How to Prime a Swimming Pool Pump That Has Run Dry

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Things You'll Need

  • Bucket

  • Water

The swimming pool pump provides fresh water to the pool and prevents the build up of algae.

The most important component of the pool to maintain is the pool pump. A pool pumps keep the water moving and prevents the build of of bacteria and algae. Pool pumps circulate the water in the pool at a fixed rate over a period of several hours using a motor that creates suction, pulling water through a series of pipes leading to and from the pool. This keeps chemicals added to the pool water evenly dispersed. A dry pool pump is a serious issue, causing the motor components to seize up and eventually fail.

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Step 1

Turn off the water pump.

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Step 2

Lift the lid of the water pump slowly to relieve the pressure inside.

Step 3

Remove dirt and debris form the innards of the pool pump by hand. Replace the old pump basket if it is broken and letting debris flow into the device.

Step 4

Close the main drain and fill the pump with 2 to 3 gallons of water. Allow the water to slowly sink into the drain.

Step 5

Place the lid back onto the pump and screw tightly.

Step 6

Turn your pump on and watch all of the water drain from the pump. Air will begin to pull from the closed lines. Wait for the air to bubble and begin pulling water through the pump. Turn off the drain after a minute if no water comes through and prime again.

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