How To Prime Pool Pump With Cartridge Filter?

How to Prime a Pool Pump with a Cartridge Filter

Your pool pump is an essential part of keeping your pool clean and healthy. It circulates the water, removes dirt and debris, and helps to keep the water at a comfortable temperature. But if your pool pump isn’t primed properly, it won’t be able to do its job effectively.

Priming a pool pump is a simple process, but it’s important to do it correctly. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of priming a pool pump with a cartridge filter. We’ll also provide some tips for troubleshooting common problems.

So if you’re having trouble with your pool pump, or if you’re just not sure how to prime it, read on for all the information you need.

Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the pump and close the drain valve.
2 Open the air bleed valve on the filter housing.
3 Turn on the pump and allow it to run for a few minutes.
4 Once the water level rises above the air bleed valve, close the valve.

How to Prime Pool Pump with Cartridge Filter?

Step 1: Turn Off the Pump and Close the Valves

The first step in priming a pool pump with a cartridge filter is to turn off the pump and close the valves. This will help to prevent water from flowing back into the pump basket and making it difficult to prime.

To turn off the pump, locate the pump switch and turn it to the off position. Then, locate the valves on the pool filter and turn them all to the closed position.

Step 2: Add Water to the Pump Basket

The next step is to add water to the pump basket. This can be done by pouring water directly into the basket or by using a hose to fill it.

To pour water into the basket, simply remove the lid and pour water directly into the basket until it is full. To use a hose, attach the hose to the spigot and turn on the water. Then, place the end of the hose in the pump basket and allow the water to fill it.

Important: Make sure that the water level in the pump basket is above the impeller.

The impeller is the part of the pump that moves the water through the system. If the water level is below the impeller, it will not be able to move the water and the pump will not prime.

Step 3: Priming the Pump

Once the pump basket is full of water, it is time to prime the pump. Priming the pump means to create a vacuum inside the pump that will draw water from the pool and into the pump.

To prime the pump, turn the pump switch to the on position. Then, use the priming button or valve on the pump to prime the pump. The priming button or valve is usually located on the top of the pump.

Press the priming button or valve repeatedly until water starts to flow out of the return jets in the pool. Once water is flowing out of the return jets, the pump is primed and you can turn off the priming button or valve.

Step 4: Open the Valves

The final step is to open the valves on the pool filter. This will allow water to flow through the filter and back into the pool.

To open the valves, turn them all to the open position. Then, turn on the pump and allow the pool to filter for the recommended amount of time.

Priming a pool pump with a cartridge filter is a relatively simple process. By following these steps, you can easily prime your pump and get your pool back up and running in no time.

Here are some additional tips for priming a pool pump with a cartridge filter:

  • Make sure that the pump basket is clean and free of debris.
  • Use clean water to prime the pump.
  • Prime the pump slowly and carefully.
  • If the pump is still not priming, you may need to have it serviced by a qualified technician.

By following these tips, you can easily prime your pool pump and keep your pool clean and healthy.

Step 3: Prime the Pump

Once you have attached the pump to the filter, it’s time to prime it. Priming the pump ensures that there is water flowing through the pump and filter before you turn it on. This will help to prevent damage to the pump and filter.

To prime the pump, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the power to the pump.
2. Open the air bleed valve on the pump. This valve is usually located on the top of the pump.
3. Squeeze the primer bulb on the pump until it is firm.
4. Turn on the power to the pump.
5. Continue to squeeze the primer bulb until water flows out of the air bleed valve.
6. Close the air bleed valve.

The pump should now be primed and ready to use.

Step 4: Open the Valves and Turn on the Pump

Once the pump is primed, it’s time to open the valves and turn on the pump. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the drain valve on the bottom of the pool. This will allow the air to escape from the pool and help to prime the pump.
2. Open the filter valve on the filter. This will allow water to flow through the filter.
3. Turn on the pump.

The pump should now be running and circulating water through the pool.

Here are some additional tips for priming and operating your pool pump:

  • Make sure that the pump is properly sized for your pool. A pump that is too small will not be able to circulate the water properly, and a pump that is too large will waste energy.
  • Keep the pump filter clean. A dirty filter will restrict the flow of water through the pump, which can damage the pump.
  • Inspect the pump regularly for leaks. If you find a leak, repair it immediately.
  • If the pump is not working properly, turn it off and call a qualified pool technician.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your pool pump is operating properly and efficiently.

Priming and operating a pool pump is a relatively simple task, but it is important to do it correctly to prevent damage to the pump and filter. By following the steps in this guide, you can ensure that your pool pump is running smoothly and efficiently.

How do I prime my pool pump with a cartridge filter?

1. Turn off the pump and disconnect the power cord.
2. Locate the air bleed valve on the pump housing.
3. Turn the air bleed valve counterclockwise until it is fully open.
4. Scoop some water from the pool and pour it into the pump housing until the water level is about halfway up the pump housing.
5. Turn the air bleed valve clockwise until it is fully closed.
6. Plug the power cord back into the pump and turn it on.
7. The pump should start to prime and the water level in the pump housing should rise.
8. Once the water level in the pump housing is full, the pump will be primed and you can start using it to filter your pool water.

What if my pool pump won’t prime?

There are a few possible reasons why your pool pump might not be priming. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

  • Make sure that the air bleed valve is open. If the air bleed valve is closed, air will get trapped in the pump housing and prevent the pump from priming.
  • Make sure that the pump housing is filled with water. If the pump housing is not filled with water, the pump will not be able to create enough suction to draw water from the pool.
  • Check the impeller for damage. If the impeller is damaged, it will not be able to properly move water through the pump.
  • Check the pump for leaks. If the pump is leaking, water will be lost from the pump housing and the pump will not be able to prime.

If you have tried these troubleshooting tips and your pool pump still won’t prime, you may need to call a professional for help.

How often should I prime my pool pump?

You should prime your pool pump every time you start it up. This will help to ensure that the pump is running properly and that it is able to draw water from the pool.

Can I prime my pool pump without turning it off?

It is not recommended to prime your pool pump without turning it off. Turning the pump off will help to prevent water from being accidentally spilled and it will also help to protect the pump from damage.

What happens if I don’t prime my pool pump?

If you do not prime your pool pump, the pump will not be able to draw water from the pool and it will not be able to filter the water. This can lead to a number of problems, including:

  • Dirty pool water: If the pump is not able to filter the water, the water will become dirty and cloudy.
  • Stagnant water: If the water is not circulated, it can become stagnant and stagnant water can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
  • Damage to the pump: If the pump is not able to draw water, it can overheat and damage the pump motor.

It is important to prime your pool pump every time you start it up to prevent these problems.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to prime a pool pump with a cartridge filter. We have covered the steps in detail, as well as some common problems and solutions. We hope that this information has been helpful, and that you are now able to prime your pool pump with confidence.

Here are a few key takeaways from this blog post:

  • The most important step in priming a pool pump is to make sure that the pump is turned off.
  • You should also make sure that the filter is clean and free of debris.
  • To prime the pump, you will need to open the air bleed valve and slowly turn on the pump.
  • Once the pump is primed, you should close the air bleed valve and check for leaks.

If you have any questions about priming your pool pump, please do not hesitate to contact a qualified pool professional.

Author Profile

Carla Denker
Carla Denker
Carla Denker first opened Plastica Store in June of 1996 in Silverlake, Los Angeles and closed in West Hollywood on December 1, 2017. PLASTICA was a boutique filled with unique items from around the world as well as products by local designers, all hand picked by Carla. Although some of the merchandise was literally plastic, we featured items made out of any number of different materials.

Prior to the engaging profile in west3rdstreet.com, the innovative trajectory of Carla Denker and PlasticaStore.com had already captured the attention of prominent publications, each one spotlighting the unique allure and creative vision of the boutique. The acclaim goes back to features in Daily Candy in 2013, TimeOut Los Angeles in 2012, and stretched globally with Allure Korea in 2011. Esteemed columns in LA Times in 2010 and thoughtful pieces in Sunset Magazine in 2009 highlighted the boutique’s distinctive character, while Domino Magazine in 2008 celebrated its design-forward ethos. This press recognition dates back to the earliest days of Plastica, with citations going back as far as 1997, each telling a part of the Plastica story.

After an illustrious run, Plastica transitioned from the tangible to the intangible. While our physical presence concluded in December 2017, our essence endures. Plastica Store has been reborn as a digital haven, continuing to serve a community of discerning thinkers and seekers. Our new mission transcends physical boundaries to embrace a world that is increasingly seeking knowledge and depth.

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