How To Prime A Pool Pump In 9 Easy Steps

If you are trying to figure out how to prime a pool pump, but you don’t know how to go about it, you’ve come to the right place.

Priming is the process of removing air from a pool pump to allow water to circulate through the filtration system, appropriately. When the pump is fully primed, the filtration system will be able to perform its primary function of keeping the pool water clean and safe.

While modern pool pumps come with self-priming functions, most conventional pumps require priming before you can turn them on. This might seem complicated at first, but the truth is that it is not. Moreover, the number of steps involved depends on the type of pool pump that you have and the amount of water in the suction line. With that said, here’s what you need to do to prime your pool pump.

How To Prime A Pool Pump In 9 Easy Steps

Step 1 Turn off the pool pump

Whether the pump is running or not, you should turn it off as a precautionary measure. As with any other electrical appliance, the presence of electrical currents flowing through the pump may pose a significant risk. Therefore, it is prudent that you turn it off entirely via the switch or the circuit breaker to avoid electrical shock or damaging the pool pump motor.

Step 2 Uncover the lid to get to the pump

Most pool pumps come in a closed housing that consists of a removable cover. The essence of having this closed system is to protect the pump and the motor from corrosion and other harsh elements. Nevertheless, the lid is not airtight, meaning that air may find its way into the pump if you leave the motor ideal for a couple of months without running. Considering this, you have to take the lid off the pool pump to prime it.

Step 3 Turn the multi-port valve to circulate

The piping system next to the pump consists of a multi-port valve that directs pool water in multiple directions depending on the handle position. The water may enter the pump or filter tank, depending on how you set the valve. Ideally, you should turn the valve to the position marked “re-circulate” to allow the water to flow in the pump only instead of going through the filter first. If you are unsure about what valve to turn, please check the user manual that came with your pool pump.

Step 4 Release air pressure in the filter

The pool filter might contain excess air pressure, which could prevent the pump from priming accordingly. With this in mind, it should relieve air pressure in the filter by merely opening the air relief valve located at the top of the filter. The air valve is a round knob on top of the filter. You should turn it counterclockwise to open the valve until the gauge reads 0 psi.

Step 5 Examine and clean out the pump basket

After days of inactivity during the off-season, it is highly likely that debris, silt, and other objects could have found their way into the pool pump baskets. For this reason, you must examine and clean out the baskets to get rid of any debris that could have accumulated in the pump. Rinse the basket using a garden hose and put it back into the pump.

Step 6 Fill the pump and pipes with water

Once the pool pump baskets are clean, you should fill the pump and connecting pipes with water to the top using a garden hose. Thereafter, allow the water to flow for a couple of minutes or more to make sure that it seeps into the pool pump lines as well.

Step 7 Cover the pump with its lid

Screw the lid back into place tightly to prevent the suction from knocking the cover off once you turn the pump on. Make sure that the lid and seal do not have any cracks. If damaged, you have to replace the cover before moving to the next step.

Step 8 Turn on the pump

Turn the pump back on by flipping the circuit breaker and triggering the pump’s switch. The water should start flowing through within a minute or so, and you’ll notice a gurgling sound as the pump begins to run smoothly. If no water is flowing through the basket within 2 minutes, you have no option but to repeat through steps 1 to 7 again.

Step 9 Close the air valve

Close the air valve by turning it clockwise from re-circulate to filter, to allow water to flow through the filtration system.

The Takeaway

Learning prime a pool pump guide is relatively easy. In fact, you do not need to spend money enlisting a professional pool technician to prime your pump. Moreover, no special equipment is necessary. You can do it yourself using our step-by-step guide. You can also check out our homepage to learn more info. Thank you!

All Photos & Videos Collected: inyopools.com