How to Use an Intex Pool Vacuum – 5 Top Tips!

Let’s be honest—owning an Intex pool in your garden is basically the dream, right (you can see how much we love ours in my review here!)? Sunshine, splashes, lilos and those lazy afternoons that somehow turn into “we’ve been in here for hours” kind of days. But no one wants to swim in a grim pool filled with twigs, grass clippings, and god knows what else.

That’s where the Intex pool vacuum swoops in like a superhero with a hosepipe, along with my husband, who makes it his duty to give himself another part-time job in the form of pool maintenance each summer. But let me tell you this – it’s worth it! But—if you’ve recently bought a pool and pool hoover (or you’re still trying to figure out where the on switch is), you’re probably wondering: how do you vacuum a Intex pool properly, all without losing your mind?

Fear not! We’ve been there, made the mistakes (hello, vacuuming with the filter off… again), and we’ve figured out the easy way to do it all without draining half the water or creating a tidal wave. Whether you’ve got the budget-friendly handheld version, or one of the fancier auto models, these top 5 tips on how to use an Intex pool vacuum will have your pool sparkling in no time.

1. Start With a Clean Filter 

Before you even think about vacuuming, check your filter. This might seem obvious, but it’s the number one thing people forget. If your Intex filter is clogged then your vacuum won’t have the suction power it needs to do its thing.

A quick rinse with the hose or a swap for a clean cartridge (they’re cheap and easy to get hold of) will make a huge difference.

Not only does this improve the suction when you vacuum, but it’s also a vital part of how to care for an Intex pool overall. Clean filters = clean water = happy swimmers!

2. Choose the Right Vacuum for Your Pool Size

Not all Intex pool vacuums are created equal – and we learned this the hard way after trying to clean our 10-foot round pool with a vacuum that was more suited to a bathtub.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Handheld vacuums are great for smaller Intex pools (think under 12ft). You’ll need to manually move it around, a bit like mowing the lawn, but it does the trick.

• Suction-side vacuums connect to your pool’s filter pump and use water flow to move around and suck up dirt.

• Automatic vacuums are the ultimate lazy-day option. You set it up, and it does the work while you’re sipping iced coffee on the lounger. Yes, please.

The key takeaway here is: match your vacuum to your pool size and pump strength. This saves time and keeps your pool cleaner in the long run.

3. Prime the Vacuum Properly

So here’s something that made me want to shout into the filter: you have to fill the vacuum hose with water before you start. If you don’t, it’s just going to suck in air—and absolutely nothing else.

This step is called “priming” and it’s crucial. Here’s the quick and easy way to do it:

1. Submerge the vacuum head into the pool.

2. Hold the hose vertically under the water, letting the air bubbles escape.

3. Keep going until the hose is completely filled with water—then connect it to the intake.

Voilà! You’re ready to go.

This is one of those steps that feels a bit fussy the first time, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you ever struggled with how to use an Intex pool vacuum before.

4. Move Slowly 

Vacuuming your pool isn’t a race, and going too fast is one of the biggest mistakes. If you whizz around like you’re on a mission to beat the sunset, all you’ll do is stir up the dirt, which then floats around like an annoying cloud and settles after you’re done cleaning.

Instead, take your time. Move the vacuum head slowly in overlapping lines (a bit like mowing a lawn, again). Be especially gentle when you’re near the bottom where most of the gunk collects.

It might take longer, but it’s 100% more effective. 

5. Make It Part of Your Weekly Routine

Look, we all dream of a pool that somehow cleans itself (and those fancy robotic vacuums almost make that dream come true). But for most of us, how to care for an Intex pool comes down to a solid weekly routine (or almost daily in my husband’s case, haha!)

So here’s the magic combo:

• Skim the surface daily (just 5 minutes is all it takes)

• Vacuum at least weekly (or more during leaf-dropping season)

• Check the filter every couple of days

• Test and balance your water chemicals at least once a week

Sticking to this little routine makes all the difference between a gorgeous oasis and a swampy regret. Plus, you’ll save money on chemicals in the long run because the debris won’t have time to fester into bacteria-ville.

FAQs: All About Intex Pool Vacuums

How do you vacuum a Intex pool without a skimmer?

If your Intex pool doesn’t have a built-in skimmer, you can still vacuum it! Use a manual vacuum kit with a telescoping pole and hose. Just submerge the vacuum head, prime the hose (fill it with water), and connect it to the suction port on your pump or use a garden hose attachment depending on your model.

How to use an Intex pool vacuum with a garden hose?

Some Intex vacuums are designed to work with a garden hose (usually the budget handheld models). Connect the hose, attach the vacuum head, and turn on the water. The pressure creates a suction effect that pulls debris into the attached mesh bag. It’s a simple and cheap way to keep things tidy, though not as powerful as a pump-connected model.

Can I vacuum my Intex pool every day?

You can, but you probably don’t need to unless you’ve had a storm, lots of swimmers, or rogue tree shedding season. Once or twice a week is usually enough, as long as you’re staying on top of daily skimming and filter maintenance. Daily vacuuming won’t hurt, but it might wear you out faster than it helps!

How do you vacuum a Intex pool that’s really dirty?

If you’ve got a major mess on your hands (say, post-storm sludge or algae bloom), start with a good skim and clean the filter first. Then vacuum slowly, emptying and cleaning the vacuum as you go. You might need to go over the pool more than once, and finish up with a good shock treatment if the water’s gone cloudy or green.

What’s the best way to care for an Intex pool long-term?

The golden rules of how to care for an Intex pool: keep your filter clean, test your water regularly, vacuum weekly, cover your pool when not in use, and give it a deep clean every few weeks. A bit of love goes a long way!

So, there you have it, five easy, tried-and-tested tips on how to use an Intex pool vacuum like a total pro. It’s all about making things simple and stress-free, because let’s be honest, we all just want to enjoy our pool, not spend every spare minute cleaning it.

See my Intex 10ft Pool Review Here!

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.