When a system is fully primed, the system components, pipes, pump, filter etc., are filled with water and the pool pump is able to suck water from the pool and push it back into the pool through pool returns. Priming a pool pump involves purging air from the pumping system and filling the water lines and pump with water. The number of steps required to prime your pool pump depends on the amount on water in the suction side of the lines - water coming from the pool to the pump. If you are installing a new pool system, there is no water in the lines, and you may have to repeat these steps several times. If you are adding or replacing components into the pumping system (like a heater), there will still be some water in the lines and priming will be simpler. The following procedure assumes that you have no or little water in the system. Visible indications of low water are no or little water in the pump strainer box, and a low pressure reading on the pool filter pressure gage.
If the pool pump is running, your first step is to turn off the power to the pool pump. For maximum safety turn off the power at the circuit breaker to the motor.
The suction diverter valve allows you to shut off water from the skimmers or from the main drain. Generally you cannot shut off both. To prime the system in steps, move the diverter valve so that the off side of the lever is pointing to the main drain side. Now water can only flow from the pool skimmer lines. Note: if you are only adding a component to an existing system, water will still be in the lines and you can probably re-prime the system by opening the skimmer and main drain lines at the same time (lever is halfway between skimmers and main drains).
Next you will have to relieve any pressure that remains in the pool pump and water lines. To relieve pressure turn the air relief valve on top of the pool filter counter clockwise. You will hear air releasing as you see the pressure on the pressure gauge go to 0 psi. Leave this relief valve open.
Open the lid to the pool pump strainer box. To open up the strainer box, 1-turn the two knobs on top of the strainer lid counter-clockwise and 2- swivel the knobs down away from the lid. Note: Some strainer lids screw on instead of having knobs. In these cases twist the lid counter-clockwise to remove the lid off the top of the strainer box.
Remove the pool pump strainer basket and clean out any debris that has accumulated. Replace basket.
Fill the pool pump strainer box with water using a garden hose or bucket.
Replace the strainer lid carefully to ensure a good seal. Hand tighten only. If your pool pump has knobs, tighten them evenly by hand. Do not use tools to tighten the lid.
Ensure that the diverter valve to the pool return is open. This will allow the pool pump to discharge water to the pool. If this is not open, excessive water pressure that builds up during pump operation may damage parts of the pumping system and may be dangerous.
Restore power to the swimming pool pump.
Check the water flow through the strainer box. Water should flow freely in 30-60 seconds.
The air relief valve should still be open. As the pressure builds, air will be released through the relief valve. When water starts to spray out of the valve, turn the valve clockwise to close it.
If water isn't flowing freely in 30-60 seconds, repeat steps 1 - 10: turn off the pump, bleed off the pressure, reopen the strainer, refill the strainer, and close the lid. Then turn on the pump. You may have to repeat these steps several times to purge the air from the line.
When water is flowing through the pool skimmer lines, slowly open the main drain line at the diverter valve. Open the relief valve to allow air in the main drain line to escape. Again water should flow freely in 30-60 seconds. Close the relief valve. If you don't see pressure building on the pressure gauge and a full strainer box, repeat steps 1 -10.
After the system is fully primed, move the diverter valve halfway between skimmer and main drain for normal operation.
If, after repeated attempts, you cannot prime the system successfully, your system has a major leak or blockage. This problem must be resolved before you can prime the swimming pool system.
Anonymous Posted: 06/06/2018 15:54 PM
I can't find a diverter valve anywhere!
Inyopools Posted: 05/09/2018 17:35 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Hello Phil - The water level dropping below the skimmer line is usually a sign that the water level is too low to begin with. Try adding a couple of inches of water to the pool. The pool water level should be half way up the skimmer opening.
Phil Posted: 05/09/2018 11:46 AM
Ok, so I have had my pool for a year (second season) recently my water level is dropping below the skimmer when the pump is running, It was working fine 2 days ago but for some reason it all of sudden started to drop. Any Ideas why?
Anonymous Posted: 08/30/2017 11:55 AM
Thank you. Worked like a charm. Just had to add water.
Inyopools Posted: 07/31/2017 14:50 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Dave - It sounds like you have a significant suction air leak on the suction side of your pool's pump. See our guide on "How to Identify and Correct Air Leaks". Also, if you have an old pool, try digging down to the bottom of the input pipe that carries water into the front of your pump. Sometimes the elbow connecting to the horizontal pipe from your pool wears out and starts to leak.
Anonymous Posted: 07/29/2017 18:57 PM
Thank you! This was extremely helpful and easy to follow the step by step instructions. My husband is out of the country and I was worried my pump would burn up or I'd have to turn it off and my pool would become a green mess. Very helpful!!!
Dave Posted: 07/29/2017 15:03 PM
So my pump only fills above the return opening I side the basket. I can't get the level to rise to the lid. I have tried to shut off the drain valve, leaving only the return from the pool open. I opened the pressure relief valve but no change in levels. The level inside my pool is where it needs to be.
Rachrob Posted: 07/28/2017 0:28 AM
Thank you so much!!! I got it running after four attempts. Thank you!!!
Iyopools Posted: 06/19/2017 17:07 PM
Blane - When you bought your new cartridge last year, did you have the same problem right away or did it build up over time? If it worked for a while, you made have invisible gunk like oils or sunscreen lotion building up in the flow of the cartridge that is hard to wash out. Try cleaning your cartridge with something like TSP get the gunk out of the folds.
Blane Posted: 06/19/2017 8:27 AM
Hello, when I do not have the cartridge in the Filter, the flow is great. as soon as I put the Cartridge in, I have good flow for about 40 seconds, then it is really weak. I thought the Cartridge was bad, bought a new one, and have the same issue. this is frustrating. the Filter is a Hayward c550, and I purchased it last year.
Inyopools Posted: 05/30/2017 18:16 PM Inyo Product Specialist
MrRice - It sounds like your system is running very smoothly. Sometimes, the water flows so smoothly through the strainer basket that you can't see any water movement. The strainer basket tank is filter completely to the top. If you didn't have water flowing through the basket, you would not have any water coming out the returns.
MrRice Posted: 05/30/2017 11:02 AM
I'm a new pool owner and recently had the pool opened. However, when the pump is running, I do not see water going through pump strainer, but water is being pushed out of the in-ground pool jets. Is that normal or to be expected?
mac Posted: 05/23/2017 23:17 PM
Great easy guide and does help thank you very much
Inyopools Posted: 05/20/2017 12:54 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Chris - When you put water into the strainer pot, you are partially filling the intake lines. Some of the water you are adding is flowing back into the pool. When you close the system up and start the motor it will prime faster.
Chris Posted: 05/19/2017 21:47 PM
I opened the pump strainer box to clean it, reassembled, but can't seem to fill the water above the level of the pipe from the drain and strainer. I emptied 4x 5 gallon pails into it, the level rose while filling, then drained back down to the same level - any idea what I might be doing wrong?
Inyopools Posted: 05/19/2017 11:21 AM Inyo Product Specialist
Cdcollins - Some filter systems operate without a relief valve. They are designed to relieve pressure automatically. Proceed and ignore references to a relief valve.
Cdcollins Posted: 05/18/2017 9:33 AM
I don't have a relief valve what next
Anonymous Posted: 05/17/2017 13:57 PM
wow, thanks - you weren't kidding, it took just about 10 tries to get this done before it finally took. thanks again, this was extremely helpful.
Inyopools Posted: 05/10/2017 9:21 AM Inyo Product Specialist
lidia - If you pulled the vacuum out of the pool without disconnecting it, the pump is sucking air through the vacuum which causes it to loose prime. You have to disconnect the vacuum from the insert.
lidia Posted: 05/08/2017 11:57 AM
i cleaned my pool for he first time buying a hose and vacuum head, connect it to the insert where is a basket by pool,it was priming and then when we finished cleaning we tried to disconnect hose from insert it was stuck my daughter got the vacuum out of pool i noticed a different noise in pump and stopped priming i cleaned both baskets pump and by pool after that pressed maintence then turned it back on notice no water was going down like fountain like jacuzzi to pool let it on some hours noticed later still not on so think i messed up pump
Inyopools Posted: 05/02/2017 15:33 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Still learning - Generally, when you fill the strainer basket with water, it doesn't fill all the way. It starts flowing back into the pool. But you have enough water in the pipes to prime the pump. If you had a lot of debris in your pool when you opened it, some of that might have partially blocked a pipe or the pump impeller. Debris in the impeller is a frequent problem. I would check that first. See our guide on "How To Clean Out a Pool Pump Impeller".
Still learning Posted: 04/30/2017 21:54 PM
I had a hard time getting my pump to prime when I opened after winter. I finally got it going but I opened the pump to clean the basket, and now I can't get it going again. When I fill the basket it fills all the way to the top unti it overflows. It was doing that when I first opened when it wasn't working. Finally the water flowed freely and wasn't filling all the way up and it worked. I didn't do anything different and don't know to get it going again. Please help. TIA.
Inyopools Posted: 03/20/2017 10:01 AM
Bonnie - Try blowing the clog out with a drain cleaner bladder. It's simpler, cheaper and most people have had good success with them. It’s most effective if you insert it at the pump going back to the pool. Any hardware store sells these bladders.
Bonnie Posted: 03/16/2017 11:13 AM
how can you remove problem in clogged pipe? Cannot prime pump, have tried all you have suggested.
Inyopools Posted: 11/18/2016 12:10 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Alex Z. - Yes, you will have to replace the impeller from the old motor and reinstall it on the new motor. For a step-by-step procedure on replacing a motor, see our guide on "How To Replace the Motor on Your Pool Pump". Remember to buy an replace the motor shaft seal.
Alex Z. Posted: 11/16/2016 21:11 PM
I believe that my motor just burned. It's been acting up for about 4 months know. it would struggle to start every time (would make a noise like it's about the start and then it shuts off again). Finally today it was doing it for few hours while i was at work and still kept doing it when i came home. It smelled like something burned and it was very hot (to the point that i had black marks on my sand filter thats sitting next to it). I purchase same exact motor online and will be replacing it this weekend hopefully. My question is, since i never did this before, do i need to remove impeller as well, or i can only remove the motor, put the wires the way they were and proceed with priming process? Thank you in advance
Inyopools Posted: 09/16/2016 12:11 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Dom Fiocco - I would shut off the valve to the solar system until the pump is primed than slowing open the solar valve.
Dom Fiocco Posted: 09/14/2016 17:07 PM
My pool pump won't prime if the valve to our rooftop solar system is open. Any ideas on how to resolve?
Inyopools Posted: 08/15/2016 14:09 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Rick - Thanks for the priming tip. It sounds like a great solution for anyone with a significantly elevated pump.
Rick Posted: 08/14/2016 18:43 PM
I tried everything and couldn't get mine primed and FINALLY found a trick that worked that I though worth sharing. Forcing water into the skimmer intake (the inlet from your main drain should probably be closed). I had stuck a hose in it before and still couldn't get it to work, so I wrapped cardboard and tape around the hose to make the hose fit tightly into the inlet from the skimmer, which was a little bigger than the hose. Cranked the water all the way, forcing it up to the pump, which in my case was about 4 feet above the water level. Turned on the pump and it caught within seconds. I am soooo glad to finally find a way that works.
Inyopools Posted: 08/01/2016 14:37 PM Inyo Product Specialist
confused - No, you should only add water to the strainer basket for a couple of minutes. It will not fill completely since you have an open system and some water is draining out to the pool. If you are having trouble priming the pool, close off all but one of the suction lines to the pool. Then open the others back up after the pump is primed. Check to make sure that you don't have leaks in the suction lines that are preventing your pump from priming. See our guide on "How to Identify and Correct Air Leaks".
confused Posted: 07/31/2016 13:25 PM
I am trying to prime my pump. Is it possible that it could take hours to fill the lines through the filter basket? Should the water lines be open or closed? I have them open.
Inyopools Posted: 07/02/2016 10:36 AM Inyo Product Specialist
WW - I have not seen a pump operate up and down like that. If it only happens on the Backwash and Rinse modes, the problem is probably in the Waste port of the filter. Make sure that port and the hose from it is not partially blocked. Check the spider gasket in the valve to make sure it is intact.
WW Posted: 06/30/2016 19:15 PM
I just hooked up an Intel 14" 2800 gph sand filter pump. Back washed, and rinsed fine. In the filter mode however the pump seems to rev up and down and the psi goes up and drops right along with it. It's not dramatic, maybe from 10 to 4 psi back and forth. Any reason why it would do this in filter mode but run smooth in backwash and rinse?
Inyopools Posted: 05/24/2016 15:39 PM Inyo Product Specialist
Scott72 - Concentrate first on what you changed. If you pulled the strainer cover off to clean the basket, make sure the cover O-ring is in place. Sometimes, if the O-ring is old and stretched out, it may poke out when you are closing the cover leaving a big air hole. If that is good, try filling the pump trap with water from a hose. You won't be able to fill it but you will put some water in the pipe to the pool. Leave the multiport valve in filter until the system is primed. Turn the pump off and switch to backwash, then switch the power back on.
Scott72 Posted: 05/23/2016 17:30 PM
I've got an older pool with a Heyward S200 sand filter. I don't have a diverter valve from the main line to the skimmers; just the pump selector lever (backwash, rinse, filter, etc.). According to the instructions on the pump, I am supposed to prime it, then run it on backwash until I had a steady flow of water, then rinse, then filter. I had this thing running great yesterday, opened the basket to empty it, and now can't get it to prime to save my life. Am I missing something? Please help! Thank you!
Inyopools Posted: 05/20/2016 9:42 AM Inyo Product Specialist
check valve - The check valve should keep the water from flowing back into the pool after the pump is shut off. So priming would be faster.
Anonymous Posted: 05/18/2016 0:15 AM
How would this work if there is a check valve on the suction side of the pump?
Anonymous Posted: 07/29/2015 13:15 PM
Worked great. Thanks.
Inyopools Posted: 07/24/2015 12:28 PM Inyo Product Specialist
prime - Generally you will see a little water/air at the top of the pump basket while the pump is running. I have seen a perfectly smooth top where it looks like no water is flowing but this is an exception. The discharge from the pump would have to match the water coming in on the suction side of the pump. If you have a lot of air in the pump basket (Cavitation) you either have a suction air leak or your pump may be too large and it is discharging the water faster than it can pull it in.