How to Prime a Pool Pump in 4 Easy Steps
Proper pool maintenance goes beyond just balancing chemicals or cleaning filters; it's also about preventing damage to your essential equipment—especially your pool pump. Without the pump running smoothly, water won’t circulate, potentially leading to stagnation and a dirty pool. Priming your pool pump can help avoid costly repairs and downtime, so let’s dive into how to prime it effectively.
Why is Priming a Pool Pump Important?
The pool pump acts like the heart of your pool’s circulation system, keeping water moving to ensure it remains clean and clear. However, the pump requires water inside to function properly. If it’s dry, the pump can overheat, leading to seal or motor damage. Learning to prime your pump keeps it in optimal condition and ensures your pool stays in peak shape.
What is Pool Pump Priming?
Priming a pool pump means removing air from the pump system and filling it with water to create proper suction. When air is present, it can prevent water from flowing, potentially damaging the pump. This situation is especially common after opening a pool in the spring, when air might have entered during the winterizing process. Let’s look at how to get your pool pump up and running in a few easy steps.
How to Prime Your Pool Pump in 4 Steps
1. Set the Multiport Valve to Recirculate
The recirculate setting allows water to bypass the filter and flow straight back to the pool, reducing resistance and making it easier to push any trapped air out of the system.
2. Remove Any Pool Plugs
To allow water to flow freely, ensure you’ve removed all plugs in the skimmers and return jets. This will give water an unobstructed path into the pump.
3. Fill the Pump Housing with Water
Take off the pump lid and inspect the housing. If it’s dry, fill it with water using a garden hose. This initial fill helps to create the suction needed to start water flow. Let water flow into the pump housing for at least two minutes to prime it well, then replace the lid.
4. Turn the Pump On
Once the housing is filled, turn on the pump. You might hear gurgling sounds as air moves out of the system. Allow the pump a few moments, and soon the housing should fill with water, meaning it’s primed and ready.
Troubleshooting Pool Pump Priming Issues
Sometimes, your pump may need a little extra help priming. Here are a few tips to get it going if it struggles to prime:
Add More Water:
Turn the pump off, remove the lid, and add more water. This can help if there’s still air trapped inside the housing.
Use the Skimmer to Add Water:
Instead of filling directly into the pump housing, place the garden hose in the skimmer. This can help dislodge any air pockets by pushing water through the system in reverse.
Check for Leaks:
If your pump still won’t prime, inspect for any cracks or leaks in the housing or seals that might be allowing air in.
Call in a Professional:
If none of these tips work, consider calling in a pro. It’s always worth a small service fee to protect your equipment from further damage.
Keep It Primed and Ready!
Knowing how to prime your pool pump can save you time, money, and frustration. While you’ll usually prime the pump when opening your pool, check it occasionally during the season to make sure it remains primed, especially if water levels fluctuate or if a blockage in the skimmer reduces water flow.
With a little maintenance and the right steps, you can keep your AQUASTRONG pool pump working efficiently, ensuring a season full of fun and clean water for everyone to enjoy!