Pump won't prime

[Dbustamante00]

Need some help trying to figure out issue with pump. It was working great and had no issue priming with a really strong return. Now the pump won't prime, but the return is still really strong with a lot of air bubbles coming out of the return with the strong current. The water level doesn't seem low but adding water anyway just incase, but still not priming even after more water has been added. I tried backwashing and tried turning pump off and then on again.

Suggestions?

 

[mas985]

If the pump is pushing water out the returns, then technically, it is primed. However, if you have air in the pump basket, that could just be an air leak. Check the pump lid and drain plug gaskets for cracks. Try lubing them.

Also, while the pump is running, look inside the skimmer and see if any air is being sucked in from there.

 

[Dbustamante00]

The skimmer is sucking water in so fast it's created a vortex with a lot of air and water going in at once. So you think it could be an air leak in the pump basket?

 

[max2k]

water level in the pool still too low? Mine does that in such case.

 

[mas985]

Yes, the water level is too low.

 

[Dbustamante00]

ok, thanks! I'll keep adding water. Appreciate your responses!

 

[jblizzle]

You could also try adding a rock or something in your skimmer to try to break up the vortex ... after adding more water of course.

 

[Dbustamante00]

Ooh, great idea! Thanks!