We were backwashing the filter and the hose popped off. We turned the pump off right away. But, now it won’t prime at all. When we tuned off the pump when the water was spewing everywhere, I recall a sound like water was draining somewhere. Please help. We’re trying to get a hold of our pool company for someone to help. I thought I‘d ask here for advice in the meantime.
Pump won’t prime
- Thread starter Oldsnoopy6
- Start date
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,071
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Welcome to TFP! 
Please post some pics of your pump, filter, and the entire equipment pad so we can see all the hoses, valves, etc.
Please post some pics of your pump, filter, and the entire equipment pad so we can see all the hoses, valves, etc.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,071
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Okay, so the hose that popped off was actually your WASTE line (the flex hose) that takes junk out to the yard during backwash correct? Once that happened, you shut off the pump. Did you ever put the filter handle back to FILTER?
Eventually, yes we did put it back to the filter setting. But, only after the we could not get prime in backwash when we turned the system back on. We used that hose because we couldn’t find the rolled up hose typically used for backwash. I was holding it in place while my husband was at the switch. We had a pool party yesterday and the pressure was up. I still need to start adding cya to the pool(this is a newly redone pool) So, I wanted to backwash before adding the stabilizer. I regret that now 
Last edited:
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,071
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Here's what I suspect happened. During backwash, the waste line popped off and water went everywhere. When you turned off the pump, the MPV was still set to waste and air could get into the system. That caused water to move around which would explain the gurgling you heard. Now some of your plumbing lost its water as it may have flowed back to the pool.
At this point, the MPV should be in the FILTER position. In the pic above your valves before the pump are all open (skimmer & drain), so that's good.
So try this...... Look into the pump pot under the clear lid. Is there water in that pot area? If not, open the lid, fill it with water, close it, and turn on the pump. Give it about one minute to see if it primes and pulls water from the pool. Report back with what happens and we'll go from there.
At this point, the MPV should be in the FILTER position. In the pic above your valves before the pump are all open (skimmer & drain), so that's good.
So try this...... Look into the pump pot under the clear lid. Is there water in that pot area? If not, open the lid, fill it with water, close it, and turn on the pump. Give it about one minute to see if it primes and pulls water from the pool. Report back with what happens and we'll go from there.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,071
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Oh, and make sure the water level in the pool didn't fall too low. It should be about mid-way up the skimmer mouth opening.
Okay, so we tried filling the pump. When we turn it on, the water level in there lowers and it doesn’t prime. When we turn the pump back off, water fills somewhat back into pump. The water level is okay I believe. Slightly below the halfway mark. We’re expecting rain later today, so we were waiting to see how much we get before adding water ourselves.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,071
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
It is struggling to pull water from the pool. Are you familiar with how to operate your 3-way valves before the pump? If so, here is what I would recommend:
1 - Close the main drain 3-way valve so that you are pulling water only from the skimmer(s).
2 - Temporarily close the 3-way valve immediately in front of the pump (turn it 180 degrees around from the pic).
3 - Then open the pump lid and fill the pot full again with water and close.
4 - Now re-open that 3-way valve immediately in front of the pump and turn on the pump. Let it try to pull water from the skimmer for about one minute.
Let's see if that works.
Okay, will do. It may take me a bit of time to report back here. My husbands in a work meeting. Thank you so much for your help! 
It worked! Your advice worked! Thank you so much
I’ve been a lurker here for a number of years. We’re new to owning a pool, but we’ve had a hot tub and this forum has always been a wealth of great information.
I’ve been a lurker here for a number of years. We’re new to owning a pool, but we’ve had a hot tub and this forum has always been a wealth of great information.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,071
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,071
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
That's great. Later you can slowly open the drain valve if you like and everything should continue to flow properly. Glad you got it resolved. 