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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.
Tips & Warnings
Things You'll Need
Step by Step
Step 1
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.
Step 2
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).
Step 3
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.
Step 4
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.
Step 5
Remove the pool pump strainer basket and clean out any debris that has accumulated. Replace basket.
Step 6
Fill the pool pump strainer box with water using a garden hose or bucket.
Step 7
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.
Step 8
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.
Step 9
Restore power to the swimming pool pump.
Step 10
Check the water flow through the strainer box. Water should flow freely in 30-60 seconds.
Step 11
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.
Step 12
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.
Step 13
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.
Step 14
After the system is fully primed, move the diverter valve halfway between skimmer and main drain for normal operation.
Step 15
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.
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Tips & Warnings
Never run a pool pump without water. Running the pool pump dry for any length of time can cause severe damage to both the pool pump and the motor.
Please Note:
Inyo Pool Products is not responsible for any injury or damaged equipment
while using our guides. Using our guides is doing so at your own risk.
These guides are suggested use of your pool or spa equipment and may vary
depending on which product you are using.