Lose prime whenever i empty pump basket

[Hkdman]

Hi! Just getting into the swing of things. I have noticed that I lose prime everything I empty my pump basket. It is a huge pain to re prime and takes me about 20 minutes. Usually I need to play with the valves to get the pump to slowly fill with water. Any help to not lose prime? I have a multi port valve if that matters.

 

[PoolGate]

Do you have a valve before the pump intake (suction side)? If so, you can shut that off before opening the lid for basket cleaning. Do you get air in the pump while it is running? If so that could indicate a suction side leak.

Do you know what your priming speed is? And, are you saying your pump stops priming before it is primed? My primes for 3 minutes which is enough to get it going.

How far above your water level is your pump?

For me, I don't have an issue but if I open up all of my returns it will prime faster.

 

[rldaniel]

One thing I do is put a running water hose in the skimmer intake at the bottom of the housing and let it run for a minute and then start up the pump.