Opening Question - pump & filter

RuggedPool · Mar 4, 2024

Hi, so I'm preparing to turn the pump back on as our air temps are warming up and my pool is currently 57 degrees.

I've ordered the o-ring lubricant so I'll get that put on before I start the pump.

My question is whether I need to put water into my filter (halfway?) or just put water into the pump basket? And how much is enough because obviously it's going to just start flowing down into the pool?

Texas Splash · Mar 5, 2024

Priming the pump pot is most important. Whether the filter is empty or half full, the pump will pull water and fill it up eventually anyway.

RuggedPool · Mar 5, 2024

But I should still put water into the pump so it’s not totally dry?

duraleigh · Mar 5, 2024

But I should still put water into the pump so it’s not totally dry?

I would. If your suction side is sealed PERFECTLY, the pump will prime wet or dry. Most systems are not perfect, however, and adding water to the pump basket will help get the priming process started.

newdude · Mar 5, 2024

*only fill the basket. It'll drain forever out the inlet pipe until it floods Tennessee to the level of that pipe. (It'll prime WAY easy at that point)

If it doesn't prime in about 30 seconds refill the basket and try again.

RuggedPool · Mar 5, 2024

Newdude said:
*only fill the basket. It'll drain forever out the inlet pipe until it floods Tennessee to the level of that pipe. (It'll prime WAY easy at that point)

If it doesn't prime in about 30 seconds refill the basket and try again.

haha, thank you

My prime always takes a while because my pump sits at an elevation much higher than my pool (maybe + 15' higher than the decking)

newdude · Mar 5, 2024

If your suction valve can isolate one leg (such as the skimmer or main drain), you can close it to hold the water however high it got in the pipe, refill the pump basket, and continue priming where you left off.

RuggedPool · Mar 5, 2024

Newdude said:
If your suction valve can isolate one leg (such as the skimmer or main drain), you can close it to hold the water however high it got in the pipe, refill the pump basket, and continue priming where you left off.

I actually installed a check valve between the suction and the pump to help in that regard.