How to Clean the Bottom of a Pool Without a Vacuum - Basic Tools and Tricks You Should Know (2021)

Pools require that you keep it clean always as swimming introduces dirt, sand, and algae into the water, settling at the pool’s bottom and making it complicated to remove.

You can clean the bottom of a pool in several ways. However, doing that without a vacuum seems tough. 

This guide will explain the procedures on how to clean the bottom of a pool without a vacuum.

How to Clean the Bottom of a Pool Without a Vacuum

Cleaning a pool's bottom without a vacuum like the Aquabot Breeze 4WD requires using the right tool at the ideal time. 

There are different dirt types at the bottom of a pool, and it would be best if you took note of the dirt to address it properly.

For instance, removing large debris pieces requires a different method from removing algae, sand, or oil. 

You can use different cleaning methods depending on the dirt you want to remove.

Below are pieces of equipment that you need to clean the bottom of your pool.

Pick Up Large Pieces of Debris

Most pools are littered with large pieces of debris, such as leaves, petals, etc. To remove these pieces, you need a piece of equipment known as a plastic leaf rake. Using a plastic rake will prevent scratches to the pool's vinyl liners and bottom.

Thick Brush

You also need a brush to remove algae and debris from the pool. However, the brush type you intend to use is vital.

If your pool is concrete, our experts advise that you use metal or stainless steel brushes to clean the floors. Otherwise, use a nylon-bristle brush to clean your vinyl floors.

Tennis Balls

Throwing tennis balls into the pool is an efficient way of getting rid of oil stains and debris. Tennis balls absorb oil. Once they get dirty, you should replace them with new ones.

Shock

Shock is a product that you can use to remove dirt and algae from a pool. Shocks are affordable and incredibly effective.

Filter

It's seamless to remove algae and other dirt from the pool's bottom if it has a filter [1]. In conjunction with pumps, these tools easily filter out algae from the pool once the filters are properly cleaned.

If your pool has no filter, don’t worry. You can still get the debris and dirt out of your pool’s bottom.

Pool Cleanliness Maintenance

Good maintenance practices will keep your pool tidy, even without cleaning it all the time. It also prevents the growth of algae in the pool, which is a significant cause of discoloration.

When the pool isn’t in use, put a pool cover over it to prevent the pool from collecting debris. Before you do that, you need to ensure that the pool is without debris or algae. 

Whisk the debris away with a leaf net or use any cleaning methods as explained in this article. Once you remove all the debris, you can pull the cover over the pool.

Ensure the filters and pumps are functioning at the optimal level. Algae love stagnant water. Therefore, if the filters and pumps aren't working effectively, there will be less water circulation, paving the way for algae to grow.

Removing Algae Without Vacuum

Using the Filter Method

As our team of experts previously stated, pools with filters make it easy to eliminate algae. 

To remove algae from swimming pools:

1. Wash the filters thoroughly to avoid debris blockages. Make sure they are turned off.
2. Brush the sides and the pool’s floor with the right brush type.
3. Turn on the filter to remove the water from the pool.

If your pool has no filter, it can be a bit demanding, as you will be more involved. To do this: 

1. Sweep the algae to the pool’s bottom after you have brushed off the sides.
2. Once they settle, swim to the bottom and collect the algae with a dustpan. 
3. Dispose of them appropriately.

Using Shocks

To use this method, you need your pool shock product, one pound of calcium hypochlorite, hand gloves, a bucket of water, and your safety goggles.

1. Put on your hand gloves and goggles. Mix some quantity of the shock product (about one kilogram) and calcium hypochlorite into five to six gallons of water.
2. Pour the mixture on the affected pool parts.
3. Keep the pump constantly running for about eight to twelve hours. Our experts advise that you do this at night for the shock to have enough time to eliminate the algae.
4. If the water appears cloudy after shocking, run the pool for extra long hours.

Using Algaecide

If you have tried all tricks, and your pool still has some algae left, using algaecides is the next best option.

Algaecides are effective formulas that can limit the growth of algae in the pool. They are straightforward to use and require no extra tools to carry out the process.

To use algaecides, you need to constantly run the pool's pump to keep the water in circulation. After a few minutes, pour the algaecide into the pool and allow it to run for 24 hours to eliminate the dirty water.

Removing Sand Without Vacuum

Using a Rake and Leaf Net

• Use a rake to gather the debris pieces into a pile, and then remove the pile by hand. 
• Bag it and dump it in a garbage.
• If the debris is floating and not in the bottom of the pool, you can opt for a leaf net to trap the debris along the water's surface.

Conclusion

Our expert's guide on how to clean the bottom of a pool without a vacuum has shown the various ways you can remove algae, debris, sand, and other impurities from a pool. However, you need to ensure that you have the right tools before applying any cleaning method, as explained by our team. Poor maintenance and cleaning cultures cause algae and other impurities to settle at the pool's bottom, thereby making the pool unsuitable for swimming.