Can't get pool pump to pull after winter-ization

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nepool1

Active member
May 11, 2022
26
Michigan
hi all,
I winterized my pool by blowing out all the lines and putting in some RV antifreeze into a couple areas. I got distracted and didn't finish cleaning it that day before putting on the cover - therefore i'm back to needing to drain it down a bit and getting more junk out. I went to turn on the pump by priming the pump with a hoes, and setting the sand filter to drain, and for the life of me I cannot get it to pull water form the deep end (or skimmer for that matter). Is there something obvious i'm doing wrong? First time turning on a pump from winter mode and am just stuck.

Obvious stuff: i put the super pump drain plugs back in, primed it with the house (doesn't seem like air bubbles are stuck), diverter from skimmer/drain is set to drain only (but i have tried both). I am priming the pump from the super pump filter area until its full. Naturally it overfills then is draining back into the plumbing once it gets moving. Thanks!
 
I would try to pull water from the skimmer only at first. It should be easier on the pump. Fill the pump pot with water, replace the clear lid, let it run for about 30 seconds, then repeat if necessary until it holds its own prime. Make sure the pool water level is high enough and the skimmer weir door isn't stuck closed.
 
@Texas Splash - is it suitable to just have the diverter valve open to both the skimmer and floor drain? I have hose running in the skimmer as well to push from the other side...didn't help. maybe just need to make sure it's all good. To be clear the sand filter is empty (but re-hooked up and plugged on the bottom with pressure gage and looking glass), thats not an issue is it?
 
nepool1 said:
is it suitable to just have the diverter valve open to both the skimmer and floor drain?
Click to expand...
You can, but pulling water from two locations at he same time is more work on the pump to prime. So if it doesn't work, maybe set your diverter valve to skimmer only just to try and get the pump going, then you can open both.
 
Got any pics of the equipment pad, any relevant valves (amd what they do), and pic of the water level ?
 
Ok here is some more @Newdude @Texas Splash - video of me priming (it takes in water for about 30 seconds or more). The drain is constantly moving to the lowest point of resistance so water never really builds up. I close it up and turn it on. I get an initial "splash" of water in and it never primes. I've tried the skimmer (feeding with the hose), and a few other experiments, nothing....any idea?

Video of priming:
https://imgur.com/a/oKPjcrD
IMG_8358 Large.jpegIMG_8363 Large.jpeg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
My guess is the pump can't overcome the low water level.

The diverter valve may not be closing entirely, allowing some air in and killing the pump suction.

The cleanout cap or pump lid may not be entirely sealed, letting air in and killing the suction.

You may have to fill the pool back up to be able to prime.
 
nepool1 said:
its def. sealing as i turn the valve to off and fill itup and it doesn't drop down...same with the cap, i can hear the air suction when i open it up
Click to expand...
OK so that rules them out.

What is the elevation difference from pool water height to pump height ?
 
It appears in the clip after you fill the access port and screw on the closure plug, you hit power to the pump but the pump pot is not full of water. It needs to be, so I would fill the pump pot for sure. If it all gets sucked out, fill it up again right away and repeat. I would normally pull from the skimmer, but it looks like your water level is too low for that. Lastly, may be a long shot, but maybe try priming on recirculate? Slightly less backpressure might help water pull easier?
 
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Do exactly what you showed in this video, but on extra thing. Before shutting the pump off, turn that pentair valve in the off position. Meaning off faces the pump. Not the Skimmers/drain whatever. You prime the pump like you did, turn the pump on, then close that valve after the pump runs dry (a few seconds). Turn the pump off, prime the pump again, open the valve again as you turn the pump on. Repeat as needed. You may have to do that several times. It's called walking it up.
1. You prime the pump, turn it on, then close the valve to the pump. Turn the pump off to refill it. Turn the pump on as you open the valve.

2. Before you turn the pump off, turn that valve off first to lock in the vacuum.

Prime the pump again, open the valve as you turn the pump on. Repeat as needed. The water in the line to the pool gets pulled closer each time until it reaches the pump if you lock that vacuum in the line with the valve.

One last thing if your getting close to priming but not all the way, follow steps 1 and 2. Then as you turn the pump and valve on, only open the valve about 1/4 of the way, for a quick few seconds, then if the pump primes open all the way. If it doesnt prime repeat 1-3.
 
@ferretbone makes sense, i understand it conceptually, let's see what I can do.
To answer others questions, the pump itself is probably 2' or close to that above the skimmer (although about 25' away). Obviously i can't do it via the skimmer with the pool level as of now.

We'll try walking it up, what a pain lol
 
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