot of air in your vacuum hose. You will get little to no suction power to remove the dirt from the pool if there is too much air in the hose. 

What you need to do is- when you put the vacuum hose into the water and before you put the vacuum on it, hold the hose up to the return jet while the pump is running. It will blow out all the air from the hose, and you will get the suction you need to get rid of dirt. 

If you have air leaks on the hose or any connections, you will have an air bubble issue. If the vacuum connections are not tightened and fitted correctly, air will leak into the system, causing air bubbles to appear at the return wall fitting.

Check your vacuum and other connections for any air leaks. The vacuum connections can be tightened and secured with O-rings with good quality sealing materials and hose leaks can be easily fixed with silicone or rubber.

Holes in the vacuum hose

Inspect the vacuum hose for holes. If there is a hole near the top of the hose or the surface, it will suck in air. Consequently, you will lose the vacuum suction. 

Repairing the hose will be an easy fix to this issue. Just get some pool putty from your local pool equipment store and use them on the holes to repair. Alternatively, you can buy a brand new vacuum hose to goodbye the vacuum hose issue. 

A clogged hose

A clogged vacuum hose is another caveat that could cause your vacuum to lose suction. Dirt, debris, and particles can easily block the vacuum hose. 

So, backwash your vacuum hose to remove the blockage. You can use a broomstick to feed it through the hose to unclog the vacuum hose. Just push it gently so that it can’t damage or puncture the hose accidentally. You can also rinse the hose with the solution of baking soda & vinegar. 

Broken pump lid O-ring

Lastly, we recommend you check the pump lid O-ring. It’s a common spot for air to get in, especially when you connect the vacuum hose that increases the pressure. It could pull in air and cause your pump to lose its suction. To solve this problem, just replace the broken lid O-ring with a new one. 

A Faulty Vacuum Cleaner Motor

Lastly, inspect the vacuum cleaner motor. It’s the heart of your pool vacuum that generates all the power & suction to remove dirt, dust, and debris. If it gets defective, you will get no suction power. We recommend you hire a professional to test the pool vacuum motor. 

How do I get more suction on my pool vacuum?

You will get more suction on your pool vacuum if the vacuum basket is clean. Also, ensure there is no blockage in the vacuum hose. If the hose gets clogged, clear it to get more suction. Lastly, make sure all the connections of your pool vacuum are tight. 

Why is my pool vacuum not picking up dirt?

Your pool vacuum will not pick up dirt and debris if the pump basket gets clogged. Therefore, a dirty filter, leaks on the hose, or a clogged vacuum hose are also responsible for the vacuum problem. 

Why is my pool filter pressure low?

A low pool filter pressure is an indication that something restricts water flow into the pump. A clogged filter, leaky vacuum hose, and a defective pump motor are responsible for low pool filter pressure. 

Conclusion

Your pool vacuum is the device that helps to keep your pool crystal clear by removing the dirt, dust, and debris from your swimming pool. If the vacuum loses its suction, you can’t expect the vacuum to pick away dirt & debris. Inspect the vacuum hose for leak, hole, and clog. Also, a dirty filter basket and defective vacuum cleaner motor cause your pool vacuum to lose suction. Solve these issues to get more suction out of your swimming pool vacuum.

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