This guide will explain how to troubleshoot a pool pump that is not priming. The most common causes of pool pump priming issues are sucking air leaks in your pump housing or plumbing, and debris clogs. We’ll be focusing mainly on the suction-side of your pool equipment for this guide. The suction-side s all equipment and plumbing from your skimmers and main drains to your pool pump’s impeller.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/6/2019
Have you done any of the steps mentioned in the guide?Reply
Eric Posted: 5/23/2019
My pump keeps losing water and stays about half full. There is strong suction at the skimmer and the return seems normal strength but with alot of bubbles. My PSI gauge is reading zero, no movement no mater what I do. Thoughts?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 5/23/2019
Hello Eric - My guess is that you have a suction side air leak. Check out our guide titled "How to Identify and Correct Air Leaks".Reply
Russ Posted: 5/19/2019
My 1hp Hayward pump died. I replaced it with a variable speed 1.5 hp Blue Torrent pump. Pool is 11000 gal. This pump came with a 1.5 inch inlet and outlet instead a 2 inch that I had. So I reduced at the pump. I can't get pump to prime most of time. I've tried the airleak tests and don't notice any . If I do get it working. I gave quite a few air bubbles in return. Also I can only lower the speed to 2400 rpm. Any lower and it won't stay primed. Even at 2400 it's only filling basket about 3/4 to the way. Is it a poor pump or do I have air leaks. My old pump would lose prime sometimes. I can only get it to stay primed if I run vac and skimmer at same time. If I try to use just one or the other it loses primeReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 5/20/2019
The priming issues are likely caused by switching to a less powerful pump. Brands like BlueTorrent make entry level pumps, and their flow rates are on the lower end of the spectrum no matter the HP. For example, you went from a Super II to a BlueTorrent; there could be a difference of 20 gallons per minute in flow rate depending on the system.Reply
Hélène Gagnon Posted: 5/17/2019
Thank you SO much. I had been trying to prime my pump for the last 24 hours but nothing would work. After watching your video, it took me 2 minutes. The washer had fallen off of my pump lid and I hadn’t noticed. It wasn’t much but it wouldn’t work. Something so simple. Thanks!!!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 5/17/2019
That's great, Hélène. Thank you for the feedback.Reply
Kendall Posted: 5/2/2019
Pump won’t suck water from pool. I can open the basket cover next to the pump and put a garden hose in there and water will circulate out the jets. I can’t figure out what’s wrong. I’ve primed the pump. I’ve filled the lines. The filter is full. I’ve done this every spring for 7 years now and never had issues until now. Any suggestions?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 5/3/2019
Hello Kendall - Make sure the valve in front of the pump is set so that water can be pulled from the skimmer and main drain. These valves are typically closed when the pool is winterized.Reply
Kendall Bliss Posted: 5/3/2019
Thanks. It’s working. I have always drained the pump with that plug in the fall. And it was closed back right. As soon as I loosened it, the water started to circulate like it is supposed to. Thanks again!!Reply
Liz Posted: 5/2/2019
Can a pump be primed with out the diffuser or do I need to wait for that part t o come in? Also tips for getting a stuck impeller bolt out?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 5/6/2019
The main job of the diffuser is to make priming possible. But your pump may be able to prime; but unfortunately, I have never attmpted a diffuser-less prime. What is the make and model of your impeller to better understand the best methods of removing the impeller?Reply
Cody Posted: 4/23/2019
Changed my sand and replaced my pump and motor. Psi is high. Everything works fine with it in recirculate mode (psi is still high- 18 ish) but when i switch to filter i lose prime after 15ish minutes and its barely doing anything. Psi when in filter mode is like 24. Ideas?!?!Reply
Cody Posted: 4/24/2019
The HP is the same. The water is green. Both skimmer baskets are empty. Filter has already been backwashed. Still happens after 15ish minutes.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 4/24/2019
You'd be surprised how fast a filter can fill up when the pool is green. We'd recommend killing the algae and backwashing the filter multiple times a day until the water is clear. At that point, it should operate normally.Reply
Cody Posted: 4/24/2019
Would that cause the filter to lose prime within 15 minutes though?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 4/24/2019
Yes, it could happen that fast.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 4/24/2019
Hello Cody - Did you stay with the same HP when you changed the pump or did you increase the HP? Is the pool water clear or is it cloudy/green?Reply
jamie Posted: 4/23/2019
i have been fill-in the simmer basket forever it seems like(my garden hose isn't long enough), and its not filling. what setting should the filter be on while doing this? i feel like I'm trying to drain the hot water out of a coffee maker (waitress joke).Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 4/24/2019
Hello Jamie - the valve can be set on its regular filtering mode while filling the pump. How are your water levels? Is your water level about halfway up the skimmer door? If your water is below the skimmer, that might be your problem.Reply
Neil Posted: 4/20/2019
I drained the pool pump last fall to winterize, then I realized that I needed to run it again briefly, but forgot to add water to the system. Within a few seconds, the skimmer chamber filled with smoke. The motor still runs, but it won't self-prime anymore. Is this repairable, perhaps by replacing the impeller, or do I need to replace the entire pool pump?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 4/24/2019
Unfortunately, this not something we can tell you for sure; You or a technician will have to inspect the pump for any damage. Test the motor to determine if it still runs. Open the pump to check for any damaged hardware or gaskets.Reply
Gilbert Posted: 3/29/2019
Hi, I have sta rite pump P6RA6G-207L that is not priming, the water is circulating but in low pressure. I replaced the the o’rings, checked the impeller, the difusor. I even replace the fittings of the suction line. The pump is a single speed one but seems like it was working in a low speed. It has 2 capacitors. Is it possible one of those is damaged? I appreciate your help.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 4/9/2019
Hello Gilbert - there are a few things you can test: line voltage, run capacitor, and start capacitor. To test any of these, you will need a multimeter. Read the following guides on how to safely test these components: How To Use a Multimeter to Test a Pool Pump Motor - Voltage, How to Test a Pool Pump CapacitorReply
Tricia Posted: 3/29/2019
I have the same problem as Lori. When running normally the pump doesn't prime all the way (there are bubbles at the top), but when I switch to backwash it immediately fiills completely. I have replaced o rings, made sure there weren't any leaks in the valves and the water level is correct. What else could it possibly be? Thank you.Reply
Patrick Posted: 5/12/2020
Having the same problem as Tricia and Lori, running a variabel speed pump (600-3450rpm). Doesn’t prime fully at 3450, losing prime over time on lovet speed. When backwash it primes after some minute. Sandfilter when running at 2000rpm pressure is 5psi.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 11/10/2020
I'd say you likely have an air leak or an obstruction in the pipe. An air leak can slow priming; it can also buildup air in the system, causing the system to lose its prime. How to Identify and Correct Air LeaksReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 3/29/2019
Hello Tricia - What type of filter do you have? What is the PSI reading when the valve is set on filter mode?Reply
Lori Posted: 3/24/2019
Pool pump wont prime all the way! I have replaced motor all pump seals and o rings. The basket will not fill completely , when I put it to backwash it fill the basket as soon as I put it back the water level starts to drop and basket as air bubbles. Cant seemed to find were air is getting in to system.! Any suggestion!! Over this pool about ready to fill in with dirt!!!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 3/26/2019
Hello Lori - Is the water level in the pool at least halfway up the skimmer door opening?Reply
Inyopools Posted: 7/13/2018
Hello Beverly - Check out our article titled "Why Are My Pool Jets Not Working?". It covers several reasons why the system wouldn't be operating correctly.Reply
Beverly Posted: 6/17/2018
my pool filter system kept losing suction and the out put would virtually stop. so before i read your posts and such i checked the sand (not too dirty) checked the valve (a little stiff but workable) the pressure guage is off the grid . so i bought a new pump and i get the same result. the pump wont keep running so i'm backwashing every hour and a half or so to keep it moving, but it does not continue to circulate. HELPReply
Inyopools Posted: 5/8/2018
Hello Cory - Since every pool is different, diagnosing valve settings is tricky. You have to test the settings manually and see what works. I'm wondering if something is mislabeled because everything works when the skimmer is "closed". Is water pulling from the skimmer when the valve says it's closed?Reply
Cory Posted: 5/5/2018
Just bought our home. Never had a pool, so had a service come out to do an initial evaluation and clean/chemistry check. They determined that the chlorine levels were ridiculously high and recommended draining pool about 2 feet and then refilling with fresh water. He turned off the skimmer, pump stayed on. Pump is on a timer. So, after draining, we began filling back up. This morning pool is back to normal level, we turned on the skimmer and then the pump. Pump wouldn't prime. We turned off the skimmer, pump primed and water feature and jets all operational. We then tried turning the skimmer back on and pump lost prime. Right now we are running just the pump with the skimmer turned off. Is there something we should know about this, is this normal? We are assuming this is not normal. Thank you for any help/advice!!!Reply
Inyopools Posted: 5/4/2018
Hello Jeff - Have you tried opening up both the skimmer lines and drain at the same time? This will ensure that the pump is getting enough water. If it's still not priming, you may have a suction side air leak or a clog in one of the suction lines. Check out Part 1 of our article titled "Why are my pool Jets Not Working?". It has a lot of good info about correcting possible problems.Reply
Jeff Votteler Posted: 5/4/2018
Just recently had a new liner replacement, which means all water was removed from system. Once the liner was replaced, and pool filled to middle of skimmer I went to go start it up. I cannot get the pump primed. When set to skimmers only seems like just a little water comes out the pipes, when set to main drain it seems I can keep filling and filling the pipes. First year this has happened. Thanks in advance.Reply
Inyopools Posted: 3/21/2018
Hello Sarah - What is the pressure reading on the filter gauge when the valve is in the filter position?Reply
Inyopools Posted: 3/21/2018
Hello Beldor - Hopefully, the impeller and diffuser weren't altered in any way. That is a common issue when the pumps run dry and then won't prime. How does the pump lid o-ring look? If it is cracked or leaves black marks on your hand, I would replace it.Reply
Inyopools Posted: 3/21/2018
Hello RG - Check the cleaner hoses for holes. Holes in the hoses are a very common cause of air bubbles. Are you seeing air bubbles in the returns? If so, you have a suction side air leak. Besides the hoses, it could be from your pump lid o-ring, pump drain plugs, intake fitting, or your diverter valves. If there are no bubbles in the returns, the pump is cavitating and causing vapor bubbles. If this is the case, you'd have to feed the pump more water by opening up the skimmer or main drain.Reply
Rg Posted: 3/21/2018
There are a lot of bubbles in pump basket when pool cleaner is on. We were told that is normal cause the Hayward Tri star pump is designed to draft when pool cleaner is on. Is that rightReply