Pool Pump Priming Issue

[Frankie5esr]

Hi All,

As i talk with some pool owners about priming their pump they have all told me that their pump primes fairly quickly. It take's me at least 20-30 mins to prime my pump. The steps I take are to open pot cover, fill with water, close pot, turn on, wait 30-60 seconds and I keep repeating that process for at least 20 mins.

I'm assuming my priming issue is related to the 90 degree bends in front of the pump. Is my assumption true?

It's a Hayward Super Pump the size if the pipe is 1 1/2" pvc with suction only from the skimmer.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Frankie,

The 90 degree turns have nothing to do with your problem.

The number one reason for a pump not priming is an air leak caused by the O-Ring under the pump lid.

I suggest that you inspect the O-Ring (or in your case a square-Ring ) makes sure it is not damaged, is well lubricated, and fits perfectly in the little slot.

Here is a video on how to find air leaks... Find an air leak in your swimming pool. - YouTube

Not as common, but it could also be a partially clogged suction line.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Frankie5esr]

Frankie,

The 90 degree turns have nothing to do with your problem.

The number one reason for a pump not priming is an air leak caused by the O-Ring under the pump lid.

I suggest that you inspect the O-Ring (or in your case a square-Ring ) makes sure it is not damaged, is well lubricated, and fits perfectly in the little slot.

Here is a video on how to find air leaks... Find an air leak in your swimming pool. - YouTube

Not as common, but it could also be a partially clogged suction line.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Hi Jim,

I eventually get the pump to prime so could it still be the "square-ring"?

Thanks,
Frankie

 

[PoolguyinCT]

Frankie,

The 90 degree turns have nothing to do with your problem.

The number one reason for a pump not priming is an air leak caused by the O-Ring under the pump lid.

I suggest that you inspect the O-Ring (or in your case a square-Ring ) makes sure it is not damaged, is well lubricated, and fits perfectly in the little slot.

Here is a video on how to find air leaks... Find an air leak in your swimming pool. - YouTube

Not as common, but it could also be a partially clogged suction line.

Thanks,

Jim R.

A pipe clog makes a very unique “tube” of water.
There is a thread from early summer, where the member was told it was an air leak - but his video showed a pipe clog..

In that video, is that exposed 12 yellow Romex cable??

 

[Veccster]

Frankie, I have prime issues as well. Once I'm primed, everything works great - but it takes some effort to get it going. One of my problems is that the equipment is a good distance away from the pipes AND it's a rise to the equipment pad. So when I open the pump lid, everything drains out and I have to start over at filling the pipes.

So the solution that works best for me - put a gizmo in one of the skimmers (shut the other one off) and fill with hose water from the pump basket until full. That 'primes' the supply line all the way up to the pump. Then I close the pump lid, turn on the pump and remove the gizmo (takes 2 people). My pump primes MUCH faster when I do it this way.