People who want to make an oasis of peace from their backyard can install or build a pool. Although it represents a significant investment (considering both the cost of installation and maintenance), this is an excellent way to cool off on summer days and relax after a busy day. And to enjoy it to the fullest, every pool requires regular maintenance.

Dirt that stays on the surface of the water is not a big problem if you remove it regularly. Larger pieces can be picked up manually or using a net. The problem is that small debris that settles at the bottom of the pool, which household owners usually neglect.

Stagnant water full of dirt is an ideal environment for many microorganisms to breed. There are specially designed tools for cleaning the bottom and walls of the pool – under-water cleaners. When visiting websites like ryansbestreviews.com/pool-vacuum-cleaners, you will see that there are numerous models on the market in different price ranges.

But if you don’t want to buy this device (because you’ll rarely use it), you can always improvise. For this project, you need things you already have in your house and a bit of knowledge of physics. So making a DIY under-water cleaner won’t cost you nearly anything, though it’s not a bad idea to get a specialized vacuum head for pools.

Vacuuming Supplies You Should Have

There are special vacuum cleaners on the market for various types of pools. You should choose the model according to the material of the pool bottom. The shape of the vacuum head will also depend on it. You should also keep these details in mind when making a DIY under-water cleaner.

You can find vacuum heads with wheels, which can be useful if there are some bigger things lying at the bottom. These models are also very easy to move on different surfaces. Then, some manufacturers offer specially rounded add-ons, which will prevent surface scratching – these are suitable for irregularly shaped pools.

Vacuum heads with little brushes are especially useful. They cut the time it takes to clean the pool because they do two things at the same time – vacuuming the particles and removing stains from the bottom surface.

DIY Under-Water Cleaner with Plastic Funnel

The model of hand-made vacuum cleaners described here is best suited for in-ground pools, which have a suction filter on their bottoms. You can use this unit with vinyl, fiberglass, tiles, and even gunite or concrete pools, but be aware that it may not be able to pick up all debris. More on good and bad sides of gunite bottoms read on this page.

For making the cheapest version of under-water cleaners, you need a plastic funnel. It will be attached to a plastic, flexible hose (best from some old hoover), long enough to access all corners. Use hot glue, and do not save on quantity. This part of the improvised cleaner mustn’t leak water and air.

Apply the adhesive in thick layers inside the hose, on the funnel, and to their joint. Next, you’ll need a filter, and knee-high nylon tights will do the trick. Attach it to the funnel, tighten and secure it with a rubber band.

Put the funnel end of the hose to the suction filter inside the pool and wait for a few seconds. It’s necessary to get rid of air bubbles. When you’re sure there’s no more air, and that the DIY cleaner is firmly attached to the suction filter, use the other end of the hose to pick up dirt from the bottom.

Cleaner Using Siphon Effect

This model of hand-made under-water cleaners looks more like a real vacuum cleaner, mainly because it uses a real vacuum cleaner head. In this case, you need a long garden hose, approximately one inch in diameter. It can be an old hose; it only matters that it doesn’t leak.

Using an adhesive tape and adhesive, attach an old hoover head (intended for upholstery cleaning) to one end of the hose. Then attach some firm stick to the hose, one meter in length. That will make your vacuum cleaner to move better.

In order to initiate suction, water must flow out at the other end of the hose. Suck in the water with your mouth, but make sure to move before you get the mouth full of dirty water. Water begins to leak due to the so-called siphon effect.

More on siphoning check on the following source:

https://www.wired.com/2015/09/siphon-liquids/

Hold the stick so that the vacuum head is firmly attached to the bottom. Move it as if you are vacuuming the living room. Just don’t lift it from the surface. Once you’ve done that, it’s like you ‘turned off’ your DIY cleaner.

Pool Vacuuming Tips

It is best to vacuum the pool in the morning. During the night, all suspended particles will settle to the bottom. If the water circulation through the filtration unit is well adjusted, most of the precipitated matter will concentrate in the middle of the pool. It will be easier for you to suck it in.

But that doesn’t mean you only need to vacuum that part. Some particles can deposit in corners, or even on the walls. Try to get across the entire bottom as much as possible, so you can pick up the smallest dirt and algae as you go.

When you vacuum the pool, you do not have to drain it. But try not to enter it. That way, you won’t stir the water and all the dirt, sand, and leaves that settle on the bottom. If you’re improvising with DIY cleaners, make sure the hose and handle are long enough to reach every part of the pool without entering it.

Probably the only downside to owning a pool is that the owner is solely responsible for cleaning and maintaining it. Keeping the cleanliness should be a priority so you can enjoy safe swimming and bathing in pure water without any problems.