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PUMP & MOTOR
Your pool water circulates as a result of your pump and motor. Which,
generally recommended, should operate a minimum of 8 to 12 hours
every day, up to 24 hours a day. If you begin to experience a water
problem, cloudy water or algae present, run the filter longer, 24 hours
if necessary. Optional automatic timers are a convenient way to
control run-times.
Your pump has a suction side and a discharge side. The pump housing holds an impeller that
pushes water to the discharge side of the pump, where it then flows through the filter for
cleaning and then it goes back to the pool through the return fitting.
Most pumps have a lint strainer where the water enters the pump. The pump strainer basket is
usually positioned under a clear lid, so you can literally see if it contains any debris. You will
have to check the pump basket regularly and clean it out with a hose. The lid on the lint
strainer holds an o-ring that must be lubricated with an o-ring lubricant from time to time to
ensure a good water tight seal. (do not use Vaseline® on o-rings as the petroleum can break
down the rubber) When worn, cracked or stretched the strainer lid o-ring will not seal properly
which can allow air into the lines causing pump to not hold prime and air bubbles in return inlet.
Inspect the o-ring for wear and replace as needed.
Your pump will have (1) or (2) ¼” drain plug(s) threaded into the lint pot and or pump housing;
the drain plug is used to drain water out of the pump for winterizing. If your plugs come with o-
rings you should keep them lubricated to keep air from entering the pump and loosing prime.
Priming
Priming your pump (removing air and filling with water) may need to be done manually. Most
above ground pumps are not self priming and occasionally inground self priming pumps may
still need to be primed. At times the pump will lose its prime if the pump is higher than the water
level in the pool, if it has been winterized or after cleaning your pump basket. If you need to
prime your pump use the following steps:
Check water level in the pool is at the half-way point on the skimmer.
Check the skimmer basket –empty if needed.
Make sure the drain plugs are installed in the pump.
Check that any valves leading to pump are in the open position
Remove the lid from the lint strainer at front of pump.
Take a garden hose and put it into the pump housing. Fill the pump housing, which
should automatically fill the suction line.
When water flows out of the pump housing remove the hose.
Put the lid back on the pump over the basket area. Check the lid O-ring is in place so
that no air gets into the pump housing.
Quickly turn “on” the power to the pump.