Set the valve to waste, then vacuum.
Yes, you just turn the multiport valve to the “waste” position instead of “filter.” That’s the whole trick — water and dirt go straight out the waste line instead of through the filter media.
Here’s the short version:
- Turn off pump.
- Set valve to waste.
- Attach vacuum head and hose, fill hose with water (hold it over a return jet or use a nozzle to purge air).
- Connect to skimmer with vacuum plate or dedicated line.
- Turn pump on.
- Vacuum slowly — don’t stir up the dirt.
- Watch water level. You’re sending water out, so it drops fast.
- Stop before the skimmer sucks air or the pump runs dry.
Why do this? When you have heavy debris, algae, or fine sediment, sending it through the filter clogs it fast or blows it back. Waste bypasses the filter entirely. You’ll need to refill the pool afterwards — plan for that.
Make sure your waste line is routed somewhere legal (not into the street or a storm drain in most places). And don’t forget to turn the valve back to “filter” when you’re done, or you’ll lose water next time you run the pump.