Whether you should vacuum your pool on backwash or waste is just one of the questions you might be asking yourself if you’re using a robot pool cleaner. Many people get confused about setting up their pool for the best cleaning experience. Although your robotic pool cleaner works independently of the filtration system, knowing when to decouple or set your filtration system to move water through a backwash or waste mode is ideal for manual vacuuming.
Backwash Mode: What Is It and When Should You Use It?
Backwash mode is for cleaning your pool filter. It cleans the filter by reversing the flow of water through it, flushing away dirt and debris that have been caught. But backwash is not for vacuuming the pool. Ironically enough, the backwash mode is used while vacuuming, which can lead to debris backwashing back into the pool instead of proper filtering. Unlike a Robot Pool Cleaner, which operates with its own filtration system, manual vacuuming on backwash can cause dirt to circulate back into the pool.
Robot pool cleaners, like the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro, operate independently rather than integrating into the pool’s filter system. They immediately clean your pool and filter out dirt and debris without any backwash. But if you’re vacuuming your pool by hand, backwash mode isn’t suitable, as it could fill your filter with debris.
What is Waste Mode, and When Do You Use It?
During waste mode, the water is routed directly out of the pool, bypassing the filtration system. This function is best used for heavy debris, such as with a pool vacuum for algae. It will stop debris from re-entering the pool or clogging up the filter.
If you are using a vacuum cleaner to clean the pool of algae, debris, or dirt from a recent storm, waste mode prevents a clogged filter, but you are still certain the debris is removed. If you’re using a pool vacuum robot or a swimming pool robot cleaner, they often have their filtration systems, so backwash or waste mode do not apply.
When to Use Your Pool’s Skimmer While Vacuuming with a Robot Pool Cleaner
Though a robotic pool cleaner cleans the floor and walls of your pool, the skimmer is still essential to collect surface debris. For optimal results, use the skimmer to remove leaves, bugs, and other floating debris while your robot pool cleaner or vacuum cleaner for the pool works its magic on the pool floor.
If the robot does not clean the surface (depending on the model), a wall-climbing pool cleaner can use this method to remove debris that would otherwise settle in the pool.
Will a Pool Robot Remove Algae?
Because it offers the best cleaning, many pool owners resort to robot pool cleaners to remove algae like Beatbot iSkim Ultra. These robots pick up small debris and even algae, but if you have an algae bloom, you may need to help with other cleaning methods. You might also need to run your pool’s pump in waste mode if you manually vacuum large amounts of algae.
Vacuuming Partially: The Utility of Pool Booster Pumps
The Robot Pool Cleaner is already part of the system; installing the pipe along with a booster pump will move the water through. Booster pumps are used with traditional swimming pool Robot Pool Cleaner models, but you won’t need one if you opt for a self-contained model such as the Beatbot AquaSense 2. However, a booster pump is required for enhanced performance when utilizing a Maytronics pool cleaner or a manual vacuum.
When and How to Acid Wash a Pool?
In some cases, if your pool has stubborn stains or buildup, it may need to be treated with an acid wash. That is a more time-consuming process than simply draining the pool, acid washing the walls and floor, and refilling it. After the acid wash, it’s beneficial to use your pool vacuum for algae, a Robot Pool Cleaner, or a similar tool to collect any remaining debris. Always make sure your pool’s filtration system is running properly after this process.
Draining a Pool Without a Pump: Everything to Know
If you need to drain your pool and don’t have a pump, you may wonder how to drain an inground pool without a pump. The easiest way is to siphon the water out through a hose, though this can be a painfully slow process. As an alternative to using the above method, you can use a submersible pump for faster results or a gravity drain.
Conclusion: Why a Robot Pool Cleaner is the Best Choice for Your Pool
To sum up, when using a robot pool cleaner, you don’t need to worry about backwash or waste modes since these devices come with their own filtration systems. The waste mode is suggested in manual vacuuming mode to avoid the filter becoming clogged. Whether it’s a pool vacuum robot, a pool vacuum for algae, or a skimmer in your armory, knowing when to use these modes and cleaning techniques will help maintain a sparkling, clean pool and the optimal run of heating and filtration systems.
