How to Prime a Pool Pump (Self-Priming & Non-Self-Priming)
Whether you’ve got a self-priming inground pump (Hayward/Pentair style) or a non-self-priming/above-ground pump that relies on flooded suction, this guide walks you through leak checks, fill/bleed steps, and restart sequences that actually work on Long Island.
Self-Priming (Inground) — Step-by-Step
- 1) Kill power, set valves. Turn off the breaker. Set suction to main drain + skimmer (open both). Close auxiliary lines you don’t need (cleaners/water features).
- 2) Open lid & clean basket. Inspect/clean debris. Check lid O-ring for cracks; lube with silicone grease.
- 3) Fill the pump pot. Using a hose/bucket, fill pot completely with water. Reseat the lid firmly; hand-tighten evenly.
- 4) Open filter air relief. On the filter, open the bleeder so trapped air can escape during start.
- 5) Start & watch for prime. Restore power. Within 30–90s, you should see water rise in pot and steady flow to the pump. Close air relief once water mist becomes a solid stream.
- 6) If it won’t catch, isolate. Set suction to main drain only (deepest flooded line) to help prime, then slowly crack skimmer open. Repeat fill if pot empties.
- 7) Hunt suction leaks. If you see persistent air in the lid, check: pump lid O-ring, union gaskets, drain plugs, valve stems, and any above-grade fittings. Tighten/grease as needed.
- 8) Normalize & verify PSI. Return valves to normal positions. Confirm filter pressure is in your usual range and the returns have strong flow.
Tip: If the pump pot keeps draining, the skimmer line may be pulling air (low water level/blocked weir). Top up to mid-skimmer and retry.
Non-Self-Priming / Above-Ground — Step-by-Step
- 1) Ensure flooded suction. The pump must sit below waterline. Open shutoff valves at the pool so water fills the hose and pump.
- 2) Fill the hose & housing. Disconnect the pump inlet hose at the pump, fill it with water, reconnect tightly. Fill the pump housing through the lid and seal.
- 3) Remove air traps. Loosen any small air bleed on top of the pump or at the filter until water appears, then retighten.
- 4) Start the pump. Switch on and watch the clear lid: water should move immediately. If it cavitates (froth), stop, refill, and reseal.
- 5) Check clamps & O-rings. Tighten hose clamps; replace brittle O-rings. Air at the inlet hose will kill prime.
- 6) Filter/valve checks. Set multiport to Filter (or Recirculate briefly to help start). Avoid dead-heading the pump.
- 7) Verify steady flow. Return jets should be strong/bubbly-free. If flow fades, re-prime and re-inspect clamps.
Tip: Keep spare hose gaskets and clamps on hand. Sun-baked hoses shrink and leak air right when you need prime most.
What You’ll Need
- Silicone lube for pump lid O-rings and union gaskets
- Garden hose / bucket for filling pump pot and hoses
- Flathead/Phillips screwdriver; spare hose clamps & gaskets
- Teflon tape for drain plugs/unions (as needed)
- PTFE-safe union lube (optional) for stubborn air leaks