i don't usually leave comments on videos. but i had to on this one! This video is 7 years old at the time of me finding it, and i am sooooo grateful! After recently purchasing a home with a large pool that i had no idea how to maintain i relied on a pool cleaning service company that charged me an arm and a leg every time i called them out for a 'problem' that they'd seem to fix in a matter of minutes! Today i decided (after realising these call out fees were not going to be sustainable) to come on to this platform and just look for possible solutions to what i can describe as the problem - because i don't even know the names of the different instruments/parts and oh my did you save me! My pool suction wasn't working (priming as i learnt in this video) and within a minute you solved my problem with solution number 3! I didn't realise that basket inside the actual pump system also gets full and needs cleaning, id just been clearing the basket by the actual cleaner (kreepy krauly attachment). I immediately opened that apparatus and was shocked at how full that basked was! i cleared it out and cleaned it properly and my pool is running perfectly again! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!
I can probably count on one hand how many times I’ve left comments for DIY stuff but this was rock solid troubleshooting, saved time and money, pump running great now! Seems to have been a dry seal that was leaking, lubed with silicone and magic, problem solved. THANK YOU!
Adding water to skimmer basket finally worked for me..... again! One thing I did different this time was closing all the suction lines, but one (main drain), and opening the skimmers one at a time after pump was primed, until I got those lines primed. I had a suspicion that air was trapped in the skimmer lines because my water line was low. Thanks to this video and some comments that helped me figure this out!
Just a suggestion to keep your spa chemistry balanced with the pool. I assume your system is plumbed with ball valves to control things. Try opening your spa drain 1/4 of the way and closing each of your pool drains 1/8th. Ideally your spa drain should run through your system too so your chemistry is balanced to your pool. You may have to try different adjustments to get it all flowing correctly but it should make your entire system more efficient.
Great Video! Might want to add one more scenario. My skimmer door became dis enlarged and was stuck in the vertical position which prevented water from flowing into the skimmer basket. That led to my water priming issues. Buying a new skimmer door right now. Thanhks!
extremally informative and useful. Reviewer, John Precopia had the fix for my problem by mentioning the skimmer door issue. It worked. Your tips for checking also helped me find a few other issues that I was able to prevent just by checking. Thanks
This video saved me a $200 service call. Found an acorn blocking the pump! Using a garden hose pressuring water through and combination of my long fingers and coat hanger to dislodge. Was sooo happy when I was successful. Thank you !!
I agree, best video I have watched on this topic. 2 year old pool and this message populated on my Pentair pump after I cleaned out my filters. All I needed to do was pour water in the pump its-self as shown for 3 minutes. Everything works like it did before. Thank you for your help!
Thanks for this video! I never would have thought to check the pump impeller as there are 2 filter baskets before it but sure enough, there were a bunch of pine needles that had made it through and were in the way.
Just have to say THANK YOU! I could not figure out the issue with my new pump, watched tons of videos and this is the first one that helped me solve the problem. Super helpful and I really appreciate it as a pool rookie.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. In just a few minutes after watching your video i fixed the problem that took my nephew and i the whole morning to try and fix. Thanks a million ❤
My Problem solved! I had to remove my pool pump to clear out the turbine vanes. But once I put the pump back on, there was no prime. This video had the answer. Thank You!
Thank you so much for this video! My pump wouldn’t prime so I had added a bunch of water, but forgot to reseal the pool pot lid. That simple fix did the trick.
At 3:03 no, you shouldn’t use plumbers tape on union fitting thread. Threads are not tapered, they aren’t meant to create a seal. Seal is created by the o ring. Using Plumbers tape here can actually interfere and lower the pulling force needed to seal the o ring.
Your videos help me so much as a new pool owner. My pool isn’t new, I’m new to owning one lol and it looks like I’m going to need to figure out where air is getting in my system
Great video! I now only lose suction when vacuuming using a vac skim plate. Noticed in your video that plastic connections in plumbing and pump strainer lid all have rubber gaskets. Logical , effective. But no gasket between skim vac plate and where it seats down in skimmer. Why not? I put poolvacsaver gasket on vac plate and it rocks! Has anyone else thought of this?
Brand new Intex pool with sand filter. I prime the pump, start the backwash process and it works for a few seconds before the pump skimmer bakest gets low water. I put water in the bakest and turn the pump back on and the same thing happens. I even put Teflon tape on all the hose connections to make sure there was no air leaks and still nothing. Help!
Just wanted to join in and say thanks for the video. It was either the "fill the strainer basket for 2-3 minutes" or the "check the strainer cover" that solved mine. But it definitely did the trick, lol. Thanks again.
I had a new single speed Hayward one horsepower pump installed for my inground pool a number of months ago. From the beginning it was making too much noise I felt, and it had a large maybe 4 inch air bubble under the lid. The installer said that's because this pump draws more water than the previous one and it's not getting enough water flow from the 2 inch piping, and/or let it run overnight to get the air out all sorts of stuff. From the beginning when locking the lid it would only turn about half an inch to lock recently it was losing its prime overnight, and starting again in the morning and would run dry for I don't know how long before noticed it a couple times and stop the pump open the lid added more water and when I restarted it would prime again after a little while. But after I used Magic Lube II silicone that I had on hand and the bubble became about 1 inch diameter and the pump was quieter, and it kept its prime overnight. I was annoyed that the installer gave all sort of excuses when it was really just it needed lubricant or the the lid wasn't right to begin with. I pointed this out to the pool guy this morning, and he said that he services several other pools with the same pump, and the lid will rotate 90° to lock, which is my expectation based on previous pumps. So is this a defective lid or the wrong lid for the pump? I paid for a new pump. Early on when I asked the installer about the small travel to lock it he said that's normal, but I have my doubts. I see the lid on your pump looks like it rotates about 30°.
If a pump still will not prime and you have multiple suction side connections like I do, 2 Main Pool Drains, 2 Spa Drains, a Skimmer and a Vacuum, you need to shut all but one off and let it prime through that line, then open one line at a time till each primes. My 'manifold' connecting all the suction side sources, is right at the pump, 30' from the pool so there's a lot of 2" pvc running from the pool to the pump that holds a lot of air. If you have multiple suction side pick up points and you've opened the system, they'll drain back to the pool and fill with air. It's too much air for the pump to purge. Air is not a solid like water so it just won't allow the heavier water to push it out and prime the pump. If your manifold connecting these sources is right at the pool, it may prime much easier.
This is the comment that finally helped me figure it out. I have 2 main pool drains, 1 spa drain, and 2 skimmers on the suction side. I know it wasn't the spa drain because that is always off. I suspected it was one (or both) of the skimmers that had a lot of air in the line because I let the water line go low below the skimmer line. So I shut those lines off and tried to prime the pump thru the main drain. Thank You!!
None of this is working for me. I am feeling the pump basket with water but it just keeps going out and never fills up. I don't know if he's trying to fill the pipes in the pool or not
I effectively initiated the pump's operation by adhering to a meticulous procedure. Initially, I ascertained that all the levers situated near the pump basket were in a closed position. Subsequently, I proceeded to fill the pump with water and securely fastened the lid. Finally, I reopened the levers and activated the pump. The priming process was successfully completed within an approximate timeframe of 10 minutes. Alternatively, you may consider acquiring a self-priming pool pump.
OK got a question concerning the step 2 on troubleshooting, don't what you mentioned about filling basket BUT that just gets sucked dry and then again no water flow.. I kinda reminded me on some things that vapor lock , so what do you suggest now.
Im having the same problem pump is full of water turn it on water pulls out and new water comes in but wont fill up and not priming and when you turn the pump off the basket fills back up with water
Wow...just did what you said exactly. Worked perfect. Thank you sooooo much. I subscribed. Let strainers go way to clogged. Darn it. Got it in calendar now. Thx again!!
Does anyone know the reason why a pool pump won't fill up with water, I keep hose on for 10-15 min even more and water just keeps going in to pipe coming from pool skimmer, I usually keep the water level on skimmer at least half way so there is plenty of water in the pool. I don't think there is a pipe leak since the water level seems to be normal all the time, i can't figure this out and i have issues with pump priming, what should I do?
My pre-filter lid only rotates about a half an inch to lock, maybe 10°. It looks like the lid in this video rotates about 30°---should mine rotate further?
Is the video of the pump running with the pocket of air how it should look or not? Ours looks similar but wasn’t sure if that was too much air in the pump?
this is would be v helpful if i had a pump with a skimmer. unfortunately the one i got doesnt have a skimmer and sits above in ground pool spa. the old spa has a hose connector above which perhaps is used for priming and pumping the water into pipe but we cant work it out. any tips? thanks
What would cause my pump to loose prime only while backwashing or rinsing? If it's on filter then it runs fine but then when I go to backwash it's like it runs out of water.
Pretty good video but I didn't see any mention of the by-pass valve (Jandy valves) coming from the skimmer and bottom drain. I have two separate valves and these valves have o-rings in the top cover as well as the shaft for the gate. My problem is, when I attempt to vacuum the pool the pump loses vacuum, after a few seconds of vacuuming, and the vacuum pops off the skimmer and the pump loses prime. After I allow the pump to regain prime, it will start picking up debris again until it loses prime again. VERY ANNOYING!!!! When I opened the valve I found the gate and handle have been moved and, when in the open position, the gate does not cover the lubrication hole in the side of the valve case, maybe another place where a small air leak is occurring. I would like to know how to remove and replace the lubricating mechanism. Then I can install the gate correctly and eliminate any leaks in this area. Any advise would be appreciated.
OMG thankyou. all the other videos were terrible, i was looking for air release valves that didn't exist on my zodiac unit, but all i needed to do was fill the pumps basket with water! Thanks!!!
It primes whenever the pump fills with water but most of the time I need to release the air pressure from gauge valve until water leaks out from the pump lid cover then then close the valve and turn on the timer switch to run the pump again. May I ask what could be wrong? Thanks
Quick question man on the second step are you able to do this with all brand of pumps cause my dad said I’m not supposed to do this step but I think that’s our problem 💀
my question is can the pump seal/gasket cause a “suction” leak or be enough to pull in air and cause the pump not to prime? I’ve fixed everything on suction side, Pump Union O ring, Pump lid O ring, 3 way valve O ring, Siliconed the Plumbing Joints. No luck.
The shaft seal is after the impeller, making it part of the pressure side plumbing. I've never heard of a bad shaft seal allowing enough air into the system to cause priming issues.
My issue was that my in-floor pool vacuum system (installed prior to when I bought the house) had a separate skimmer for the floor vac that I was not aware of, that had been badly clogged. Once I fixed that, the pump primed and all is well. Hope that helps someone one day
Thank you for bringing this up as a possibility. We don't often come across those in-floor cleaners, so it didn't make our list. Your comment will probably help a very frustrated pool owner down the line.
Should my Jandy filter pump be completely free of air? I think it was before but now there is still air in it. I've replaced the locking lid (came with o-ring), new filter manifold (old one cracked) and replaced the filter cartridges but there is still air in the pump. In your video, I see air in the pump, similar to mine. thanks for the informative video.
+Steven Paniagua there may be a few small bubbles that swirl around your lid when the pump is on but that is normal. If there is an air bubble that is close to the full width of your lid or your strainer does not fill all the way then you likely have an air leak. I would again check the suction side pvc and valves for any seam air leaks.
+Inyo Pools thanks. There used to be very small bubbles but now it's like the pump only has about 90% capacity of water, still too much air. I'll check the intakes next for possible leaks.
my pump doesnt have water in it looks dry & cant prime but just few bubbles are coming while switiching on...should i open the lid and fill water after switching ON the pump or when its OFF??
Thank You So Muchhhh. I installed a New Pump and Couldnt Figure out why it wasnt Working, "AKA" PRIMMING. I Didnt Know WHEN U install a new Pump U have to fill up the Pump With Water🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️... Seen This Video and fixed everything. I Put the water hose on in through the basket and ran it for 2 min to 3 min Like you Guys Said and Wallaaahhhh... I had called a Pool guy that was going to charge me $140 bucks just to come out and Check it Out... Thank You So Muchhh..... You Guys Saved Me!!!!!!🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
I think I had this problem from a low water level as you point out, but I am still puzzled about the cause since the intake ports in the skimmer, return ports and drains are still below the waterline?
I never used a pump, and when I first time turned my Intex sand filter pump on it does not work. It makes noise but won't suck water and the PSI meter shows 0 pressure. I'm 1000% sure I made everything what I should (watched tutorials and troubleshooting guides) and there is no explanation nowhere why it wont suck water. It never been used, I now know what every mode does and how it works and what can go wrong and everything seems fine, but still it won't suck water. This is frustrating, second day I'm looking for some answears what is wrong, but there seems to be no explanation on the internet about a case like mine.
Checked all of these things and nothing is working, I had a hose sit inside the basket for 20 minutes now and the water level doesn’t change and I moved the diverter valve in every position
Mine too! Today was my first pool problem that I actually fixed myself thanks to this video! My basket cover wasn't sealing properly. One good hammer-fist fixed it!
I have an unusual problem. My pump primes every morning when it comes on no problem. However, if I used the spa the night before the pump doesn't prime the next morning when it comes on. I end up having to prime it manually by pouring water into it. The valves are automatic actuator. This just started happening out of the blue, nothing was changed.
I have full suction , no leaks, but doesn't fully prime...the release valve on filter doesn't read psi and when open does not release water.. but when I plug up return line in pool, then I get psi readings and get water coming out release valve.. why is this
It may do that initially but it should slowly start to fill the strainer pot. It may take a minute or two. Make sure when you fill the strainer pot with the hose that you let it run for a minute or so. That will allow the pipes to fill up with some water. Another thing you can do is close the main drain or skimmer when the pump is trying to prime. Preferably the one that is furthest from the pump. This will put less strain on the pump. Once it is primed, you can open up the port that was closed.
My pool pad is about 24" above the pool water level, and 12" above the spa level. The spa holds its level when the system is off. Please explain if the filter pump housing is supposed to hold its water for the 16 hours the system is off. It drains back down to the spa level, and the pump has to pull up a 12" column at startup -- takes about 30 sec. No suction leaks I can detect. Is this normal priming? Are the seals wearing during the 30 sec?
You'd have to have a perfect vacuum seal to maintain prime with no pressure for that long. If the pump isn't losing prime while running, and it can prime itself, there shouldn't be an issue.
I have a above ground pool that has a round hole where the filter that came with it should go, but I want to use my sand filter and don't know how to plug the hole. Any help?
Hi bsizzle, the weir gate getting stuck is definitely another common issue people run into. We'll have to add that to our list for the future.Thanks for the insight.
Also leaks the the suction side valves. A oring kit will fix the problem. Slowly isolate valves till the one causes pump to down prime. And that valve is the culprit.
hi all i cannot find a replacement part for Sp-1610-C, are there any replacement parts that are exactly the same? all i can find are impeller that are much thinner than my original, will those still work? thanks in advance
Unfortunately, the SP1610C impeller was discontinued by Hayward. If you have the Hayward Super Pump, there is an upgrade kit. The part number is 5110-53. www.inyopools.com/Products/07501352011066.htm
my pump stays primed until I turn the valve to run the skimmer. Anything more than slightly opening the skimmer I lose prime and it primes when skimmer valve is closed. Is this a leak in the skimmer line? What do I do if the leak isn’t above ground?
Hi! Thanks for your video very helpful. I have a question I have an above ground Pool my pump looses prime but every time I back washes it prime comes back but after 30 min I loose it again and filter pressure goes above 20 psi . Why do you think it’s that?
Hi, it sounds like you could have a suction air leak. You'll need to check the pump lid o-ring and make sure it is properly sealed. If you have a small air leak, air pressure can build up over time in the filter tank.
Inyo Pools thanks for your quick reply! I have checked every joint with soap and water and found nothing but like you said it maybe the pump lid o-ring. If I change it for a new one and still have the problem then it might be the filter is not working properly? Thanks again
