Starting a pool pump correctly, especially after it's been off for a while or has lost its prime, is essential for its longevity and efficient operation. The first crucial step is ensuring the pump is properly primed.
Understanding Pool Pump Priming
Priming a pool pump means filling the pump housing and suction line with water so that the impeller can effectively draw water from the pool. Without priming, the pump will run dry, which can quickly cause damage.
Priming Your Pool Pump
According to Leslie's Pool Supplies (referencing snippet), before starting your pump:
- Ensure the pump is properly lubricated.
- Use a garden hose to fill the pump basket with water.
- You may need to run the hose for a couple of minutes to ensure the basket is full.
- Once it's full, quickly put the lid back on the housing.
This process removes any air that might be trapped in the pump, allowing it to pull water from the pool effectively when turned on.
Step-by-Step Priming Guide
Here is a simplified breakdown of the priming steps based on the reference:
- Check Lubrication: Ensure your pump is properly lubricated.
- Open Pump Basket Lid: Turn off all power to the pump first, then carefully open the lid to the pump basket.
- Fill with Water: Insert a garden hose into the pump basket opening. Let the water run until the basket housing is completely full. This may need to run the hose for a couple of minutes.
- Seal Quickly: Once the pump basket is full, quickly put the lid back on the housing and secure it tightly.
Starting the Pump
After successfully priming the pump (ensuring the basket and housing are full of water and the lid is sealed), the actual process of starting the pump involves:
- Ensuring Valves are Open: Check that the necessary valves are open to allow water flow from the pool to the pump (suction lines) and from the pump back to the pool (return lines).
- Turning on Power: Restore power to the pump, usually by flipping a switch or pressing a button at the control panel or near the pump itself.
The pump should now begin to circulate water. You should see water flowing back into the pool from the return lines, and the pump's pressure gauge (if available) should show pressure.
Important Considerations
- Safety First: Always ensure the power to the pump is OFF before opening the pump basket lid.
- Air Leaks: If your pump loses prime frequently, check for air leaks in the suction line, O-rings, or pump lid.
- Filter Priming: Some filter types (like sand filters) also require specific steps after the pump is primed and started to ensure the filter tank fills correctly.
Proper priming is a non-negotiable step for the healthy operation of your pool pump.
