Opening Pool - How to Prime Pump

[chris87]

I am opening my pool for the first time, and I am not exactly sure how to start the system. I know that I need to prime the pump. I have a Jandy CV460 Cartridge Filter. I have the air relief valve open. I have also added water to the pump basket. What confuses me is the valve positions. Should my pool drain be open or closed? What about the skimmers? I saw something online, and I thought it said to keep the pool drain closed. If that's not open, how does water get into the lines? Once I start the pump, is there anything that I need to do or watch for? Do I just wait for water to shoot out of the filter and then close the relief valve? One of the articles that I read said to bypass the filter, but I don't think that's possible on my system. I don't know why I'm so nervous!

Thank you in advance for any advice.

Below is a picture of my pool setup:

 

[Richard320]

Open everything. Max flow to get it primed fast. After it's stabilized and sounding good, bleed the air again. Just that easy. It can take 20 or 30 seconds that feels like 20 minutes to get going real strong.

 

[themadangler]

All I do is open all valves to the skimmers, grab a bucket of water to pour into pump housing and start the pump. I close the housing lid moments after watch the water flow.

 

[samt]

Make sure your pump lid gasket is in good shape. I always lube mine with silicone and clean off any crud to insure a clean seal. We don't want to be sucking air for nothing.

 

[tlevy]

I use a hose and fill system with that, until water starts pouring out.


18000 IG, SWG, 1/2 HP Tri Star + Solar PV direct DC Lorentz pump, Sand filtrt