How to Reprime a Pool Pump?

For your filter system to operate properly, all of its components must function as designed. When a part fails, it needs replacement, but the pool owner also has an additional responsibility to ensure that outside factors do not interfere with component operation. The pump, which is the heart of the system, runs at least 8 hours a day throughout the swimming season. Sometimes an obstruction may cause the water flow into the pump to stop. When that happens, the pump loses prime, or, in other words, it has lost the momentum and cooling effect that it requires from the water. It needs to be reprimed.

Instructions

1. Raise the water level in your pool to the top of the skimmer faceplate. Keep a watchful eye while the pool is filling. Make sure the pool does not overflow, which will waste water and chemicals.

2. Make sure to turn the pump off. Check and empty both the skimmer and pump baskets of any debris or leaves that have accumulated. Look into the skimmer if there is no basket to make sure that a ball or other object is not blocking the throat of the skimmer and stopping the water flow.

3. Open any check valves or ball valves that are attached to the system.

4. Check the main drain, if your pool has one, to make sure that nothing is blocking the suction. A towel or leaves can sometimes block the opening and cause a break in the water flow.

5. Fill the pump's strainer pot with water until it is overflowing. Replace the strainer lid and twist into place. Make sure the lid-fastening happens according to manufacturer instructions.

6. Open the air relief valve on top of your filter if it has one and turn the pump on. The water in the skimmer and connecting hose will refill the strainer pot water as the suction begins. Shut off the air relief valve when air is replaced by a thin stream of water. Run the pump for several minutes to make sure the repriming has been effective.