How do I keep my pool pump primed?
- Turn Your Multiport Valve to Circulate. This will bypass the filter system, so that the water comes into the pump, through ONLY your multiport valve, ...
- Fill The Pump With Water.
- Turn On The Filter System.
Full Answer
What to do if your pool pump is not primed?
How do I keep my pool pump primed? Turn Your Multiport Valve to Circulate. This will bypass the filter system, so that the water comes into the pump,... Fill The Pump With Water. Turn On The Filter System.
How do you Prime a pool pump with a spa?
Some pumps require you to manually prime your pump before turning it on. The following steps will show you how to prime a pool pump. 1) Turn off the system. When working on any pool …
When should I Prime my pool pump?
· How to Prime Your Pool Pump in Just Five Steps Step 1: Redirect the Water. With power to your pool turned off at the circuit breaker, turn your multiport valve. Also... Step 2: …
How do you Prime a pool pump without a diverter valve?
· How To Prime A Pool Pump - http://bit.ly/36mZDpfHow To Determine Why a Pool Pump Won't Prime - http://bit.ly/30JyqvOHow To Clean Out a Pool Pump Impeller - h...
How Pool Pumps Work
A pool pump uses a motor to move water through your filtration system continuously. It is designed to be filled with water at all times. If the pump is operated dry, it will burn out the motor and cause you to have to replace an expensive piece of pool equipment.
What Does it Mean to Prime a Pool Pump?
A pool pump often gets pockets of air trapped inside. Anytime that it is not operating full of water such as when the pool is closed down or re-opened for the season, there is a potential to get air inside the pump.
Why You Should Prime Your Pool Pump
Most pool pumps cost several hundred dollars. It is an expense that is necessary to maintain a swimming pool, but not one that you would want to invest in frequently or unnecessarily. Priming your pool pump is a prudent step that you can take to make sure you are not accidentally operating the pump dry.
Troubleshooting Pool Pump Problems
Anything rarely works on the first try. If you are experiencing problems getting your pool pump going shortly after installation or at the beginning of the season, there are few things you might try. You can also head over to my guide on what to do if your pool pump isn’t working for more tips.
The Takeaway on Priming Your Pool Pump
The pump is a necessary and often expensive piece of pool equipment that moves the water through the filtration system in order to filter out debris. It is necessary for a clean and hygienic swimming environment. While this piece of equipment can be a bit pricey, costing pool owners $300 – $800 on average, it is very important.
How to get rid of air pressure in a skimmer?
Take note of the position, and then move it so water will only come from one of the locations. 3) Open up your air relief valve on top of your filter to help remove any excess air pressure in the system once it is turned on.
Do pool pumps need to be primed?
Some pumps require you to manually prime your pump before turning it on. The following steps will show you how to prime a pool pump.
Why do you prime a pool pump?
Another reason for priming a pool pump is if you live in an area where it freezes during the winter.
What happens if a pool pump goes dry?
This essential piece of equipment is meant to hold water—and if it goes dry, it could overheat and seize, damaging the pump’s motor, the PVC pipes leading to it, and other plumbing components.
Why is my pool pump dirty?
That can result in a dirty pool because if water can’t flow through the filter, the pool water will become stagnant and dirty.
What is a pool pump?
The pool pump is the nerve system of your pool —when it’s running properly, your pools systems will do what they need to keep your pool well maintained. But if your pump isn’t functioning like it should, it can cause issues.
What happens when you close your pool?
When you close your pool at the end of the season, you will have to blow the water out of the lines to keep it from freezing. That means when it comes time to open your pool, the pump will run dry unless you first prime it to get water running through the pipes.
Do you need to remove a skimmer plug for a water pump?
Water will need to flow into the pump, so remove any skimmer or return jet plugs so it can move freely .
Why Is It Even Necessary to Prime?
These days, most pool pumps—especially in-ground models—are made to be continuously self-priming. However, most new models do require you to prime before using the first time, as well as at the beginning of the swim season. Other circumstances, such as depressurizing your system for maintenance, may also necessitate a thorough priming.
Step 1: Redirect the Water
With power to your pool turned off at the circuit breaker, turn your multiport valve. Also called a suction side diverter, this valve allows you to choose the pump’s water source. It’ll help you bypass the normal filter system, so water goes straight through the multiport valve and the multiport valve only.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pump
Open your filter’s air relief valve, usually positioned on top of your pump, as well as any plugs you might have in your skimmer or return jets. Also open up your pool pump by removing the lid. Clear out any debris that might be sitting at the bottom of your basket in your pump housing. Leaves, sediment, unlucky insects—it all goes.
Step 3: Fill Your Pump with Water
Using a garden hose, fill the basket up with water for at least two full minutes. While leading to the skimmer, this water will push air out from the pipes and create suction back into the pump. Once the basket is about 80% full—up to the outlet called the intake port—you’ll know the system is air free.
Step 4: Seal Your Pump Up and Turn the System Back On
Reattach the lid to your pump and make sure it’s sealed tight. Keep the air relief valve open, as well as your skimmer and return jet plugs. Turn the power back on via the pool’s circuit breaker.
Step 5: Stay Tuned
Watch your pump for a minute or so. If water isn’t consistently flowing through the basket after this time, repeat these steps again. Don’t panic—sometimes pump priming requires a few attempts. Once water is flowing and there are no air bubbles, you’ve done a successful job.
What is the yellow dial on an Intermatic pump?
The most common and oldest style of Intermatic timer is commonly referred to as a yellow dial timer. On those types of timers if the dial pointer is directly over the “off” lug it can prevent the tab hanging down from fully moving to the Right when a user attempts to turn on the timer manually for the pump to run.
Why do skimmer doors hang up?
(These first 2 steps account for 90 percent of pumps that won’t prime.) Occasionally skimmer doors or weirs hang up due to waves or they can hang up if the filter were to have air trapped in the top of the tank that decompresses when cycled off causing water to rush backwards through the lines.
Can you adjust the water flow in a spa?
If you have a SPA you can adjust the water flow to suck from the SPA drain. (Make sure to change the valve back to the correct position once you are finished either attempting or priming the pump. This can be very helpful if the spa and or the equipment is elevated above the pool water level.)
