Priming A Swimming Pool Pump

by Francis Lowe⁽⁴⁾
http://www.poolwarehouseuk.com/

A pump which is not primed fully is not working very efficiently and could be causing damage to the motor. It is therefore essential that a pump is regularly checked for prime and re primed if necessary.

A pump is said to be primed when all the water has been purged from the pump and it is capable of moving water.

A pump has lost its prime when either it is not moving water when switched on or moving it ineffieciently, mixed with air.

There are several reasons why you may find it necessary to re-establish prime in your pool pump. It could be when you re-connect your pump after the winter closedown, after emptying the strainer basket, or if there has been a leak in the pipework system.

If you need to re-establish prime in your pump follow these steps.

1. The first step is to turn off the pump.

2. On the suction side of the pump, close all valves, including the Main Drain, Skimmer and Vacuum Lines.

3. Slowly open the strainer lid of the pump, releasing any built up pressure carefully.

4. Remove the strainer basket, inspect and replace. If the basket is damaged in any way, replace it with a new one and make sure that any debris is removed from around the impeller.

5. Check the o ring on the pump lid to make sure it is in good condition without any damage. Replace if necessary to ensure a good seal.

6. Once the basket is replaced, fill the chamber with water.

7. Next replace the strainer lid, making sure that it forms a good seal, but do not over tighten as this can cause damage to the o-ring. Do not use tools to tighten the lid, as this could result in over tightening and damage to the o-ring and possibly the lid and pump body.

8. Turn the pump back on at the mains.

9.Slowly open only one suction side valve, such as the main drain. Wait for the pump to catch its prime, this could take about thirty seconds, and you will see a good flow of water going through the pump.

10. If the pump does not catch its prime, close the valve, then turn off the pump. Repeat the above process, filling the strainer basket, turning on the pump and opening a valve. It may be necessary to repeat this several times in order to completely remove all air from the system.

11. Only when you have the water flowing through one line, should you slowly open the next valve on the suction side.

12.If the pump remains primed and there is no visible evidence of air in the system then open the next valve and so on until all valves and pipelines are open, purged of air, and freely circulating water. If on opening any valve it becomes clear that air has been released, then close that valve down immediately and switch off the pump. Repeat the air purging cycle of loosening the strainer lid, fill with water, re fit lid and turn on pump again. Keep repeating until all valves are open and all lines are free from air.

Francis Lowe is a leading expert in swimming pool maintenance with a huge wealth of experience developed from 40 years in the industry.

To see a full range of pool equipment, including pool supplies and swimming pool supplies please see the website of specialist supplier poolwarehouseuk.com

Article submitted Wednesday, January 25, 2012 & read 1 times.

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