Your First Day Lifeguarding: How to Vacuum and Backwash a Pool

Introduction
After lifeguarding for eight years, I can still remember that first day of being in charge of a pool
facility. The pressure and responsibility of watching over peoples lives can be overwhelming.
However, many overlook the secondary responsibilities of a lifeguard which include vacuuming
and backwashing a pool. These secondary responsibilities are the first tasks lifeguards carry out
as they open the pool in the morning. Both maintain the overall cleanliness of the pool which is
key in keeping patrons from contracting illnesses.
WARNING: NO ONE IS ALLOWED IN THE SWIMMING POOL WHEN THE VACUUM
VALVE IS OPEN DUE TO THE POWER OF THE SUCTION. WHEN CHECKING SUCTION
FOR THE VACUUM INLET, DO NOT PLACE HAND DIRECTLY OVER INLET OR YOU
MAY SUFFER SKIN DAMAGE.

Vacuuming
Vacuuming will be the first responsibility of the lifeguard before the pool opens. To start
vacuuming, you will need to enter the pump room to open and close the appropriate valves
required for vacuuming.
1.) Valve Identification

Vacuum

Skimmer

2.) Creating Suction

Vacuum
Skimmer

First, you will need to identify the

skimmer and vacuum valves. In most
cases they will already be marked on the
pump in front of the valve. IF NOT,
CONTACT YOUR SUPERVISOR BEFORE
PROCEEDING.

Next, you will close the skimmer valve by

moving it clockwise so it is
perpendicular to the pump. After this,
open the vacuum valve by moving it
counterclockwise so it is parallel to the
pump.

3.) Assembling Vacuum

Now that the pool pumps have

achieved suction, begin to attach
the vacuum hose to the vacuum
head by pushing the hose into the
porthole. Next, attach the vacuum
head to the vacuum pole by
inserting the silver end piece of the
vacuum head into the pole until the
white notches fit into the holes.

5.) Priming Vacuum Hose

Now that the inlet has been

identified, place the vacuum head
into the pool. Next, steadily
submerge the hose in a sharp decline
so it slowly fills with water. Once
filled, attach end of hose to the inlet.

4.) Identifying Vacuum Inlet

Once the vacuum is assembled, bring it

to the closest vacuum inlet on the side of
the pool. To correctly identify the inlet,
place your hand six inches away from it
and you will feel suction.

6.) Vacuuming Technique

Begin vacuuming by moving the vacuum

head slowly against the surface of the
pool. The slower the movements, the
more debris will be picked up.

7.) Removing Suction

Vacuum

8.) Removing Vacuum

Skimmer

Once vacuuming is complete, lay the pole

against one of the corners of the pool to
prevent it from falling into the water.
Make your way to the pump room and
start moving the skimmer and then the
vacuum valve back into their original
positions.

Next, make your way back outside and

remove the vacuum out of the pool.
Neatly place it back in its original
position to dry out.

Backwashing
Backwashing is the appropriate procedure to take after a pool has been vacuumed. Backwashing
is essential to any healthy pool due to its role in removing excess debris left over in the water and
removing built up contamination in the filter.
9.) Locate Switchbox

Locate your pump rooms switchbox

and turn the pump off by turning the
black knob counterclockwise to the off
position.

10.) Locating and Pushing Push-Pull Valve

Next, quickly locate the black pushpull valves. Turn them clockwise
until they cant move anymore and
push down. Turn pump on.

11.)

Filtering

Let the pump run for two minutes or

until the sight glass is clear of dirty
water. You should hear a draining
noise as water is being circulated out
of the pool.

12.) End of Backwash Cycle

Once the sight glass is clear, turn the

pump back off and rotate the push-pull
valves counterclockwise. Pull them
back up to original position and turn
pump on.

Conclusion
After these tasks have been completed, the lifeguard can finally open the pool with the
confidence that the pool is up to health code standards. These tasks should always be performed
in the morning before the pool opens. Refer to the guide whenever you need instructing.