How to Prime a Pool Pump

How To Prime A Pool Pump

Maintaining your pool requires more than keeping the outside surfaces clean. The inside of the pool and water need care as well. Fortunately, tools like a pool pump make this easily possible for pool owners.

The pool pump is a key component to keeping your pool safe and clean. Without it, the water would quickly become an unsightly hazard. Your pool pump needs to be primed regularly to ensure it’s working properly. If you don’t prime it, dead bugs, dirt, leaves, and algae can begin to taint your pool waters, causing them to brown.

Priming your pool pump can be easy, but it doesn’t hurt to get advice from the experts. At McCallum’s Pool Service & Repair, we offer quality pool pump maintenance services. So, in this article, we’ll cover how to prime your pool pump to keep your pool looking its best.

What Is A Pool Pump, And How Does It Work?

A pool pump is the center of your water filtration system that keeps your pool safe from chemicals, debris, and algae. When working properly, the pool pump will filter water through the filtration system, and it will be full of water at all times. As it filters through, the water will be sifted for materials that can build up in the pool.

Why You Should Prime Your Pool Pump

Priming the pool pump is the process of refilling it with water to remove air that may be trapped in the pump and recirculating the water back into the pool. If this is not done, the pool pump will run dry, which can cause it to heat up significantly. The excess heat may burn or damage other parts of the pool filtration system resulting in their collapse. Not only will you be left with water that is muddy and unclean, but the repair cost for a filtration system replacement is far higher than pool pump maintenance services.

Prime Your Pool Pump In Five Easy Steps

Here are the steps to prime your pool pump so that it operates properly.

Step One: Turn the pump off and switch it to recirculate.

Begin by turning off the pump completely as a safety precaution. Once this is done, switch it to the recirculate setting to allow a direct flow of water from the pump to the pool.

Step Two: Open the air valve to let out excess air.

Next, you will need to open the air valve to release any air that may be caught in the pump. Air sometimes gets trapped in pool pumps if there are long periods between each use.

Step Three: Remove any debris from the pump basket.

Clean out the pump to ensure nothing is caught inside or potentially blocking water flow.

Step Four: Add water to the pump basket.

Once the area is clear of debris, you can add water back to the pump basket to prepare for testing the water flow. Put the lid back on the pump when done.

Step Five: Check the water flow for consistency.

Lastly, test the water flow of the pump. The water should flow continuously after a few seconds, and this is how you’ll be able to tell if your priming was successful. Once you’ve verified that water is flowing with ease, close the air release valve.

Need Pool Pump Repair Services? Contact McCallum’s

At McCallum’s Pool Service & Repair, we serve Scottsdale home and business owners with pride. Our commitment to going above and beyond and providing 100% customer satisfaction shines through in all our work. We have the tools to ensure that your pool pump functions properly, or is replaced if necessary. Scottsdale home and business owners trust us because we’re the best pool service contractor in the area.

Get A Free Estimate 

Are you looking for pool pump installation and repair services in Scottsdale, AZ? If you’re worried your pool pump isn’t functioning properly, our team at McCallum’s can help. We provide professional pool care services to Arizona communities and will work with you to customize a solution that meets your needs. Contact us today for a free estimate.