How To: Determine Why A Pool Pump Won't Prime

Jandy Standard & Never Lube Valve Parts - bit.ly/2R0LVnE
How To Install a Diverter Valve on the Suction Side of a Pool - bit.ly/2Tx1Ag7
How to Find Suction Side Air Leaks In A Pool - bit.ly/2FZGWxl
How To Clean Out a Pool Pump Impeller - bit.ly/2TB3nAL
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This guide discusses the common problems involved with a motor that is not priming. Most priming problems involve leaks in the suction side of the pump (between the pump and the pool) or clogged baskets. If you have a leak on the pressure side (after the pump), it does not affect prime. You just lose water.

[@manolotubo]

I can probably count on one hand how many times I’ve left comments for DIY stuff but this was rock solid troubleshooting, saved time and money, pump running great now! Seems to have been a dry seal that was leaking, lubed with silicone and magic, problem solved. THANK YOU!

[@cerlinaquijano6011]

Adding water to skimmer basket finally worked for me..... again! One thing I did different this time was closing all the suction lines, but one (main drain), and opening the skimmers one at a time after pump was primed, until I got those lines primed. I had a suspicion that air was trapped in the skimmer lines because my water line was low. Thanks to this video and some comments that helped me figure this out!

[@sradie]

Just a suggestion to keep your spa chemistry balanced with the pool. I assume your system is plumbed with ball valves to control things. Try opening your spa drain 1/4 of the way and closing each of your pool drains 1/8th. Ideally your spa drain should run through your system too so your chemistry is balanced to your pool. You may have to try different adjustments to get it all flowing correctly but it should make your entire system more efficient.

[@nicholebulger6594]

Just have to say THANK YOU! I could not figure out the issue with my new pump, watched tons of videos and this is the first one that helped me solve the problem. Super helpful and I really appreciate it as a pool rookie.

[@gregmartini8902]

extremally informative and useful. Reviewer, John Precopia had the fix for my problem by mentioning the skimmer door issue. It worked. Your tips for checking also helped me find a few other issues that I was able to prevent just by checking. Thanks

[@Inyopools]

Thank you for the comment. We don't always think about the skimmer door being stuck as an issue with a pump priming, but it is a fairly common issue.

[@kelm1123]

Awesome video, my pump wasn't priming. Fill up with water for 2 mins and working as new. Thanks so much, you have a new subscriber.

[@andrewheymann5908]

Thanks for this video! I never would have thought to check the pump impeller as there are 2 filter baskets before it but sure enough, there were a bunch of pine needles that had made it through and were in the way.

[@7025915142]

I agree, best video I have watched on this topic. 2 year old pool and this message populated on my Pentair pump after I cleaned out my filters. All I needed to do was pour water in the pump its-self as shown for 3 minutes. Everything works like it did before. Thank you for your help!

[@Inyopools]

We're glad to hear your pump is primed and running great!

[@vincentdivincenzo5973]

Trying to run and prime your pump "dry" voids the warranty btw it actually states that on most pump lids

[@skinnygenesdottv]

WOW this works. added water in the filter basket and it worked. you have a subscriber for life from South Africa

[@erickerr2221]

Cleared the impeller and my issue cleared up instantly. Thanks for the video from 8 years ago!

[@Inyopools]

Great to hear!

[@kinalmabashman4247]

i don't usually leave comments on videos. but i had to on this one! This video is 7 years old at the time of me finding it, and i am sooooo grateful! After recently purchasing a home with a large pool that i had no idea how to maintain i relied on a pool cleaning service company that charged me an arm and a leg every time i called them out for a 'problem' that they'd seem to fix in a matter of minutes! Today i decided (after realising these call out fees were not going to be sustainable) to come on to this platform and just look for possible solutions to what i can describe as the problem - because i don't even know the names of the different instruments/parts and oh my did you save me! My pool suction wasn't working (priming as i learnt in this video) and within a minute you solved my problem with solution number 3! I didn't realise that basket inside the actual pump system also gets full and needs cleaning, id just been clearing the basket by the actual cleaner (kreepy krauly attachment). I immediately opened that apparatus and was shocked at how full that basked was! i cleared it out and cleaned it properly and my pool is running perfectly again! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!

[@Inyopools]

We really appreciate the feedback. Our goal with all our content is to help the DIY pool owner.

[@mrorbit2u]

Filled up pump basket and it started working again. Thank you very much.

[@Liv40873]

Your videos help me so much as a new pool owner. My pool isn’t new, I’m new to owning one lol and it looks like I’m going to need to figure out where air is getting in my system

[@JrzeeGrrl]

I’ll m a new pool owner of an old pool too 😂 I’m just wondering how it’s going.

[@JrzeeGrrl]

I see your comment was from a year ago

[@maryvictoriawoollis5027]

Thank you this helped me. My problem was in the impeller. Mil Gracias 😊

[@johnprecopio8633]

Great Video! Might want to add one more scenario. My skimmer door became dis enlarged and was stuck in the vertical position which prevented water from flowing into the skimmer basket. That led to my water priming issues. Buying a new skimmer door right now. Thanhks!

[@seanelcock]

Thank you so much for this video! My pump wouldn’t prime so I had added a bunch of water, but forgot to reseal the pool pot lid. That simple fix did the trick.

[@Inyopools]

That's great! Glad we could help.

[@muhammedmahmood841]

Superb video.... this is best video I have watched in pool Maintenance.

[@cashmoney343434]

Wow priming the filter basket for three minutes did the trick. Life saver thank you

[@jeffallen7923]

While the pump is running, or off? It won't pull water when off, correct?

[@cattancmagician]

This video saved me a $200 service call. Found an acorn blocking the pump! Using a garden hose pressuring water through and combination of my long fingers and coat hanger to dislodge. Was sooo happy when I was successful. Thank you !!

[@Inyopools]

We love to hear that!

[@gomoChrist7330]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. In just a few minutes after watching your video i fixed the problem that took my nephew and i the whole morning to try and fix. Thanks a million ❤

[@Inyopools]

Glad we could help!

[@andrewwark4613]

Primed mine and it worked like a champ since.

[@poolleakdetectionllc]

Great video very informative!

[@boingotlomoheta7002]

After batling for 2 weeks with low suction, pool water clear but full of sand on the bed, then boom, I came across this video. Thanks God for you!

[@shanettahilt8720]

Thank you for helping me!!

[@erikanicholas1607]

Thank you! Great help!

[@toddhuffer7854]

Great video! I now only lose suction when vacuuming using a vac skim plate. Noticed in your video that plastic connections in plumbing and pump strainer lid all have rubber gaskets. Logical , effective. But no gasket between skim vac plate and where it seats down in skimmer. Why not? I put poolvacsaver gasket on vac plate and it rocks! Has anyone else thought of this?

[@MrDRock-rc2tz]

best video I've seen on this so far

[@Inyopools]

+derek vaughn Thanks Derek!

[@karenpattie1653]

Thank you so much, your video was extremely helpful

[@Manmeat7669]

Yes

[@pauladams9287]

Excellent, thanks!

[@xrpadoption3293]

Wow...just did what you said exactly. Worked perfect. Thank you sooooo much. I subscribed. Let strainers go way to clogged. Darn it. Got it in calendar now. Thx again!!

[@Inyopools]

I'm glad we could help, and thank you for the Sub!

[@davidzitzman5022]

Thank you. It was reason #7 for me.

[@earthwatcher2012]

gosh dang it you are awesome ! Thank you so much for this tutorial !

[@jaydenstoyhouse6786]

I forgot to put the o ring back on. Thanks for the help!!

[@estacia777]

Best video on pump priming issues ever!

[@Inyopools]

Glad it helped!

[@chgojoearchivist]

Thanks for posting. Our father recently passed and I'm just learning how to maintain the pool at our parent's home. Your video helped a lot.

[@Inyopools]

Glad to help. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us through www.Inyopools.com

[@Leftyatm]

Sorry for your loss! It’s a challenge to get these thugs going and maintained

[@blackkeyboard101]

Whey I'm here now

[@blenaway]

Went through them one by one and it was the clogged pump impeller. Video saved me a couple hundred dollars!

[@Inyopools]

That is great to hear. Thank you for the feedback!

[@fabiogranadosmendoza2178]

Thank you very much. Great video and very useful information. :)

[@Inyopools]

We appreciate the feedback, Fabio!

[@samwisem]

THANK YOU! This video helped me after 2 hours of trying to work out the issue myself.

[@Inyopools]

Great to hear!

[@andrecrosse947]

thanks you guys really helped

[@Inyopools]

Thanks for watching! - MGS

[@116liljoker]

Thank you!

[@lrod1158]

Thanks for the video!!! easy fix

[@stefankhan4643]

Best video! Helped solve my problem

[@augustmaluka4926]

Thank you very much the pool pump is work. August from South Africa

[@johnlewis1172]

Awesome video. Just helped me fix a problem my boss was totally confused by 💯💯💯

[@Inyopools]

That's great to hear! Glad it helped.

[@user-sf3mk8ub6p]

Great and informative

[@gideonnaude]

Best video on the topic. Thanks you saved me a lot of money with this video.

[@24elkbass]

Thank you! Very helpful! That dang impeller was clogged!

[@marcus6365]

You solved my problem. The strainer basket was low and just needed filling up. No other resource suggested that. Thank you!

[@Inyopools]

Glad we could help!

[@7thNoteOfficial]

M8ne wont fill or takes long to fill do i just keep filling?

[@mattr7229]

My Problem solved! I had to remove my pool pump to clear out the turbine vanes. But once I put the pump back on, there was no prime. This video had the answer. Thank You!

[@GuitarTommyAZ]

you nailed it. Thx fix my pool in less than 5 min because of you. :)

[@davidbeiler6364]

still helpful for me, thanks for posting! +1!

[@bogartsandoval]

Thank you so much INYOPOOL!

[@KainBatik1939]

Thank you! Very beneficial

[@Inyopools]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrCooterpooter]

I have a above ground pool that has a round hole where the filter that came with it should go, but I want to use my sand filter and don't know how to plug the hole. Any help?

[@rolandovelasquez135]

Perfect. Thanks 👌

[@Inyopools]

You're welcome!

[@randymcguire1794]

Thank you!!! Intake fitting not tight!!

[@murchib]

Thank you. This was a lot cheaper than calling a technician out.

[@wynandboshoff8953]

Thank you, great video and advice! Helped me to troubleshoot and discover that there wasn't enough water in the pump strainer basket.

[@faithalina2540]

I just replaced bearings. Now there is no suction power. I don't know if I put parts incorrectly

[@MamaAmelia]

Is the video of the pump running with the pocket of air how it should look or not? Ours looks similar but wasn’t sure if that was too much air in the pump?

[@greenskynz]

this is would be v helpful if i had a pump with a skimmer. unfortunately the one i got doesnt have a skimmer and sits above in ground pool spa. the old spa has a hose connector above which perhaps is used for priming and pumping the water into pipe but we cant work it out. any tips? thanks

[@AllAspects.]

Thanks a million

[@lakshmandalpadado9066]

Excellent Video -- the best.

[@grewalaman]

Excellent , was stressing you saved me.

[@juliebrown4926]

Thank you , you also save me a service call!!! You Rock!!!

[@louietheplumber3609]

Profesional vídeo

[@davidallen4174]

Pretty good video but I didn't see any mention of the by-pass valve (Jandy valves) coming from the skimmer and bottom drain. I have two separate valves and these valves have o-rings in the top cover as well as the shaft for the gate. My problem is, when I attempt to vacuum the pool the pump loses vacuum, after a few seconds of vacuuming, and the vacuum pops off the skimmer and the pump loses prime. After I allow the pump to regain prime, it will start picking up debris again until it loses prime again. VERY ANNOYING!!!! When I opened the valve I found the gate and handle have been moved and, when in the open position, the gate does not cover the lubrication hole in the side of the valve case, maybe another place where a small air leak is occurring. I would like to know how to remove and replace the lubricating mechanism. Then I can install the gate correctly and eliminate any leaks in this area. Any advise would be appreciated.

[@alroywilliams5386]

Great video very informative 👏

[@Inyopools]

Glad it was helpful!

[@catherinelotero5534]

I love it

[@jmb3d]

Brand new Intex pool with sand filter. I prime the pump, start the backwash process and it works for a few seconds before the pump skimmer bakest gets low water. I put water in the bakest and turn the pump back on and the same thing happens. I even put Teflon tape on all the hose connections to make sure there was no air leaks and still nothing. Help!

[@reygarcia2621]

THANK YOU VERY HELPFULL

[@Inyopools]

Glad it helped!

[@Smokeys_world420]

What a awesome video !

[@Inyopools]

Glad you liked it!

[@shajiv9225]

Wow! Thank you! Debris in the impeller was the cause for me. Made total sense as soon as I saw you mentioned that and the process of elimination.

[@Inyopools]

Excellent!

[@jisyang8781]

At 3:03 no, you shouldn’t use plumbers tape on union fitting thread. Threads are not tapered, they aren’t meant to create a seal. Seal is created by the o ring. Using Plumbers tape here can actually interfere and lower the pulling force needed to seal the o ring.

[@joshcox9388]

What would cause my pump to loose prime only while backwashing or rinsing? If it's on filter then it runs fine but then when I go to backwash it's like it runs out of water.

[@josephbooth4555]

Just wanted to join in and say thanks for the video. It was either the "fill the strainer basket for 2-3 minutes" or the "check the strainer cover" that solved mine. But it definitely did the trick, lol. Thanks again.

[@Inyopools]

Awesome, thank you for watching!

[@ericmeisner4485]

great video - the issue is so frequently air getting in by not closing the cover tight enough!!

[@Inyopools]

Very true!

[@kowalcyk69]

OK got a question concerning the step 2 on troubleshooting, don't what you mentioned about filling basket BUT that just gets sucked dry and then again no water flow.. I kinda reminded me on some things that vapor lock , so what do you suggest now.

[@ahappilydrunkpuppy8961]

I having the exact same problem

[@mikel.4885]

Im having the same problem pump is full of water turn it on water pulls out and new water comes in but wont fill up and not priming and when you turn the pump off the basket fills back up with water

[@tannerlachance8395]

Me as well how do i fix this

[@josemoreno3334]

Thanks.

[@sradie]

If a pump still will not prime and you have multiple suction side connections like I do, 2 Main Pool Drains, 2 Spa Drains, a Skimmer and a Vacuum, you need to shut all but one off and let it prime through that line, then open one line at a time till each primes. My 'manifold' connecting all the suction side sources, is right at the pump, 30' from the pool so there's a lot of 2" pvc running from the pool to the pump that holds a lot of air. If you have multiple suction side pick up points and you've opened the system, they'll drain back to the pool and fill with air. It's too much air for the pump to purge. Air is not a solid like water so it just won't allow the heavier water to push it out and prime the pump. If your manifold connecting these sources is right at the pool, it may prime much easier.

[@cerlinaquijano6011]

This is the comment that finally helped me figure it out. I have 2 main pool drains, 1 spa drain, and 2 skimmers on the suction side. I know it wasn't the spa drain because that is always off. I suspected it was one (or both) of the skimmers that had a lot of air in the line because I let the water line go low below the skimmer line. So I shut those lines off and tried to prime the pump thru the main drain. Thank You!!

[@hobocanine]

Excellent video. Can a leaky Jandy valve cause loss of prime?

[@descendantoffools9767]

Very common. Sometimes you can get away with not having to replace the oring by seeing if you can get a partial turn on each of the screws.

[@Inyopools]

Yes, it is possible to have a large enough leak in a Jandy valve on the suction side to cause a loss of prime.

[@jonathankukor4471]

What a great video and the voiceover work is top class. Is this guy available for hire?

[@csacrmeier]

Thanks to your video, my pump is working again!

[@bartacus3521]

Mine too! Today was my first pool problem that I actually fixed myself thanks to this video! My basket cover wasn't sealing properly. One good hammer-fist fixed it!

[@nikimatt3983]

Thank you! This really helped 🙏

[@wiegelja]

I have a sand filter for my above ground pool and while it's on filter mode it spits sand back into the pool. Is there anything you can thing of besides the laterals that could be the problem? Could it be that I didn't have Enough sand?

[@Inyopools]

A cracked standpipe could be the issue. But this is a problem that is only really figured out after you open the tank and look at the filter's guts. - MGS

[@joes1821]

my pump doesnt have water in it looks dry & cant prime but just few bubbles are coming while switiching on...should i open the lid and fill water after switching ON the pump or when its OFF??

[@stkbkr1]

Thanks for this info, you saved my life.

[@jw715]

Great video. I just bought and installed a new "Hayward Turbo Flo II" above ground pump. I turned on the power, and it ran for seconds and stopped, then it kept starting and stopping again and again. I am not sure this is normal or not, I have to turn off the power, The old one died due to no water was pumped and some part was too hot and burned. This is self-priming pump. the continuous start/stop is to vacuum the air in the pipe?

[@Inyopools]

Julian, are you sure have the pump on the correct voltage setting?

[@jw715]

+Inyo Pools Thanks for the reply, you are right, it is 230v instead of 115v. I take off one hot line. Now it works.

[@Inyopools]

Fantastic!

[@jtaylor1mybaby]

What does it mean when the screen displays "primer timeout"?? Should I be worried or does it just mean I should put more water in the basket?

[@mr.breadNwater]

Should my Jandy filter pump be completely free of air? I think it was before but now there is still air in it. I've replaced the locking lid (came with o-ring), new filter manifold (old one cracked) and replaced the filter cartridges but there is still air in the pump. In your video, I see air in the pump, similar to mine. thanks for the informative video.

[@Inyopools]

+Steven Paniagua there may be a few small bubbles that swirl around your lid when the pump is on but that is normal. If there is an air bubble that is close to the full width of your lid or your strainer does not fill all the way then you likely have an air leak. I would again check the suction side pvc and valves for any seam air leaks.

[@mr.breadNwater]

+Inyo Pools thanks. There used to be very small bubbles but now it's like the pump only has about 90% capacity of water, still too much air. I'll check the intakes next for possible leaks.

[@DavidDiazXchangefd]

Hi! Thanks for your video very helpful. I have a question I have an above ground Pool my pump looses prime but every time I back washes it prime comes back but after 30 min I loose it again and filter pressure goes above 20 psi . Why do you think it’s that?

[@Inyopools]

Hi, it sounds like you could have a suction air leak. You'll need to check the pump lid o-ring and make sure it is properly sealed. If you have a small air leak, air pressure can build up over time in the filter tank.

[@DavidDiazXchangefd]

Inyo Pools thanks for your quick reply! I have checked every joint with soap and water and found nothing but like you said it maybe the pump lid o-ring. If I change it for a new one and still have the problem then it might be the filter is not working properly? Thanks again

[@travispowell7835]

@@DavidDiazXchangefd I have same issue, I can't figure out what it is, I have to back wash every 40 min

[@carrievitale3273]

my pump stays primed until I turn the valve to run the skimmer. Anything more than slightly opening the skimmer I lose prime and it primes when skimmer valve is closed. Is this a leak in the skimmer line? What do I do if the leak isn’t above ground?

[@newmanpi1]

Thank you, you saved me a service call!

[@thierrymala3149]

Thank you , my question is this what happens when the moter is running but the pipe pool is not running? The pipe pool not running while i m already clean the backets but the pipe still not running

[@Inyopools]

We'll assume that you've primed the pump with water. The most common causes for a pump not to hold a prime would be a suction side air leak or a clogged pipe. Check out our article titled "Why Are My Pool Jets Not Working?". www.inyopools.com/Blog/pool-jets-not-working/

[@ianv2733]

My issue was that my in-floor pool vacuum system (installed prior to when I bought the house) had a separate skimmer for the floor vac that I was not aware of, that had been badly clogged. Once I fixed that, the pump primed and all is well. Hope that helps someone one day

[@Inyopools]

Thank you for bringing this up as a possibility. We don't often come across those in-floor cleaners, so it didn't make our list. Your comment will probably help a very frustrated pool owner down the line.

[@Janedeereusa]

Thank you very much…..I was able to prime my pu,p and get it working!!!!! Much ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@Inyopools]

👍 🥳🎉🎆🙏

[@juanc.guarin8277]

Good video! I'm having this problem, pump not priming, I already did all those steps, and still not working. I put water in the basket before the pump and it never fills up... so my guess is there's a leak somewhere in the suction line between the pol and the equipment... do you agree? If so, any idea how much it could cost to repair? thanks!

[@Inyopools]

It's very likely that you have a suction leak. You can actually use suds from soapy water to help locate the leak. Place the suds on glued fittings and valves and observe if the suds are being sucked in. You can then proceed to fix the problem area if you're handy, or get quotes from a local pool services.

[@juanc.guarin8277]

@@Inyopools Thank you!

[@marinamairagas2642]

hi all i cannot find a replacement part for Sp-1610-C, are there any replacement parts that are exactly the same? all i can find are impeller that are much thinner than my original, will those still work? thanks in advance

[@Inyopools]

Unfortunately, the SP1610C impeller was discontinued by Hayward. If you have the Hayward Super Pump, there is an upgrade kit. The part number is 5110-53. www.inyopools.com/Products/07501352011066.htm

[@jaynt4115]

Quick question man on the second step are you able to do this with all brand of pumps cause my dad said I’m not supposed to do this step but I think that’s our problem 💀

[@amoya1972]

Does anyone know the reason why a pool pump won't fill up with water, I keep hose on for 10-15 min even more and water just keeps going in to pipe coming from pool skimmer, I usually keep the water level on skimmer at least half way so there is plenty of water in the pool. I don't think there is a pipe leak since the water level seems to be normal all the time, i can't figure this out and i have issues with pump priming, what should I do?

[@danaonfire2]

Thank you!! Couldn’t figure out wth was going on, then realized I forgot to replace the o ring after filling with water!! Thank you!

[@Manmeat7669]

Yes you are

[@damont9223]

It primes whenever the pump fills with water but most of the time I need to release the air pressure from gauge valve until water leaks out from the pump lid cover then then close the valve and turn on the timer switch to run the pump again. May I ask what could be wrong? Thanks

[@dataflowgeometry]

My pool pad is about 24" above the pool water level, and 12" above the spa level. The spa holds its level when the system is off. Please explain if the filter pump housing is supposed to hold its water for the 16 hours the system is off. It drains back down to the spa level, and the pump has to pull up a 12" column at startup -- takes about 30 sec. No suction leaks I can detect. Is this normal priming? Are the seals wearing during the 30 sec?

[@Inyopools]

You'd have to have a perfect vacuum seal to maintain prime with no pressure for that long. If the pump isn't losing prime while running, and it can prime itself, there shouldn't be an issue.