How to Prime a Pool Pump

When it comes to owning a pool, certain steps need to be taken to ensure everything is running smoothly. From balancing pH levels to cleaning your filter, there are certain things you do as an owner so your pool can last for many years to come. By doing so, you are actively taking steps to prevent damage from happening to the parts of your pool that keep it running. In fact, maintaining the state of your pump is key to its lifespan. So, what do you need to know about priming a pool pump, and why is it so important?

How to Prime a Pool Pump and Why it’s Important to do

Although priming your pool pump is fairly straightforward, it’s also very important. You will start by turning the multiport valve to recirculate the water and removing any pool plugs you might have. Then, you will remove the lid to your pump and see whether or not it’s dry. If so, you will need to add water before turning it on, which you can do with your garden hose. Let this run into the pump housing for a few minutes to have enough water in the pump to create suction. Lastly, you will turn your pump on, and you should see water beginning to fill it. As we said, these are fairly easy steps to follow, but it’s essential to do so for many reasons. 

One important example of why you need to prime your pool pump before starting it, would be if you live in areas with freezing temperatures. You will need to get the water out of your plumbing lines before you close your pool for the winter, which in turn, replaces them with air. If you start your pool again come spring without priming the pump, then problems will arise. Because your pump needs to be filled with water to work properly, starting it back up again when opening it for the season without priming it first can cause serious damage.

Another reason why it’s so important to prime your pool pump regularly is that it only functions unless there’s water inside. Therefore, if it’s not wet or full of water, then it will be damaged. But what exactly happens if your pool pump goes dry?

What Happens to a Dry Pool Pump?

It’s best to understand that a pool pump is what keeps your entire pool running the way it needs to. It is essentially what keeps everything circulating, which is exactly why it can not be dry. If you don’t have water flowing through it, the pump will continue running and eventually overheat. This will result in the seal actually melting, and if it continues at that rate, the PVC pipes that are connected to your pump and other plumbing components will be damaged too. So not only will the pump itself be subject to damage that could be beyond repair if it seizes up, but other important functions of your pool will become damaged, too. It’s vital to ensure water is in your pool’s pump because if this happens, it can be a pricy repair or replacement. This is also easily preventative, as the solution is following a few easy steps. By priming your pool pump to make sure it always has water running through it, you are actively ensuring no damage comes to that part of your pool and so many others.

Owning a swimming pool might seem like there are many different things you need to keep an eye on. But when it comes down to it, there are simple steps to take to maintain your pool’s cleanliness and overall health of its parts. Priming your pool pump is one of the things you can do now to prevent damage that will cost you far more time and money in the long run.

Now that you know a little bit more about maintaining the state of your pool pump, we hope you feel more equipped to prime it as needed. To learn more about all that’s involved with owning a pool, download our free backyard escapes guide.