A superb video. I've owned a pool for 30+ years and have never seen instructions, this clear, on how to prime the pump. The straw analogies are excellent. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and tricks of the trade!
I've never done this or filled it with water after cleaning it out and never had a problem. Just some air in the lines that get bled out in 10-15 seconds.
I appreciate the video. My pump is controlled by a timer so it does not run 24-7. What happens when my pump turns back on and I'm not there to prime it? Should I always turn my pump on manually?
One tip I would add is to first fill the drain line up with water from your hose, then close the line. Same with the skimmer line. A lot of air in those lines, especially at season start-up.
@@-redacted_by_youtube - Nope. I've been a pool professional for over twenty years and this tip helps a lot. Especially if your pool equipment is a good twenty feet higher than your pool.
For my life long friend and Brother- In- Arms Gene Webb, 101st Airborne. I remember when the VA told you they had never seen anyone with as much Agent Orange in their body and still be alive. Two Purple Hearts, a Silver Star and Presidential Citation. You've been gone almost five years but I think of you daily. Two tours in Nam. Damn I miss you. RIP Brother.
This dude is an absolute genius. This method worked immediately after hours of priming the pump our traditional way I pay him for this video lol what's your cash app?
You were a great teacher. There are other videos on here that don’t explain enough. I am very much a green horn. You explained it wonderfully and my pool is running today! Thank you!!
Absolutely the best informational videos, we just built our 18ft x 50ft inground pool and information out there is very lacking. Your videos are very helpful to say the least
Love that pump so much easier then trying to quickly put the lid on before the water pours out . I do not have mine hard plumed in , it is just too cold in Ohio!!
The best tutorial on how to fix the prime problem so far, no other videos explained how to turn each of the valve on which I found super important and helpful, and it is precisely what the problem is for my pump.
Thank you so much Mark. I was at the end of my tether trying to prime a new pump I fitted today that is higher than the pool. Your gently, gently approach with the skimmer valve worked a treat. Cheers.
You are to absolutely clear, authoritative messaging what the surface of the Sun is to heat. You remind me of the very best and my most favorite instructors throughout my life. Energetic, no ego, real desire to help, intelligence, experience, demonstrative displays, clear information. I'm a pool owner for 45 years, when not in full enjoyment, absolutely pissed about something with the equipment. I can't wait till morning to throw my new knowledge at it.
Thank you. I am using a .75 HP pump for an in ground DIY splasher pool. I though I would have to locate the pump inlet below the waterline by placing it in a hole in the ground, but after watching this, it seems that all I really need is a valve and a garden hose for priming.
This video out of the 5 I watched was the only one that showed me what to do because the pump wouldnt prime for anything. Also gave me a tip I never knew with my pump sitting higher than the pool I apparently need to shut off the lines before removing the pump basket lid. I've always had to re prime in the past. Thanks so much!
I've been a pool owner with help for 5yrs. This year I'm on my own with it. There are so many things I don't know or have been doing wrong. Priming the pump is just one. Thank you for this and the other videos you make. So helpful and information detailed. Thank you so much!.. And I've got my bases covered. Liked. Commented. SUBSCRIBED! 👍🏼🇺🇲
It sounds like you have a 3 way valve, if so you can still prime on one line and shut the other line down. If not you can still prime but it may take a few times or it may take a little longer. Thanks for watching.
One of the BEST videos I’ve seen to date!! You saved me an EASY THOUSAND bucks from a “numb-nut know it all” who KNEW how to prime the pump on my new pool. This EXACT pump. He did NOT know. In fact he did everything wrong and I saw the water boiling and kicked his arse out and then found your video. He has a pool too. And it worked. Lord only knows how but he won’t be touching my pool again! Thanks again!!!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Just piling on here, but your videos are outstanding! I have an elevated pump with a 50ft run and was completely stumped. The technique you use to prime a little bit at a time using the suction side valve literally saved the day for me. Thank you!!
Another great video! I can probably fire that pool guy with all I’ve learned. Wait a minute… I am the pool guy. At least it’s job security! Thanks again!
Excellent explanation! Every year, it usually takes a while to get my system primed. I only have 1 valve from the skimmer and the drain and have always kept it open when starting the pump. Next season I will definitely try opening slowly when starting the pump………. 🤞🏻
This science principle behind what the host is doing with the valves helps to increase suction above and beyond what the pump is able to provide. The force of the pump's suction is fixed but the effective force is essentially equal to (pump Force divided by the Cross sectional area of the valve opening). By reducing the opening in the valve the effective force of suction from the pump is increased.
Mine is a pump for a water feature and it doesn’t have any valves to close to prime it. So I fill it but water just keeps going in and not filling. Any ideas on how to prime it?
Since you only have one line, it will be easy to prime. You do not have to fill the pump all the way, just put water in the housing. Secure the lid and turn on the pump and it should prime. If it doesn’t prime right away then you may have to repeat. Thanks for watching.
Oh my goodness! After battling to prime a new pump (new pool) we came across this video. Absolutely nailed it, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, you saved us a massive headache 😊😊😊
I'm hoping I can get mine primed now, I made the mistake of not turning the pump off while taking the lid off and pouring water in, now it serms the jets in the pool have no water going through them, or coming out at all.
You sir are a gift from god, first time owner here and I did what you said except I was opening the skimmer all the way instead of little by little how you suggested. Thanks for the tips! Thumbs up and sub
THIS WAS AWESOME- !!!! I am about to start a brand new pool , same setup , in about a week. PLEASE make us a quick video on the filter to the right. I wish I could say it cane with GREAT instructions but your videos are worth 10X that ..I mean it would be great if they explained how I get those legs on the shaft and INTO the filiter...or what is the TUBE with the clear plast hose that seems to go inside...UGGG....They should be clear to the homeowner- Thanks again in advance and for making prime seem simple
Wow..... I've watched 6-8 youtube videos about this subject and none were even close to the caliber of information and delivery. Thanks so much!! A+++++
When priming my pump, the water just keeps flowing down the lines into the pool and never fills up the pump to top. I don't have on/off valves just a diverted valve. Recently got my pool remodeled and never had this problem before. What could be the cause??
@@califon7561 You may want to check your pump, if your pump’s impeller is clogged then this can happen. However, there are several things that could be the problem. I need more information in order to help, if you want to check out my Patreon page l can work with you on this issue. Thanks for watching.
New to pools, pump wasn't priming, put new seal kit in, still not priming. This video provided the knowledge needed to understand how to properly prime the system. Very well done systematic description. Bravo!!!
Instead of repeatedly trying to fill the leaf basket, try opening the valve for the skimmer line and filll the line as well -fill both skimmer and drain lines simultaneously, because why not. As soon as the leaf basket starts to overflow, close the skimmer line (and drain line, if you even have one), and seal the leaf basket. This will work for both at-grade or below-grade. No, the water won’t simply drain back into the pool if you’re paying attention. Quickly closing the valves will prevent excessive gravity drain. In the event of an above grade pool skimmer basket line, just break the seal on the leaf basket, open the skimmer line, and it’ll prime itself. As soon as the water starts overflowing the leaf basket, tighten the seal on the leaf basket. Done!
I have an older pool, my system is up hill, doesn't have a drain line (main drain line is in the skimmer), and no valve for the skimmer line. The only method that works for me is putting a bladder in the skimmer line from the skimmer and waiting for the skimmer line to fill up completely to the pump. Then when the pump is full of water, closing the lid and screwing it tightly, turn on the pump, turn off the water to the bladder and pull out the bladder. It's best to do it with two people, one at the pump and the other ready to turn off the hose water and pull out the bladder.
I am back with a new problem. You are my go to guy as my local stores have trouble answering my questions. I have 31,000 gallons of water. I bought a 1 hp motor 2 years ago and it is about to go out. My neighbor has a 1 hp motor for his pump and has 16,000 gallons. How do I know what size motor I need for my Hayward filter/pump system? I am thinking 1.5 or 2 hp motor. Is that correct?
It depends on the size of the filter, number of skimmers etc. If you email your contact info l will be glad to help. My email is on my RU-vid channel. Thanks for watching.
Great video! You always explain thoroughly. I have a question regarding priming the pump. I have a deep and a shallow skimmer but only 1 valve to control them. What do I do in that scenario? I can send you a pic of the valve setup if you like.
Why starting with the skimmer port? It is good to mention that both ports have different pressure heads. The bottom port is deeper than the skimmer one so there is differential pressure the pump. The pump never sucks evenly 50/50. I know you know but it would be valuable to clarify this point to viewers.
When priming it does not matter if we prime from the skimmer first or the drain first. Priming one line at a time just makes it easier to prime the pump. Even though the drain is deeper, water will find level, so the pump will still prime the same on the drain line as it does the skimmer line. Thanks for watching.
My system is built with a check valve in front of the pump. Doesn't that hold the return lines full of water, so that I don't have to follow this priming process repeatedly? My system is much higher than the pool, so when I turn off my pump and open it to clean it out, the water in the filter drains back to the pool. I'm thinking I need to shut that valve when I turn off the pump to keep the system more filled with water, correct? My pump has never primed since it was installed. Water is flowing well, but the water level has never completely filled the pump. It runs with a couple inches of air in it. What does that mean?
@@RichardDouglas-s4j The check valve or flow valve if installed on the suction line sounds like it was put there so that you don’t lose prime when starting the pump. There are several things that could be happening such as the valve is bad, the valve is installed wrong, the pump is not air tight or the pump might be clogged, to name a few things. I need more information in order to help. If you would like to check out my Patreon page l will be glad to work with you one on one in resolving this issue. Thanks for watching.
I do not see the skimmer or drain valve attached to my pump. Just a pipe coming out of the pump and going underground and connecting to the swimming pool. The pump is not priming, any idea/tips?
If you only have one line going into the pump with no valve you can still prime the pump. If you have a sand filter, try priming on recirculate. If the pump primes then you will have to clean the filter. If the pump doesn’t prime in recirculate then you may have a suction leak, clogged pump, clogged skimmer or low water level. This is some of the first things to check, however l need more information in order to help. Checkout my Patreon page, l will be able to work with you one on one and go into more detail on this issue. Thanks for watching.
@@mwilson9431 When starting a self priming pump you want to make sure there is water in the pump housing (strainer pot) when priming. This will allow the pump to prime easier, faster and with less strain on the motor. Thanks for watching.
If you would have an extra Tee between the pump inlet and the existing tee, you could hook a garden hose with a small valve. Instead of always opening the pump cover.
I cannot get my pump to prime. I only have one intake line, from my floor drains. It's about 10'along the bottom of the pool, 6'vertical, then 12' to my pump. How long can I let the pump run with no water coming in? Been using your approach for the last hour, getting frustrated
You should be able to prime your pump fairly easy if you only have one line. Make sure you have water in your pump before starting. It will be fine to let the pump run for a minute or two, make sure your lid is secure and air tight. If it doesn’t prime right away close your line and turn off your pump, refill your pump and repeat, make sure you open your valve when you start your pump again. If you have a drain line then you should also have a skimmer line. Without seeing your set up it’s hard to say what you have, if you are doing everything correctly it should prime. If you can not prime there may be other issues such as air leaks, a clogged impeller or even low water level to name a few. If you would like to check out my patreon page l will be glad to help and go into more detail with you on this issue. Thanks for watching.
In a single valve setup, it seems impossible to close both the skimmer and drain simultaneously...closing one will open up the other. How can both be closed then at the same time or am I missing something?
You can close the line with the valve and prime off the other line that does not have a valve. Having a valve on each line makes it easier but you can still prime. Thanks for watching.
Whenever I open the pump to clean out the basket. I fill it up with water, close it and turn on the pump but sometimes it doesn’t prime. What am I doing wrong? Any advise would be helpful and appreciated.
Unfortunately, the only valve I have controls the mix of skimmer vs drain. There is no way to shut both lines off. How would I prime in that situation?
It sounds like you have a 3 way valve and you should be able to shut off both lines. If not shut off one line and prime off the other. Make sure you have enough water in the pump and the pump will prime with one line open, it may just take a little longer. Thanks for watching.
Please help. At startup each year should the tech fill up the line with the hose? This should only be done once at the beginning of the season or when the cleaning tech takes the lid off. Right? I can’t imagine doing this everyday when I use my pump.
Once primed your pump should hold prime. If you have to clean the basket in the housing you can turn off the pump and then shut off the drain and skimmer lines before opening. This will hold the water so you do not have to prime again.
Good question, when priming you do not have to release pressure because the pump is not fully primed. Once the system is primed and running you can open the valve to bleed the air out of the filter. If you have to prime more than once you don’t want to leave the pressure valve open when you turn off the pump because of back pressure. This is why you close the skimmer and drain lines when the pump is off, to hold the water. The concept is similar to putting your thumb over a straw in a glass of water and removing. Remove your thumb from the straw and the water is no longer held in the straw. Thanks for watching.
Can you show how to prime the pump when you have just the one multiport valve for the skimmer and drain. Not sure how you close both then open one at a time. Thank you
For example, if you only have one valve on the drain line and no valve on the skimmer line, you can close the drain and prime the skimmer first. You will not be able to close the skimmer but the pump will prime on one line much easier than two. Once the skimmer is primed you will be able to open the drain line slowly. In order to regulate either line it is nice to have a valve on both the skimmer line and the drain line. Thanks for watching.
It does not matter if you have one hole or two holes in your skimmer, you would prime the same. If you only have a skimmer and no other skimmers or drain, the pump can prime on one line much easier than multiple lines at the same time. If you don’t have any valves in front of the pump, once you fill the pump it is self priming.
I've done what you said and for some reason the water won't go past the top of the debris basket inside.....I've done the process of stopping and refilling with hose 3 times. Still this result. My heater won't work because it says I have low pressure issues and I do see bubbles coming out of the pool jets....
What you are describing could be a suction leak. However there could be several possibilities that would be better to discuss over the phone. I will be glad to help, just give me a call. I'm available Monday-Saturday 10 to 5 EST.
@@HallmarkPoolSupplies i figured it out. It was simply just a dirty old filter. Cleaned it and everything worked as it should! Thank you for your great videos!
It sometimes takes a few try's to get the pump running. What he's showing you, It's the only way to prime the pump. It does work. Just have patients. It's much easy todo with two people. That's the way i do it. Thank you Sir.😄👍
I live in Massachusetts, I just got an estimate for a new liner installed 20x40 rectangular in ground pool,.. ready for this one ?……. $9,800.00 ( called seven places and that’s the only person who called back and there’s a four week to six week wait to install )… is that outrageous or what ?
You can still prime one line at a time with a 3 way valve. For example you can close the drain and prime the skimmer. Once primed you can slowly open the drain line. Thanks for watching.
You will usually prime the pump in the filter position. If you are in any of the other positions it does not matter, just make sure you are not in the winter or closed position.
Excellent simply informative video, sir! Thank you. Definitely subscribing and I'll also stop doing repairs before searching my question in your lineup of videos. lol. It's obvious by the comment section you know you are youtube niche to follow when the the comment section is filled with more praise than questions (if many questions at all.) My mistake for this being so long winded. Luckily in 2020 I bought a house at a great interest rate. Had to take it, and figured out the hard way to spend the money to call and request a pool 101 where a tech comes out to the property. Of course I bypassed that. thank you and I must reiterate how well you've instructed and while also defining fundamentals. I also like you start bare bones. Most videos are in someone lavish back yard with massive system and extra lines for fountains and spas and those greek statues that descrete water. Cheers Mark!
