How To Prime a Pool Pump

Learning to prime your pool pump is an essential part of caring for your swimming space. After all, air pockets in your pump can cause catastrophic damage to your system. And while some pumps prime automatically, others can only be primed manually. Today, we’re discussing why and how to prime your pool pump to protect your investment!

Why is it important to prime a pool pump?

Your pool pump requires sufficient water to run correctly, or you could experience pool pump problems. Here’s why priming your pool pump is so essential: 

Prevents damage to the motor

Running your pool pump dry can burn out the motor, leading to overheating and complete system failure. Water cools the internal components of your pool pump to ensure everything flows correctly. 

Maintains proper water circulation

You can think of your pool pump as the heart of your pool’s circulatory system. It keeps water moving through the filters to ensure sparkling water and encourage optimal pool chemistry. It works by pulling water from the main drain or skimmer through the filter and back into the pool. Without this essential device, your pool water won’t be safe for swimmers. 

Removes air pockets

Inconspicuous air pockets can creep into your water lines during maintenance, repairs, or when your pool is not being used much. Priming your pump flushes air from your lines, reducing the risk of potential damage. 

How to prime your pool pump for maximum efficiency

how to prime a pool pump Ready to get started? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prime your pool pump: 

1. Cut off power to the pump

Before you do anything else, be sure to cut the power to your pool pump to eliminate the risk of bodily harm. The safest way to do this is by flipping the breaker. This is also a good time to check the water level relative to your pump. If your pump is below the water line, then the process should be quick and easy. However, pumps located above the water won’t have gravity on their side and may require a bit more time, attention, and maintenance. 

2. Turn the multiport valve to recirculate

Next, turn your multiport valve to recirculate your pool water. This setting will allow water to bypass the filter, reducing strain on the system. If your pool has a cartridge filter, ensure the air-release valves are open to facilitate water flow. 

3. Remove the pool plugs

Remove any plugs, as well as your skimmer basket, to ensure water can circulate freely. Direct the water flow from a single source–either the main drain or the skimmer. Remember, the goal here is to kickstart the plumbing system and create suction. 

4. Fill the pool pump with water

Now that plugs are removed, valves are opened, and your multivalve port is set correctly, it’s time to ensure your pump is full of water. This may require running a garden hose for two to three minutes to release any trapped air bubbles in the lines. 

5. Turn the pump back on

Finally, replace the cap on your pump and turn the system back on. You might hear gurgling or sputtering as it kicks back into gear. Keep an eye on the pump to ensure the housing fills with water right away.  If your pump refuses to prime — or it fails to draw water from the inlet after repeating the process a few times — a professional can help you assess the problem and get your pool pump running efficiently. 

When to prime a pool pump

You need to prime your pool pump any time it’s possible that air has been introduced into the system. Here are a few times to prioritize priming your pump: 

After periods of inactivity

As winter ends and swimming season begins, you’ll want to kick off the early days of spring by priming your pool. This will drive out any air bubbles that have accumulated and ensure your system is ready to rock and roll. 

When you’ve had repairs done

Any time you have pool maintenance or repairs done, it’s important to prime the pump to facilitate proper water flow and minimize the risk of damage. While this is especially true after having professional work done, it’s a good practice even when you’ve performed maintenance and repairs yourself. 

If the skimmer is blocked

A blocked skimmer can introduce air into your water lines and create a disastrous situation for your pool pump. Once you remove any accumulated debris, be sure to prime your pump before running the system again. 

Contact the team at GPS Pools for all your pool pump maintenance needs!

If you need help priming your in-ground or above-ground pool pump, GPS Pools is here to help! We can assess the condition of your pump to ensure optimal operation and performance before you’re ready to dive in. Contact us today for more information on our services, including installation, repairs, and maintenance!
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