Your pool pump is meant to function only with water inside it. If it’s not full of water, your pump can possibly become damaged, leading to a costly repair. The pump is like the heart of your pool’s circulation system, and the water is its lifeblood. Without water moving through it at all times, the pump’s motor will begin building friction, which creates heat.
Sometimes, air will manage to make it into your pool pump without your having done anything to invite it. For example, if you live in an area that sees freezing temperatures during the winter, you’ll want to blow the water out of the plumbing lines before you close your pool. This will keep the water from freezing in the pipes, which can damage them. When you blow the water out of the plumbing system, you’re replacing it with air.
Come spring, when it’s time to open your pool, if you just start the pump while it still only has air in it, you can run into all those overheating problems. You need to get water flowing into and through the pump before fully turning the system on. And you do that by priming the pump.
How to Prime a Pool Pump:
1. Turn the Multiport Valve to Recirculate
This will direct the water into the filter head, and then right back out to the pool.
2. Remove Pool Plugs
You’ll need water to be able to flow into the pump, so remove any plugs you may have in the skimmer(s) or return jets before you turn any equipment on.
3. Fill The Pump With Water
Remove the pump’s lid and check the inside. If it’s dry, you’ll need to add some water before you turn it on. Make sure all the drain plugs are in place, then use a garden hose to pre-fill the pump housing.
Allow water to run into the pump housing for at least two minutes. This will allow some water to seep into the pipes that extend from the skimmer to the pump so there’ll be enough water to create suction in the pump.
4. Turn the Pump On
Replace the lid, and turn the pump on. It may gurgle and sputter a little, and it may take a little time, but eventually, you should see water filling the pump housing.
Once the housing is full of water, the pump is primed, and you’re ready to go!