pump as a vacuum

[khc206]

I think I've already spent too much for the pool setup, so I'm thinking of buying a small transfer pump (about 300 gph with regular hose connections for intake and discharge) from Lowes, attach a smaller vacuum brush from my indoor vacuum cleaner, and the discharge hose would go back into the pool with pantyhose at the end. I'm not worried about finer sediments. This pump would be handy, too, in other situations than a dedicated pump. My question is, would such a pump handle small bits of matter (bugs, pieces of leaves) in the pool or get clogged? I plan to call the manufacturer as well, but I thought someone in this forum must have tried it. Thank you everybody in advance.

[duraleigh]

Are you saying you currently do not have a pump circulating the water in your pool?

[khc206]

Sorry for late reply. I have 15' round AG and 42" deep. Bought the cheapest possible, considering the size, to upgrade later when the kids have learned to swim. The pool comes with attached white box and has a motor that looks like fishtank filter motor. The company also sells a vacuum kit, but I bulked at the price of shipping. I thought if I buy my own pump (and rig up a vacuum brush), at least I can use the pump elsewhere as needed.
The pump is called either utility or transfer pump and is small. I was wondering if the impeller would get clogged or it would be able to break up small bits of leaves. I know a "dirty water pump" has the impellers that can handle some debris.
I think I can try the pump and return it if it gets clogged, since Lowes (or HD) has generous return policy, but I wondered if anybody else had tried making their own vacuum. Thank you.

[duraleigh]

I think I understand the pump you're describing. I can only guess, but I think you will find it too small to be very effective.

Additionally, to be an effective vacuum, you must have a way to filter the water before returning it to the pool. I'm not sure you have allowed for that. Is there a way you can install a larger pump, capable of vacuuming, to your existing system? That way, you can filter the water, too which is a must.

[khc206]

Thank you for your reply. The small pump (about 350 gph) was too small. The suction was negligible, and it clogged with the smallest leaf pieces. I bought a larger utility pump (about 1100gph), but need to go back to the store for reinforced hose (manual says garden hose will collape under the suction pressure). I am hoping the ribbed flexible hose will work without the collapse. It looks like almost all debris bigger than 1/4" will have to be netted out, but I also built a cover for the pool so I don't have much to clean. Again thank you.