Cartridge Filter - When to open air bleeder...

[dschribs]

Starting my pool this year will all new plumbing. I know I need to initially fill the leaf basket on the pump with water. When I go ahead and switch the pump on for the first time, do I open the air bleeder on my cartridge filter prior to turning on the pump - or - do I wait for the pump to prime, get the system going and THEN open it to bleed the air.

Thanks!
Dan

 

[jblizzle]

You can open it any time, either before you turn the pump on or right after. I would not wait for prime though.

 

[duraleigh]

Interesting question because I think you can do it either way. If you open the bleeder just before turning on the pump, there is some MARGINAL less resistance as the filter fills. It's probably not enough to make any difference and you won't have any spray-out if you keep it closed.

That said, for me it's kinda fun to leave it open and then try to close it quickly just before it starts to spray....stupid, I know, but fun.

 

[RIRSZ]

Looks like I've been doing it wrong, I leave it open and wait for it to spray before closing. Does this damage the bleeder?

 

[duraleigh]

Does this damage the bleeder?

Nope, no harm.

 

[jblizzle]

That is fine ... I let it spray too. I also occasionally open it back up to see if any air comes out ... none usually.

 

[Divin Dave]

I open mine a few times during priming. Start the pump and let it run maybe 30 seconds, open 3 or 5 seconds then close. Repeat until water starts spraying out. Close, let it run a minute or so, open again to get whatever air may be left.