Pool Pump Priming

Posted on Mar 4, 2011

Sand Filters:

  1. Shut off pump.
  2. Place multi-port valve handle on “Recirculate.”
  3. Close all ball valves – remove strainer lid and fill the pump pot housing with water.  Replace the lid.
  4. Start motor and open one ball valve until pump primes – then open other ball valves slowly.  If pump does not prime in four minutes, turn off power and repeat steps.
  5. When the pump is primed, turn power off, change multi-port valve to filter position and turn power back on.
  6. Pump Pot Basket – This is located in front of the pump (motor) and should be kept clean of debris.  Be sure that the o-ring on your pump basket lid is properly seated to insure no air leaks into your system.

Cartridge Filter:

  1. Shut off pump.
  2. Close all ball valves and remove the lid to the strainer pot.
  3. Fill the strainer pot with water and replace the lid.
  4. Open the air relief valve at the top of the filter.
  5. Turn the power on.
  6. Fully open the ball valve to the main drain.  Watch the water hit the inside of the strainer pot lid.
  7. Slowly open another ball valve.  If, as you are opening a valve, the water level drops in the strainer pot, close the ball valve and wait until the strainer pot fills with water again.
  8. Repeat this procedure until all the ball valves are open and water is flowing through the strainer pot normally.
  9. Tighten the air relief valve on the filter top when the air dwindles and water starts to spray.