Vacuum your pool on "waste" if you can.

Yes, you should usually vacuum directly to waste with a sand filter. It saves you the hassle of backwashing immediately after.

The multiport valve on your sand filter has a “waste” setting for a reason. When you vacuum on “filter,” all that stirred-up dirt and algae goes through the sand and either clogs it or gets pumped straight back into the pool. Waste bypasses the filter entirely and sends the gunk out the backwash hose.

Here’s the standard method: set the valve to “waste,” attach your vacuum head and pole, prime the hose (hold it over a return jet until bubbles stop), then start vacuuming. You’ll lose water, so watch the skimmer level and top off after. For normal maintenance with light debris, you can vacuum on “filter” and then backwash for a minute or two. But if the water looks cloudy or green, waste is your friend.

Don’t forget to turn the pump off before moving the valve lever. That’s where people break the spider gasket.

A little water loss is cheaper than a sand change or