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What is priming a pool pump?
Priming is the process of supplying the pump with enough water to start circulating the water or, in other words, to begin drawing water from the tank.
Your pool filtration system is powered by a pool pump, which is the core piece of equipment. It keeps the water flowing, allowing dirt and debris to be drained out and your pool chemicals to work properly.
Even if there is a lot of air in the device, self-priming pool pumps will automatically produce a flow of water. You must first blow out the lines with water to remove any air and replace it with water before operating a pool pump that has air in it.
Priming the pump is what this procedure entails. Priming is necessary if the pool’s water level drops just under the skimmer or if the skimmer is unable to pull in water.
Why do you need to prime your pool pump?
Your pool water will easily become stagnant if you don’t have a working pool pump. Algae will thrive, and water bugs and mosquitoes will take up residence. Consider green, muddy water that repels swimmers, as well as a swarm of bugs that swim and fly to scare you away.
Ensuring a clean and balanced swimming pool necessitates keeping the pool pump operational. Knowing how to work for your pool pump, by extension, is important to prevent expensive repairs and replacements.
The water is the backbone of your pool’s circulation system, and the pump is its beating heart.
Priming your pool pump is a good idea if you want to avoid inadvertently running it dry. Operating a dry pump would almost certainly result in mechanical failure of the pump, as well as possible damage to nearby fixtures. These devices can only be used when they are filled with water. Any piece of pool equipment is designed to be immersed or wet at all times. That’s normally because it’ll be in close vicinity to water as part of its operation, and it can’t fail or corrode in that wet setting.
The pool pump, on the other hand, is a little different. It’s just supposed to work with water inside. It will be affected if it is not wet if it is not full of water. The pump’s motor will begin to generate friction, which produces heat if there is no water flowing through it at all times. The seal will overheat and melt as a result of this. The heat could harm the PVC pipes that are connected to it, as well as other piping devices. Overheating, melting seals, PVC injury, and premature pump death are all things that can be prevented by priming the pump.
Air will sometimes find its way into your pool pump without you having done something to invite it in. If you live in an area where the winter temperatures are below zero, you can blast the water out of the plumbing lines before closing your pool. This will prevent the water from freezing and causing harm to the pipes. You replace the water in the plumbing system with air when you blow it out.
When it’s time to open your pool in the spring, if you start the pump while it’s still full of air, you’ll have all of those overheating issues. Before turning the machine on fully, you must get water flowing into and through the pump. Priming the pump is how you do it.
What are the steps to prime your pool pump?
It’s a simple, straightforward procedure, but don’t overlook its significance. It’s critical to understand how to prime your pool pump and to never miss this step when it’s needed. The steps aim is to ensure that there is little to no air in the system, which would obstruct the flow of the pool water.
- Turn off the pool pump’s strength. The circuit breaker is the best place to switch off the battery. Whenever you need to prime your pump, double-check that the power button is truly in the off condition or that the device has been removed from the power source. If you’re dealing with water or electricity, you should take extra care before getting started.
- The diverter valve that allows water to flow from the skimmer or the main drain should be adjusted. Your pump’s multiport valve can be adjusted to recirculate the water. This will guide water into the pump, which will then recirculate it back into the tub. The water bypasses the filter and goes straight into the pump in the recirculate configuration, ensuring that there is fluid in the pump.
- When the device is switched on, open the air relief valve on top of the filter to help relieve any excess air pressure.
- Remove any debris from your pump basket by opening the lid and removing any debris that might be obstructing water flow. Inspect for wear and tear and, if necessary, repair parts such as o-rings.
- Examine the cover of the pump basket for any cracks. and make sure the corresponding O-ring is greased and in good working order. Fill the pump basket slowly with water from a garden hose before replacing the lid.
- Review the pump basket’s water flow. Turn the machine off and repeat these steps if water is not continuously flowing through the basket after 30–45 seconds. If you’re still having problems, there’s probably an air leak somewhere in the device that needs to be repaired. Make sure all of the lids, O-rings, and housings are in good working order.
- Close the air release valve when water is continuously flowing out of it. Move your diverter valve handle to its original location slowly, then open your air relief valve to verify that all air has been removed from the pipe you just opened.
- Switch off the system and shut the air release valve.
Hopefully this guide will resolve your issues. If you’re still having problems after trying these measures, have a professional look at your pump and check for leaks to figure out what’s wrong.
