How to Prime a Pool Pump: DIY Guide

For many generations, people have always grew up always wanting the best house with a pool in the backyard. Or, even at a business location such as a hotel or venue, business owners know that the attraction that the pool brings to an open space can complete the entire package as far as looks.

However, there are some things that most people should be aware of when installing their pool. For one, the maintenance must stay maintained at all times of the seasons. At any level should the pool experience any issues, it is best not to wait until it gets worst. Pool techs are great at getting the job done.Learning how to prime a pool pump can be easy for those that are great with step by step instructions.

Priming a pool pump is fairly the first step when it comes to maintenance of a swimming pool. Priming a pool pump should only be done by some one that’s more experienced to avoid any and all major damages that can happen in the future.

The operation of the swimming pool pump is guided and works through the pump itself. The swimming pool entire system fails without its main tool, which is the pump. The swimming pool water will not be able to filter correctly without the operating pump.

This is why it’s vital to stay on a strict schedule when it comes to maintaining the pools pump and ensuring that the water flow is always running smoothly.It’s vital that people learn how to prime a swimming pool pump. It is a process that is straight forward. The steps below is the easiest way to prime a pump for pools.Step 1: It’s imperative to recirculate the multi port valve because it directs water to the head of the filter, then it flows right back out to the pool.Step 2: The removal of all pool plugs so that the water can flow to the pump. It’s important to remove plugs inside the skimmer or skimmers (or jets) before turning any of the equipment back on.Step 3: Remove the pumps lid and look inside to see if its dry then release the pools water so that the pump is filled with water before turning on. Once all the plugs are in tact, simply use the hose to fill the pumps house.

Always allow the fluid to run for a few minutes. This gives the water the advantage to get into the pipes which is extended from the skimmer, straight to the pump. This is needed for the pump to create suction.Step 4: Turn on the pump after replacing the lid. After a little while, the pump housing will be filled with water. It may, however, cause spurts but it is all natural and will subside. It is complete once the housing is filled with water.To keep the swimming pool maintenance running smoothly you got to make sure the water is kept balanced. You must also keep it sanitized along with cleaning the filter. Keeping a swimming pool clean can prevent future costly damages.

The pump is the most expensive. This is why the maintenance is very critical. The pool must essentially be shut down for repairs if the pump ever needs to be replaced. Water can not circulate without the pump so that also means that the water can’t flow through the filter as needed.

The longer that the water sits, the more dirt starts to build up causing more need for repairs. Nearly all of the components that are built around a swimming pool was made to be wet for long term use.

Pump Priming Troubleshooting

Sometimes depending on how long the pump is siting dry, it can take a few more tries to get the swimming pool primed. Even after multiple tries, it can seem like it still isn’t working. Should this happen, there are other methods that can be done such as:

1. Just simply add more water to the pump. It’s very important to turn the water off if this needs to happen.
2. Just simply add more water through the skimmer. The pump doesn’t have to be shut off.
3. Make sure to check for any leaks. Many leaks can be missed if not searching properly. Leaks can be found within the housing. It’s best to inspect the pumps by looking for cracks. This can be a red flag for needing to replace the pump.
4. Calling a professional always helps even though it can cost a bit more.

The Center of the Pool

The heart of all pools is precisely called the pump of the swimming pool. This is the pool’s circulation system that simply pulls the water through the main drain and through the skimmer. It also pushes through the filter with the intent to push back inside pools main system. 

There are three main components to the pump which is the lint and hair trap, the motor, and the impeller. As with most swimming pool pumps, the motor is electric. The motor uses volts as low as 110 and as high as 220. It has a turn around at about 3,450 r p m.There should, however, be some caution when it comes to the cooling vents which is located under the housing. The motor is air cooled so therefore, it is not tightly sealed. There shouldn’t be any excess water that enters the motor.

The impeller is located and connected at the back end of the shaft. It simultaneously pulls all of the water through just as it turns. The lint and any hair gets trapped towards the end of the pump, then it proceeds to pushing the hair and lint through the pipe that is directly leading the filter.

Easily being targeted for debris, the impeller has a small hole that can start to become clogged no mater what. The only way to tell if the pool has issues such as clogging or damages is if the water flow back to the main drain has been decreased. Or, if the gauge is reading at a lower level than the pool manufacture has anticipated.Separating the impeller from the assembly to get a visual can give anyone a clear picture of what happening. It comes with a trap that is designed to keep out the build up of debris and this trap is also there to keep debris from getting inside of the impeller assembly.

There is a special basket that was made for lint and hair. This basket catches all of the hair and lint so it is important to check this at least 2 times per week. The hair and lint must be disposed of. This can also cause the water flow to mess up the system by pumping more air instead of the water. At this point, it is basically called ‘loss of prime’.

This is the wrong way for the motor to burn out due to the motor turning faster than it needs to. The impeller would have become clogged if there were no basket in place. This can cause extreme damage that could eventually cost more money to be fixed.