The pool pump is the core equipment of the swimming pool filtration system. It keeps the water moving to filter away dirt and debris and ensures the pool chemicals are working effectively. As swimming pools usually close during the winter, pool pumps, whether in-ground or above-ground, need to be primed properly for pumping smoothly again. How to prime a pool pump for the first time? We have compiled a list of helpful tips for priming pool pumps.
Why Do You Need to Prime the Pool Pump?
Because the pool pump will not perform properly and may burn out if there is not enough water, it needs to check whether it is full of water by hand. Thus, it’s necessary to prime your pool pump to protect it from running dry. For any pool pump, the presence of air or the absence of water is absolutely a big no-no. And that is the whole point of priming – to ensure that a pool pump is operating appropriately.
How to Prime Your Pool Pump Properly? (9 Easy Steps)
The priming process applies to most pool pumps, whether inverter pool pumps, variable-speed pool pumps, or single-speed pool pumps. The basic steps are as follows:
Step 1. Put safety first by turning off the pool pump and disconnecting it from the power supply.
Step 2. Set the multiport valve to recirculation. It allows water to enter your pump and then back into the pool, but not pass through your filter.
Step 3. Open the air relief valve to release the air from the filter.
Step 4. Remove any debris from the pump basket. Also, check the O-ring for any cracks or damage.
Step 5. Pour water into the pump box and pipes, and fill the pump basket with clean water.
Step 6. After the pump basket is full and tightly fastened, ensure the air relief valve is open and restart the pump.
Step 7. Check the pump’s water flow. Water should be in a continuous flow within thirty seconds. Otherwise, turn the pump back off and repeat the above steps.
Step 8. Close the air relief valve when the water keeps flowing.
Step 9. Lastly, switch the multiport valve from recirculation to filtration.
At this point, the swimming pool pump should be fully primed and prepared for operation.
How to Prime a Pool Pump That is Higher Than the Pool?
If the pool pump is higher than the pool and out of use for a long time, it must be primed to be full of water before running. The priming process is similar to that described above. However, if you discover that air is getting into the pipe from somewhere, check some typical air leak spots, such as pump lid seal, pump drain plugs, valves, or filter bands.
How to Prime an Above-Ground Pool Pump?
Keep the above-ground pool pump as close to the pool as possible and ensure it is not higher than the through-wall skimmer. Moreover, tighten the hoses, clean up the pump baskets and skimmers, and clean or replace any dirty cartridges.
What Pool Pump Is Best for Priming?
Among all pool pumps on the market, the Aquagem InverPro inverter pool pump is very user-friendly for priming. Every time you switch on the InverPro pool pump, it will automatically start self-priming to ensure the safety and efficient use of the pipeline and protect it from running dry. Of course you can unset this feature if you don’t need it. Further more, the InverPro pool pump could perform self-learning after the first-time priming, it will detect the pipeline pressure and adjust the most appropriate flow rate for your unique pool, which is more intelligent than other pumps.
As the first swimming pool pump manufacturer dedicated to inverter technology, Aquagem achieved a breakthrough in technology and user experience with the InverPro and impressed the industry and end-users with 15 times more energy-saving and 30 times quieter.
Conclusion
Priming a pool pump is about draining the air from the pump. With a good helper, priming a pool pump will naturally achieve more with less hassle. Contact our experts for more advice if you want to try priming with the InverPro.
