Priming a Pool Pump: A Step-by-Step Guide

Maintaining a pool requires a lot of effort, including keeping the water balanced, adding sanitizer, and cleaning the filter. But good maintenance also means preventing damage to expensive equipment, such as the pump. The pump is essential to the circulation system of the pool, and if it’s not working properly, the pool will essentially be shut down. That’s why it’s important to know how to prime a pool pump.

What Is Priming a Pool Pump?

Priming a pool pump involves purging the plumbing system of air by manually sucking water from the pool and through the filtration system, creating a vacuum effect that pushes water in and forces air out. This is necessary because air pockets in the plumbing system can prevent the pump from functioning properly and can cause overheating, melting seals, and premature pump failure.

Why Is It Necessary to Prime?

Most modern pool pumps are self-priming, but there are still situations where priming may be necessary. For example, if you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures, you may need to blow the water out of the plumbing lines before closing the pool to prevent the pipes from freezing and cracking. When you blow the water out, it’s replaced with air. If you start the pump while it only has air in it, you’ll experience overheating problems. To avoid this, you need to prime the pump by getting water freely flowing through your pool system once again. Here’s a few steps to help you to do that.

#1 – Locate the multiport valve

The multiport valve is the round valve that controls the flow of water through the filtration system. It will be attached to your swimming pool filter. Familiarize yourself with the different positions of the valve and their functions, such as “filter,” “backwash,” and “waste.”

#2 – Turn off the pump

Before starting the priming process, make sure the pump is turned off to avoid any accidents or damage. Locate the pump’s power switch or circuit breaker and turn it off.

#3 – Turn the multiport valve to the “recirculate” position

This position directs the water into the filter head and back out to the pool, bypassing the filter. This allows you to prime the pump without running water through the filter and gives the water less resistance to fight through, making it easier for your pump to prime.

#4 – Remove any plugs from the skimmers

The skimmers are the plastic housings on the side of the pool that collect debris and leaves. Make sure any plugs that are in the skimmer plumbing that goes to your pool equipment are removed to allow water to freely flow into your pump.

#5 – Fill the pump with water

Remove the pump’s lid and check the inside of the pump. If it’s dry, you’ll need to add some water before turning it on. Make sure all the drain plugs are in place, then use a garden hose to pre-fill the pump housing. Allow water to run into the pump housing for at least two minutes to allow some water to seep into the pipes that extend from the skimmer to the pump.

#6 – Turn the pump on

Replace the lid and turn the pump on. It may take a little time, and the pump may gurgle and sputter at first, and you may need to do this multiple times… but eventually, you should see water flowing and filling the pump housing. Once the housing is full of water, the pump is primed and ready to use.

#7 – Turn off the pump

Once the pump is primed and functioning properly, turn it off and return the multiport valve to its normal “filter” position and turn the pump back on to resume normal operation.

Is your Pump still giving you Priming Problems? We’ve Got Solutions!

If your pool pump is giving you grief, don’t throw in the towel just yet! Here are some additional clever ideas to try:

Change your approach

If water isn’t flowing through the system, try adding it from a different angle – like a skimmer. Place the hose in one of the skimmers and see if that helps shake loose any pesky air pockets.

Seek and fix leaks

If your pump still won’t prime after a few attempts, it’s possible there’s a leak in the housing. Inspect the pump for cracks or other damage, and consider replacing it if necessary.

Follow the flow

Sometimes the easiest way to get your pump going is by opening only the suction line closest to the pool equipment. This is typically the skimmer nearest to the pump. By pulling water from the nearest suction line, you may be able to generate enough force to get water flowing freely through the system again.

Elevate your game

If your spa is higher than the pool, there may be less distance for the water to travel vertically to reach the pump. Plus, your spa may be full of water, providing enough weight to push through the plumbing lines and towards the pump. Make sure to slowly close the spa drain once the pump is running again to avoid draining the spa completely empty.

Drain and gain

If the previous methods haven’t worked, you can try priming the pump off of the main drain alone. Your pump may struggle to prime if the water level is low and there is not enough water weight to push through the skimmer plumbing. However, the main drain plumbing will be under the maximum amount of water weight in the pool, which may provide enough force to get the pump running again.

If you’ve tried everything and your pump still won’t prime, it might be time to call in the pros. Sure, it’ll cost more than doing it yourself, but it’s worth it to prevent further damage to your pump.

Keep Your Pool Pump in Prime Condition

You’ll most likely have to prime your pump when opening your pool for the season, but you may also have to do it during the open season if the water level drops too low or there’s a blockage in the skimmer that prevents enough water from entering the system. By following these steps, you can keep your pump in good condition and avoid overheating issues.

Even if you do encounter issues with your pump, knowing how to prime it means you’ll be able to fix it quickly and get back to enjoying your pool.

In Conclusion…

Priming your pool pump is a crucial step in maintaining your pool and keeping your equipment in good condition. By following these steps and troubleshooting any issues that may arise, you can save yourself time, money, and frustration. If you’re having persistent problems with your pump, it may be time to consider upgrading to a newer model. If you’re still having trouble after trying these steps, don’t hesitate to call a professional pool technician for assistance.