How to Prime a Swimming Pool Pump That Has Run Dry

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

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.

Advertisement

Step 1

Turn off the water pump.

Video of the Day

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

references

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...