Pool Pump Basket - Newbie Help

[mdmello]

Hi guys,

First time pool owner and I have a question regarding the pool pump. I turned off my power to the pool shed (new house ensuring everything works). When turning of the power it turned off all the equipment (filter, pump and heater). Before turning it back on I read a sign on the pump that said always add water before turning on. I tried to remove the lid to the basked but still learning and wasn’t able too so I left it and turned the pump on. I did hear some air get released but shortly after water game through the pump but after about 5 minutes I didn’t see much of any water in the pump. Is that normal or do I need to prime the pump?
Additional info / Pool was opened 3 weeks ago. Filter was operating around 12-15PSI

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! For whatever reason, it sounds as if the previous owners knew the pump strainer pot would lose its water. That can happen for a couple reasons, most typically an air leak somewhere in the system allowing air to enter once the system is off and then the water & air equalize a bit and water moves. Until you determine the true cause of why the basket drains its water, you might need to prime it first since it sounds like it takes quite a while to fill up on its own. Those lids can get snug and sometimes take a bit of effort to remove. Post a pic of your pump pot so we can see what you have.

 

[Jimrahbe]

md,

You really should not need to add water to the pump unless the pump basket has drained back into the pool.

Taking your pump lid off will almost always cause the pump basket to drain back into the pool.

Adding water to the pump basket on most pools is almost useless anyway, as gravity will just cause the water to flow back into the pool. (Assumes your equipment pad is above the pool level.)

If your pump is in good shape and the lid has a good seal, even a dry pump will suck up water from the pool.

If you don't see water starting to come into your pump basket within a minute or so, you most likely have a suction side leak somewhere.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I read a sign on the pump that said always add water before turning on

I have a similar warning molded into my pump lid. Is this what you're referring to? Or did the owner actually post a sign?

 

[mdmello]

I have a similar warning molded into my pump lid. Is this what you're referring to? Or did the owner actually post a sign?

I have a similar warning molded into my pump lid. Is this what you're referring to? Or did the owner actually post a sign?

Same warning as yours I just panicked when I saw it. All the research and still panicked

 

[mdmello]

md,

You really should not need to add water to the pump unless the pump basket has drained back into the pool.

Taking your pump lid off will almost always cause the pump basket to drain back into the pool.

Adding water to the pump basket on most pools is almost useless anyway, as gravity will just cause the water to flow back into the pool. (Assumes your equipment pad is above the pool level.)

If your pump is in good shape and the lid has a good seal, even a dry pump will suck up water from the pool.

If you don't see water starting to come into your pump basket within a minute or so, you most likely have a suction side leak somewhere.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks Jim the water came back within a minute but when I came back 5-10 minutes later I noticed later seemed low so wasn’t sure.

 

[mdmello]

Welcome to TFP! For whatever reason, it sounds as if the previous owners knew the pump strainer pot would lose its water. That can happen for a couple reasons, most typically an air leak somewhere in the system allowing air to enter once the system is off and then the water & air equalize a bit and water moves. Until you determine the true cause of why the basket drains its water, you might need to prime it first since it sounds like it takes quite a while to fill up on its own. Those lids can get snug and sometimes take a bit of effort to remove. Post a pic of your pump pot so we can see what you have.

Thank you! Talked to a friend found my mistake for the air noise through the pipes. When I turned the pump off and tried to take of the lid and was unsuccessful I thought the knobs on the side were for the lid but he told me it’s to release air when your priming. I turned them back before turning pump on and water flowed through the pump. Hopefully I didn’t mess the pump up, I’ll check in the morning again and take a picture.

 

[Texas Splash]

We've all had those kind of "oops" moments. If you ever have a question later about your water or equipment, post a pic or just let us know.

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[mdmello]

Update:
When to check this morning and doesn’t look like there’s any water in the pump right now. Shouldn’t there always be water in the pump? Posted a picture so you can all see.

filter is operating at proper PSI.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Is there water entering the pool through the returns? Sometimes, if the pump is completely full of water with no air, it appears empty when actually full.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I should have asked if the pump is on. If not, started up and see if there's any movement in the basket.

 

[mdmello]

Is there water entering the pool through the returns? Sometimes, if the pump is completely full of water with no air, it appears empty when actually full.

Yes there is. My friend told me the same-thing (if there’s pressure to filter and jets are running then then no to worry if I don’t see water in the pump at times) So glad to hear that again. Thank you all for you help