I have a 2 speed pump - when to use low? When to use high?

[AnnaK]

I run my 2-speed pump on low for 6 hours during the night for filtration. I have it on again for about an hour after a swim session. I run it on high only when I vacuum or for a filter backwash/rinse operation. On the rare occasions when I have to add a powder/granular chemical such as baking powder or borax I might run the pump on high while pushing the powder around with a brush, just to help it disperse and mix in faster.

Make sure you have a properly seated and functioning weir. That's the flapper in front of your skimmer. You may need to remove it when you connect the vacuum hose but it should be in place all other times.

[TheGoose]

Why the increased need for a weir? Because the suction won't keep debris in the skimmer like it will on high?

[Watermom]

I remove my skimmer basket while the pump is on with no problem. I do it all the time. Lift it out, dump the junk that has accumulated in it and put it immediately right back in. I doubt it is out for more than 5 seconds. I never turn the pump off to do this. If the basket is really full and there is a lot of suction on it, I might take my finger and move some of the stuff in the basket around a little to break the strong suction and then it can be lifted out easily.

[BigDave]

If you turn the pump off, the bugs float up and you have to reach through them.

[Jacob99]

Cool. Thanks everyone!