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Yes and no. I have been dealing with this exact issue. If your pump and filter are running properly, you shouldn't have to prime the pump each time, but depending on the age of your pool and the size of the filter, it's possible that you will have to do so. For instance, older pools were often installed with smaller than recommended pumps and filters. Our 12,500 gal inground pool is having this issue and we do have to prime the pump each time we start the filter. The other option is to replace the whole system, of course.
It is also possible that there is an air leak somewhere in your lines that cause the pump to lose it's prime. Our pool company has been out 6 time trying to figure our problem out... good luck!
Have your pool company install a "check valve" in the suction line. This will hold water in the line when the pump is off. the valve itself should cost no more than $8.00, plus whatever they charge for installation (as the pipe needs to be cut and reattached)
Have they checked the pump seal, pump lid gasket, the fittings in and out of the pump -- these can become loose if the pump has run dry for any length of time. Also remove and replace the filter gasket. It may be so old that it will not stay sealed when the pump is off and still not leak when the system is running. Good time to clean the filter while this is being done. Have them recheck it if they have been there before. These can be stubborn.
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CoachTo prime a swimming pool pump when the motor is in operation and the pressure gauge has 0 lbs. of pressure you will first need to turn the motor off. Take off the strainer basket lid and fill the strainer basket with water until some water is running back through the incoming line. Replace the pump basket, close the lid and tighten the t-bolts or clamps. Some have a twist type lid. It just depends on the brand and model of your pump. If you have an air relief valve open it to remove extra air from the filter tank. Turn the motor back on. Close the air relief valve when water comes out.(If yours is equipped with one) If the pump will not prime, do these steps again. Don't let the pump run over 30 seconds when trying to prime. You do not want to burn it up. I hope this helps you.
Answer::
30 seconds is a bit quick. You can go up to as much as 5 or even 10 minutes. If after trying the above method a couple of times with no apparent or promising results try putting a garden hose in the skimmer blocking it in with a rag or your hands. Have someone turn on the water and the pump letting the pump draw water from the hose. Let that helper tell you when the water is beginning to get sucked into the pump. You can probably feel when the pump is sucking. Remove the rag and hose and let the pump continue to "prime". ( be careful not to let the rag get sucked into the skimmer hole). Bleed off any trapped air also during this process.
K
One way: Remove the pump lid and add water to the top of the pot. Close the pot lid and start the pump. Let run 2 to 4 min to see if the water will come into the pot on it's own. You may have to try this 2 - 3 times.
Other way: Force a hose into the skimmer, plug the extra space around the hose with a rag DON'T FORGET TO REMOVE THE RAG AS THE PUMP STARTS TO DRAW THE WATER THRU THE SKIMMER. Turn on the water on full while having someone hold the hose in the skimmer. As the pump draws water easily remove the hose and monitor. If the pump looses prime then you may have suction leak. That is where air is drawn into the pump and then into the filter. If the latter is the problem then you have to correct or fix the source of the leak.
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