When To Prime The Pump
The pool's pump is critical to keeping your pool's water crystal-clear, clean, and safe for swimming. Without the pump the water in your pool wouldn’t circulate through the filter, creating a stagnant place for insects and algae to grow and for debris to collect. Your pool pump must always remain filled with water for it to continue running and circulating. If your pump runs dry for any reason, you must turn it off as soon as possible to prevent overheating and damage to the pump's motor and other areas of your filtration system. You will need to prime your pump anytime it runs dry – this is the process of filling the pump and its lines with water to remove unwanted air. Usually, the only time most people will need to prime their pump is upon opening their pool at the start of a new season. However, your swimming pool pump may lose its prime suddenly – you can find some common causes below.
How To Prime Your Pool Pump
Despite the size of your pool or the intricacies of your filtration system, the process is relatively the same. Be sure to check your pumps owner’s manual to help locate the different parts if you’re not familiar with your system. Follow the directions in your manual, or the steps we have included below if you don’t have them available.
Prepare for Priming
There are a few things you need to check and prepare before priming your pump, especially if you’re reopening your pool after the winter season. As we mentioned above, you must turn off your pump as soon as you notice it's running dry. The pump will become damaged if run too long without any water. Once your pump is turned off confirm the water level in your pool is at least halfway up the face of your skimmer before moving on.
Recirculate and Release Air Pressure
Locate the multiport valve at your pad and switch it to recirculate if applicable. Not all swimming pools have this. In this setting, water is diverted past the pool's filter, directly to the pump and continues to recirculate ensuring the pump stays full of water. Next, open the air relief valve which is usually found on the top of the pool filter. This will relieve any excess air pressure within the valves. Leave the air relief valve open for the time being.
Clean Out The Pump Strainer
Open the lid of your pump to check and clean the strainer basket. Remove any debris, such as leaves, insects, and any dirt or sediment by spraying the basket with your hose. Ensure there’s nothing on the lid or in the way of securing a tight seal when you replace the lid later.
Fill Your Pump With Water
Use your garden hose to fill your swimming pool pump with water. Leave the hose running for a few minutes to confirm that any air bubbles lingering in the lines have been completely pushed out of the system. Once the water has reached 80% full, you can replace the pump lid. When securing the lid be sure it’s on straight and closes completely – any air leaks will prevent your pump from priming. This may be a good time to replace any old, deteriorated o-rings to guarantee a tight seal. Be sure the lid is secured before moving on.
Turn On and Check Water Flow
Now that all the air has been flushed from the pump and lines, you can turn the pump power back on. It may take anywhere from 30 seconds to 2-3 minutes for the water to begin flowing depending on the distance between your pool and pump and the elevation level. You may notice some gurgling noises at first, which is normal as water begins to move.
If you do not see water flowing within a few short minutes turn off your pump and repeat the process. Priming doesn’t always happen on the first try, so don’t rush to troubleshooting right away. Once water is flowing smoothly through the pump close the air relief valve and switch your multiport valve back to the “filter” setting.
Reasons A Pump Loses its Prime
If you’ve attempted the steps above several times to no avail, it’s likely there is a suction side air leak within your pumps system. There are a few common sources for these air leaks, all of which can be resolved with ease – locating them is 90% of the work.
More Water – Always More Water!
When in doubt always add more water. Start by repeating step 4 – fill your pump with water. You can also try adding water via the pool skimmer, which will help flush out any air pockets that may be further in the system. Be sure that the water level is high enough in your swimming pool too!
Pump Lid Gasket
One of the most common reasons a pump loses its prime is the pump lid gasket. As mentioned previously, the gasket must be tight and secure to ensure that it remains sealed under pressure. Cleaning, replacing, and lubricating the o-ring with a silicone-based pool lubricant can help seal the pump lid gasket. Make sure the lid is secured tightly.
Plugs, Valves, and Pipes
Other possibilities are issues with the pump drain plugs, valves, and pipes within the filtration system. There are usually two drain plugs within a pump – locate them and check the o-rings for wear and tear or any debris. Apply pool lubricant when replacing to ensure the plugs are sealed and double-check that they’re all tightened.
Locating leaks within the valves and pipes is a bit more challenging. Luckily there’s a trick for locating cracks in the valve or joints of the pipes. You can easily troubleshoot where the leaks are by applying a little soap or shaving cream to different areas. Watch the suds or cream after you’ve applied it – if it is sucked into the pipe or valve, you’ve found the leak!
