Priming Your Pump and Why You Shoudn’t Have To

[@DaveTinNY]

Good info! I'm a 60 year old newbie with pool systems. Retired to FL and have taken on pool duties. :) I ordered the pool pump o-ring lube you recommended and also got a new lid and seal for my elderly Hayward 1600-D pump.

[@PoolSchooler]

Thank you for your comments thank you for watching and I hope you will be becoming subscriber of my channel and share it with others.

[@Fllynn864]

Thank you Thank you Thank you so much!!! I can't believe I managed to do this all on my own with your video! I no nothing of how to care for a pool, but I'm learning so much from your videos!! Ty Ty Ty!!

[@PoolSchooler]

Thats so awesome to hear! Thanks for the comment.

[@eliasarmas3412]

This helped me out a lot with my pump. Was able to fix it and run again. Thank you Sir

[@PoolSchooler]

Glad it helped. Hope you’ll subscribe to and share my channel and also, please check out my website poolschooler.com for exclusive DIY pool maintenance tools and more direct and priority communication with my for your pool maintenance needs.

[@domcap70]

I know you live in Arizona and there aren't these things called hills there, but in other places (Austin) many systems are put on pads that are elevated from the pool. So if you don't close off the valve before the pump, or the check valves are bad, as soon as you open the pump lid, all of the water is going to drain back into the pool, and the entire suction side of the pump will be filled with air until you reach the pools elevation. This will cause most pumps to not be able to prime properly without help. Most take too long for it to be safe for the pump, due to heat buildup in the motor. If you have an elevated pad, make sure you close your suction lines before opening the pump lid or the filter.

[@PoolSchooler]

Dominick Caputo that is fantastic Dominick. I completely agree. I did have a client in an area with some pretty steep hills and the equipment was way above the pool and I had that exact problem. At first i had no idea what to do (I had just started working as a pool guy) but through some deducing and trial and error I figured out exactly what you commented. Unfortunately, because that’s not common out here I didn’t put it in this video. I appreciate you adding that info. Thanks so much.

[@theresaellis288]

Thank you Pool School. Straight forward, no bull, no pricey equipment. Exactly what I needed and how. You sure do beat Leslie's ass. Oh yeah, did I say Kudos? You deserve it!

[@PoolSchooler]

Thank you Theresa.

[@Bandit0625]

I know this video is old but it really helped me out thank for the info. I just need patience as you instructed as my pump was up hill a bit and 27 feet away.

[@PoolSchooler]

Thanks for the comment CC. I've had several people comment that a particular video of mine is "old" but still helpful. Perhaps I need to revisit (reshoot) some of my older videos so people will find them more "up to date" or "relevant" even though the technology and details haven't changed at all. Thanks for the food for thought . Hope you'll subscribe and please check out my website poolschooler.com

[@elenakurus2010]

Thank you so much, My pump got no pressure, I used your recommendation, put hose with pressure for 5 min and ........ AMAZING, it’s WORK WONDERFUL! BEST VIDEO AND ADVICE ! GOD BLESS YOU !!!

[@PoolSchooler]

Im so glad it was helpful.

[@ceciliaescobar7901]

Hello, thanks for tour videos, they are great. My pool has some issues and I can't seem to find the cause. There are lots of bubbles in the pump. My pool is on a timer. It will turn off once a day. Whenever it turns off, the water from the pump will go back to the pool and when it runs back on, it will prime all over again. I have checked everything and can't fine the cause. Getting very frustrating.

[@PoolSchooler]

Sorry to hear of your problem. I’m sure it’s frustrating. This video may help you trouble shoot your system and find a possible source of the air: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKe1n5akd7l2Y8k

[@PoolProAnswersDIY]

Very nice video and explanation. I've seen some pumps get so hot it actually warps the wet end and had to be completely replaced. Dig the channel brother.👍🏼

[@PoolSchooler]

Wow typically even if warm water goes through the pump it shouldn’t get that hot. They are water cooled. Sounds like something is restricting water flowing into it so there’s not enough water to keep the unit cool. I live in Arizona and we had 120° outside and some of my clients pool equipment is in direct sunlight and the only time it overheats or gets so hot it warps The pump basket is if there’s some type of water flow issue.

[@PoolProAnswersDIY]

@@PoolSchooler exactly! It was a few years ago, but the homeowner let the pump run dry for several days. It was steam when I got there and opened the lid. That one went on the wall of shame🤦

[@MetalWingedWolf]

Thank you, just needed to see that pump lid closing differently than my own to finally close the system. And be walked through everything that can be happening. It’s not complicated but it’s frustrating to be stuck wondering wtf is messing you up.

[@PoolSchooler]

Glad this was helpful.

[@heysza9905]

Even if the water level looks right, check the skimmer basket for objects. My pump wasn't priming itself w appropriate water level, turned out there was a giant water gun in the skimmer basket. Thank you for the helpful video.

[@PoolSchooler]

Hey Sza good point. Iva also had skimmer “doors” or flaps stick closed which then stops water from getting into the skimmer and the pump won’t prime. Lots of things can hinder the water flow to and from your pump.

[@emeilegypt]

As usual another great video, could you please whenever you have time just post a video regarding how to program Pentair VS pump? I really watched couple of videos from different sources but still I'm interested to seen how you explain things as I love your super easy with high expertise and talent you had. thanks

[@PoolSchooler]

Emeil Nasralla I would actually be happy to do that. I really appreciate the suggestion because I am always looking for new topics to do a video on. Thank you for the recommendation and suggestion and I will get on that. It might take me a little bit because I have a whole list of topics but I will definitely do it within the next two months. I hope that’s not too long to wait.

[@georgisimeonov243]

Hello everyone. I am new to pools also and find this place helpful. Learned how to prime a pool pump today. Thank you Kennypoolschool. I live in state where I need to winterize it so any help will be appreciated. Around here contractors are charging $450 for closing a pool (and you need to buy the chemicals!) so I would like to do it myself. Is there a way of uploading some photos or share them with someone willing to help? Thank you.

[@PoolSchooler]

Hello Georgi and thank you for your kind comment. Wish I could be of more help on winterizing a pool, but in my area of Arizona we simply don't need to do that. Hopefully one of my subscribers can help you out.

[@FixItWithMe]

So towards the end of the video u stated to close the suction valve so that no water is being pulled from the Vaccuum and only by the skimmer. Once the water gets going, u said to move the valve back so that it pulls water from the Vaccuum line too. So do u need to shut the pump off before moving the valve? Or can u move the valve while the pump is running? Sorry, I’ve been confused bc I saw as KZbin video that says u cant move any valves in the suction or return side while the pump is running…

[@PoolSchooler]

Hey, no apologies necessary. It’s a valid question. I get it often. But in my experience, I’ve never had to shut a pool pump motor off to adjust valve. So in this case, the answer is “no” you should not have to turn the pump off to adjust that suction valve back to where it allows the vacuum to function. Remember, typically when you have a suction side vacuum in your pool, you want to split the suction so you end up with about 2/3 of the suction to the vacuum and 1/3 to the skimmer.

[@genhelms5915]

Thank you so much -I did it! I primed my pool even though I wasn’t sure what I was doing! Just followed your steps so Giant Thank you!

[@PoolSchooler]

Gen Helms great to hear. Way to go!!!!

[@steverose8436]

Don't go to a pool shop for any thing. The mark up is around 1000%. here in Australia. Silicon lubricant is what you use on o rings, buy it a lot cheaper on eBay.

[@PoolSchooler]

Steve Rose good advice. I get my heavy duty silicon lubricant at Lowe’s or Home Depot in the states. They’re our big hardware store chains out here.

[@qwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnm1232]

Thank you we have a very old pump and the o ring was worn out

[@sherpaderpdingo3405]

Im house sitting. I dont know much about pools but we had a lot of rain to the point where the skimmer was completely covered with water. I noticed that the jets were kind of bubbly. Not big bubbles like a rolling boil but very fine bubbles that created a bit of a foamy surface. Anyway i drained the pool a bit to get the level at half way up the skimmer. Now the pump runs but wont prime. Dont know if the water level caused the problem somehow or if the problem was unrelated to water level. Also there is no vacuum at the bottom of this pool.

[@PoolSchooler]

Hard to know without seeing it. Only thing I can think of is you drained it too much? Or somethings not sealing (like the lid or o ring).

[@jerrylockhart3069]

My pool guy just installed a new motor and a filter and it was running with half water in it the PVC pipes were well over 118° coming off the pump and with water in it and the pump itself was 138° and I turned it off and I’ve been running like that for at least a day or two. Still have an issue priming the pool and have for sometime also there’s a leak somewhere I think on the JetsTo the hot tub

[@PoolSchooler]

Sounds like your pool guy didn't do a very good job at the installation. I'd find someone else to fix what he did and get your money back from your pool guy. That's way to hot.

[@jerrylockhart3069]

Yeah I can probably damage the motor to because I’m air-conditioning technician I know about the motors but I don’t know about the pool as much I do it myself I’m learning as much as I can

[@jerrylockhart3069]

I don’t think anything was that much wrong with my pump or filter anyways. Even though they were kind of old they were over 15 years old for the filter system and the pump was about nine years old. I know they don’t last forever. My AC 17 years old in South Florida and it’s still running lol it’s a Frankenstein

[@PoolSchooler]

@@jerrylockhart3069 Wow that's long. Most A/C's last about 11 years in our Arizona heat.

[@jerrylockhart3069]

That’s only because I fixed it 4 times. I had a new motor in a new evap coil for the inside unit already waiting. The only problem is my condenser coil is going soon and the compressor is on it’s last leg. Pretty soon I’ll have to get a new unit. Generally out here near the ocean in South Florida unit/from 8 to 12 years depending on if they’re on the ocean

[@ritavogt5347]

What if you have a filter you take out to clean do you have to prime pump or will it still prime itself and just close the air valve when water comes out ?

[@PoolSchooler]

I’ve seen it happen both ways. Sometimes after cleaning the filter you have to prime the pump and other times you don’t. It really depends on the system and how well it’s sealed. Typically it’s been my experience that the pump or prime and pool water in and through the filter and as you said with the air release valve open it will bleed the air out and eventually feel like the. And any excess air that’s in the pipes will purge out through the return ports.

[@riavoss3096]

My pump is on and water is circulating but the flow into the pool is weak unless I block off 2 of the inlet jets. Why is this happening? How do I remedy this situation? Is it harmful to block off the 2 jets? Thanks for your help.

[@PoolSchooler]

Ria Voss I wouldn’t recommend plugging any of the return jets. You might want to check to make sure your filter is clean. Also you may want to check your pump impeller to make sure it’s not clogged.

[@lalathebenificent1335]

When I turn my pump off, I get a huge geyser up from my basket, mostly air. What do u think the issue is?

[@PoolSchooler]

That's usually caused by back pressure. typically caused by air in your system. So somewhere there is air getting into your system and building up while the pump is running. You may have to trouble shoot it to find out where. Here's a video that may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKe1n5akd7l2Y8k

[@HeyStripes]

I tried running a hose to fill the pump bucket (Jandy FloPro), but the water just drains back through the skimmer line back into the pool. My water level is now up to the top of the skimmer in the pool. I've checked the Oring, I checked the lid, Ive checked the connections...all seem to be in good order. I did notice that my filter now has zero pressure... but I cant find the relief valve on my system (jandy sftm-mpv)... could that have something to do with it? It was working fine for a day until I took the lid off the pump basket to clean it out (turned the power off first), then the water just drained and now it wont self prime, or even take a prime. Local pool people cant figure it out, and just want to sell me a new pump... but it worked yesterday ... Any tips / advice would be appreciated

[@PoolSchooler]

Two things to check (In order) #1 Check your pump impeller. It could be clogged with small debris and that could stop it from sucking. Here's a link to a video I did on that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6nYeHl9ea91o6M #2 you could have a broken impeller diffuser sleeve (its inside the pump right before the impeller). in that case I'd get a pro to replace it. ALSO, opening your pressure relief valve won't help if there's no pressure being created. It will actually hinder the priming of your pump. Check your impeller, that may be the issue.

[@DeeDee-be1mo]

Thx for a great video and which sunglasses is that? it has green and purple at the same time

[@PoolSchooler]

I'm not sure. I got them at a convenience store many years ago. But they've held up really well.

[@510bayareaprincess]

Great Info thanks for the tips!! 👍🏻

[@PoolSchooler]

you're welcome

[@siqueirosrad]

What do I need to do when the pressure is 27-30psi? I already cleaned the filters and noticed the level was down so refilled my pool and psi still high. What would you recommend me to do next?

[@PoolSchooler]

It could be that your cartridges are old and in need of replacing. Usually they have a 4-5 year life.

[@kennyfernandes7949]

Hi Kenny thanks for the videos. I just had my pool replastered, but I doubt it has anything to do with my problem. Since the pool has been refilled I keep losing prime in my pump. It’s fine when I just have the valve turned so I’m just using the skimmer, but when I turn the valve so the sweep can start, the water level in the basket goes down a few inches and bubbles start coming out the return inlets. When I take the sweep out of the pool along with the inlet that attaches it the the pool wall so the water is suck in from the wall and the skimmer it doesn’t lose prime. I’ve check the pump lid and replaced seals in the jandy valve on the inlet, but still does it and I haven’t found any air leaks. I’ve even check the hose attached to the sweep and didn’t fine any cracks. Have you ever come across this before? Thanks for any help you have.

[@PoolSchooler]

Hi Kenny and thanks for the comment. So here's my thought. Based on everything you said my guess is that somehow when they replastered your pool some of that plaster got stuck up in your dedicated vacuum line (maybe a chunk) and either lodged inside the line OR got caught in the adjustment (usually a Jandy) valve. If it's in the line you should have someone come out and either blow out the line OR snake it out. If its in the valve (which is easier) you can open up that valve and usually get it that way. I've had this happen on a few occasions and sometimes it's been as simple as opening up the jandy valve and removing the debris and in other cases it's required blowing out or snaking out the vacuum line. Let me know how it goes.

[@kennyfernandes7949]

@@PoolSchooler Thanks I will give it a try.

[@jenkelley9847]

my pump is much higher than the pool. just got a new filter. How long can the pump run before it burns out. It takes a long time to prime. I am just nervous when I start it up I will burn out the pump

[@PoolSchooler]

Oh, it should prime within 20-30 seconds max. If not you may have air getting in somewhere. Check your pump lid and o'ring to make sure they are not worn or cracked. I'd suggest lubing the o'ring with a really thick lube like MagicLube (and don't over tighten the pump lid). I'd also suggest filling the pump sump with water then replacing the lid and priming it (as I show in this video). I had a pool in the hills that the equipment was way above the pool and I always had to "prime" the pump. But if after doing all this it still doesn't prime you may have to call a professional to check for leaks in your system.

[@christinaduarte8518]

Hi Kenny, I have been watching all of your videos because I just bought a 5000 gal 52” play pool which will be sunken Inground 26” as per manufacture installation. I also bought a Aqua pro 190 sq ft cartridge filter 2hp 2speed pump. Since the pool will be sunken Inground some how will this effect the filter and it’s functions. The filter has to be below the skimmer water line correct....since the pool is sunken a bit the water line will not be that high,will I get good suction?

[@PoolSchooler]

It shouldn’t really matter too much. The only concern would be the water emptying out of the filter/pump back into the pool, but as long as your system is airtight which it should be it should hold water.

[@8doctor8]

Helped me solve my problem!!! Thank you!

[@PoolSchooler]

Awesome to hear that. thanks for commenting.

[@Connor_Dempsey]

Great video Thanks

[@PoolSchooler]

Glad it helped. Please check out my website poolschooler.com for more great money savings tools and tips for your pool service needs.

[@adamv6753]

Keep in mind that pumps usually prime to 9 ft or so. So some people with a big difference between heights you may have to prime it the first time. For there customers i usually install a clear check valve.

[@PoolSchooler]

Adam V great info to have. Thanks for sharing.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

The problem with check valves is that they eventually fail - always. I hope you are putting unions before and after all your check valves so that you can inspect them regularly!

[@PoolSchooler]

@@chuckschillingvideos That is so true.

[@katherinetaus3961]

my gets are not having enough pressure, what does this mean

[@PoolSchooler]

Could be a few reasons. #1 Make sure your pool suction is not restricted in any way (open suction valves), #2 Make sure your returns are open completely. #3. Make sure your pump lid (and o'ring) is sealed completely. LASTLY check your pump impeller to make sure it's not clogged (watch this video for help with this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXnJeZmdpaqYqtEfeature=shared Oh, and if your filter is really dirty that can affect it too so make sure your filter media is clean.

[@linpalumbo2099]

My pool technician replaced my pump with a slightly larger one. It only fills two thirds and has a large airpocket in the top. I have a lot of pool experience with 2 pools (20 years) and I know there should never be an air pocket but my pool guy says that is common with a slightly larger pump. Of course the pump keeps depressurizing and shuts down my water cooled air conditioners. It is common sense that a larger pump will just give me higher pressure and higher psi. My skimmers barely pull and there is very low circulation. I can get it to 4/5 full by backwashing every second day but that is a ridiculous solution. Any ideas?

[@PoolSchooler]

Check the pump lid to make sure it's seated properly and that the o'ring is lubed and also seated properly. You may also want to double check your pump impeller to make sure it's not clogged with gunk. Let me know if that helps. P.S. I agree with you, there should be no air in the pump or system at all no matter how big the pump is.

[@linpalumbo2099]

Pool School Thanks. The pool pump is brand new and I always makes sure the O ring is in place, gunk free and I saw him rub some kind of lubricant on it at installation. He came over today and managed to force prime it through the skimmer with his assistant but still left it with an airpocket so I expect it will depressurize again. We will see.

[@PoolSchooler]

@@linpalumbo2099 I would get someone else over (a different company) to give you their opinion on what's going on. Somethings not right.

[@lindapalumbo6557]

@@PoolSchooler this guy had previously been very good but now he says that the new pump has a 2 and half inch fitting and my plumbing is only an one and half inch which doesn't make sense to me as the collar or connector isn't leaking. My pool had been winterized as I live in Canada and I am exploring a possible leak from water freezing in pipes. I also have water cooled air conditioners in my basement on a closed circuit to pool which provides an additional heat source but adds to to the complexity of the pipes Thanks again

[@PoolSchooler]

@@lindapalumbo6557 So why didn't he get you a pump with the 1 1/2" fitting? You may have a broken pipe if you have freezes in your area in Canada.

[@luisgalicia4661]

Mine would not prime. It was the o rings on the jandy valve. Just in case someone else can’t figure out what’s going on.

[@PoolSchooler]

Glad you were able to find that out. Way to go. 👍

[@elPusherman]

I recently bought a home with a pool and this whole process is pretty new to me. When my system runs, my pump basket is only filled with water about 50%. I changed the o-ring and put lube, didn't make much difference. My pool is about 6-8 feet above my pump system. I plan to try the flushing / diatom recharge for the filter system but I'm not sure it will change anything. The pool cleaner runs fairly sluggish because I guess there's too much air in the system? It get's stuck in corners and doesn't climb walls..What else can I look for?

[@PoolSchooler]

EisforEmpty since you’re new to this pool stuff I’d highly recommend watching my videos “Getting To Know Your Pool” and “Emptying Your Pump Basket”. It could be that your pump impeller is clogged and I tell how to clean it in the the pump basket video. I’d also suggest watching my videos on testing your pool chemicals and adding chlorine and adjusting ph and alkalinity. Lastly watch my video on backwashing and recharging a DE filter. That can also make a difference in the suction of your vacuum. I also have a video on “My Weekly Service Regimen” which will

[@elPusherman]

Yeah I watched pretty much all your videos relevant to me at least once or twice already. Going to to attempt the backwash process soon because I suspect it hasn't been done in a very long time--possibly 6 months or even years. Would that filter being filthy cause my pump filter basket to only fill up about 50-75% with water though? I notice most of your videos when you prime or have a system running properly there is only a small bubble of air, mine again is like 25-50% air.

[@PoolSchooler]

EisforEmpty having not backwashed the filter in that long a time could very well affect the pumps ability to draw enough water to purge the system of air. But once you’ve backwashed and recharged the filter if you still find it not fully filling then you may want to check the impeller and Check to see if there is a crack in the pump lid. If all that is good then you may have a leak elsewhere in the plumbing of the pool and should at that point contact a repair specialist.

[@domcap70]

This sounds like the filter needs a backwash or cleaning. If the pressure builds up in the filter too high, it will keep the pump from being able to function properly. It cannot move enough water to properly prime the pump. Most of the time when a pump will half prime and nothing more, it is usually a very dirty filter.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

The first thing I'd check for is an air leak. I'd recommend replacing all the o rings - make sure to lube them thoroughly with a good silicon lube. That might just solve your pressure issue. If not, your pump may not be pulling an adequate vacuum and it might be time for a replacement.

[@anthonyg9814]

That's a pro video just moved to Yuma new to pools

[@arthur113113]

question on manual priming when theres some air in pipes. If my suction lines have only skimmer line and main floor drain line. Is it still using 100% suction on skimmer line and do priming?

[@PoolSchooler]

Typically it'll draw from both depending on if you have the ability to adjust the suction between the two. BUT if you have two holes in your skimmer sump one of them goes to the pump and the other to the floor drain and in that case some of the suction will "divert" to the floor drain.

[@laurienorcross7602]

What size Union Wrench fits like that on the Hayward Motor covers? We have such a difficult time unscrewing ours.

[@PoolSchooler]

Laurie Norcross I believe Hayward makes a union wrench specifically for their motors. Any pool supply store that carries Hayward motors should be able to tell you and probably have one.

[@gerardmart8076]

Did you find the tool? I have the same problem. if so, please would you be so kind to let me where did you get it. thanks.

[@laurienorcross7602]

Gerard mart they are online I googled union wrench

[@laurienorcross7602]

Pool School thank you!

[@gerardmart8076]

@@laurienorcross7602thank you!

[@bretu7126]

Are those lights really hung across the pool?

[@PoolSchooler]

They are, not the smartest thing to do (electricity and water don't mix well). This is a rental property and I've spoken to the owner about the risk and danger but it's their choice I guess.

[@KerryCase-mg6gn]

My pump basket is empty and I can’t get the lid off even after spraying it with WD40.

[@PoolSchooler]

Try using a tool like the one in this link: www.amazon.com/Zodiac-Multi-Use-Tool-Union-Wrench/dp/B00F6MLCIG

[@rodneyhenry27]

On my hayward the cover says full with water first

[@PoolSchooler]

Most all of them do. But most pumps today are self priming.

[@mmills007]

This helped me so much. I just putt the hose in the pool pump skimmer and let it run until i the water level stayed up and screwed on the top to the skimmer then turn on my pump and now i have pressure. Pressure in my pool is not very good at all in the first place. See i have only one inlet from both my top end skimmer and my bottom end main drain only one inlet with no union valve at all just straight pipe to my pool pump skimmer. It a bad design and i can't even have a vacuum at all. Once and awhile the main drain will stop draining coz of leaf debris and i have to naturally reverse the drain and pool side skimmer to release the clog i use a small hose and a high pressure hose valve to shoot out the debris. It's a pain because i don't have a pool cage and the pool is right underneath a live oak tree so it dumps lots of leaves and pollen and since i have no vacuum side i cant suck up the crap unless i use an automatic vacuum like barracuda. Keeping my pool going is a nightmare

[@mmills007]

And not to mention is a huge 30,000-35,000 gallon pool.

[@mmills007]

I think the guy who built this pool was either drunk or on drugs or just didn't know anything about building pools

[@PoolSchooler]

mmills007 wow. That’s a tough one. But it sounds like you’re doing as good a job keeping it maintained as possible. You may want to double check the pump impeller to make sure it stays free of debris which can hinder the suction resulting in low pressure. (Just a thought).

[@margaretgrant6050]

Thank you so, so much!

[@PoolSchooler]

Margaret Grant you are so welcome.

[@cibonthesaint8903]

Where are you located?

[@PoolSchooler]

I am in Arizona

[@joseguerrero3197]

Are you in phoenix Az How much your service cost

[@PoolSchooler]

Jose Guerrero I’m actually not taking any more pool clients at this time. My route and schedule is full. Sorry.

[@jim1282003]

I just cleaned my pool filter but when I prime it the pump doesn’t suction water. Please help

[@PoolSchooler]

Sorry to hear that. It may be that you didn't get your filter put back together correctly. I had an email from a person who had the same problem because they hadn't put the filter back together correctly (cartridge filter) and the belly band wasn't correctly put on or tightened down enough and it blew the top of the filter off (which could have been fatal). What type of filter do you have?

[@tamaraconnell5120]

Omgosh thanks!!!

[@PoolSchooler]

Tamara Connell you’re welcome.

[@riggs9688]

Kenny are you in southern az by chance?

[@PoolSchooler]

RIGGS near Phoenix.

[@stevebarron2778]

Sounds like rocks in my discharge piping going to multi port valve . I have the Pentair challenger 1.5 h.p. Motor with a Hayward s 200 sandfilter.

[@nonameno8065]

Lost prime when trying to vacuum pool, so bad vacuum technique is another reason

[@jim1282003]

Thank for replying. I found the problem. It was the o-ring was not in place in the cover of the pump.

[@DavidMosby]

How come you say you don't have to prime and then you told how to prime it. You did say running the pump with no water will heat up the motor. So, prime the damn pump to prolong the life of the pump. Duh

[@PoolSchooler]

I think you misunderstood. Sometimes you need to prime a pump which is why I taught how to do it. BUT most modern pumps are "self priming" and don't need to be primed. Lastly, yes, a pump running completely dry for long periods of time will ruin it, BUT for the short duration it takes to "self prime" (say 30 or 45 seconds or so) it's totally fine and won't harm the pump. They're designed to handle that. Just not running dry for long periods of time.