Need guidance: pump/skimmer basket cleaning

[dbizzle22]

I'm looking to cut the current pool guy out of my monthly bills so trying to learn the ropes of cleaning out baskets to keep things flowing well.

Skimmer basket: I just remove the cover, pick up the basket and as much debris as possible. Then just replace. Anything else to it?

Pump basket: I have a Pentair Intelliflo variable speed pump and a Pentair Clean & Clear 320 catridge filter both at pool level. What would be my process to clean the basket? As I understand it:

- Shut power off to the system at the fuse box. Or put the pump in "Time Out" mode.
- Remove pump lid, empty basket. Replace basket and lid
- Open release valve on top of filter to fill pump back up
- Close release valve
- Replace pump lid
- Turn system back on
- Let system prime
- Release filter valve until shoots water out

Can someone review that list and tell me what to add or remove? I'm sure I've missed something!

 

[jblizzle]

Everything sounds correct. I would assume there is just an off button on the pump. And I don't think you need to open the filter relief valve to fill the pump. Just put the lid on (lube the o ring), fire up the pump, then release the air.

 

[dbizzle22]

Great thanks! If for some reason I do need to fill the pump up, just a bucket? Or is there some other trick that I can use to easily prime the pump?

 

[jblizzle]

That pump is plenty powerful to likely never struggle to prime. Just put the lid on and turn it on. I would not worry about filling anything unless the pump was 10+ feet above the pool water. It should prime in a couple minutes.