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Many pool pumps nowadays are self-priming, meaning that they can automatically generate water flow after turning on, even if there are significant amounts of air in the system. Some pumps require you to manually prime your pump before turning it on. The following steps will show you how to prime a pool pump.

• Turn off the system. When working on any pool equipment, your system should always be turned off.
• Find your diverter valve that determines if your water comes from your main drain or skimmer. Take note of the position, and then move it so water will only come from one of the locations.
• Open up your air relief valve on top of your filter to help remove any excess air pressure in the system once it is turned on.
• Open up the lid covering your pump basket and remove any debris in the basket that may hinder water flow.
• Check your pump basket lid for any cracks, and make sure the corresponding O-ring is still in good condition and properly lubricated.
• Use a garden hose to fill the pump basket up with water. Once full, quickly replace the lid on top of the housing and hand-tighten it.
• With the air relief valve open and your pump lid properly replaced, turn the system on.
• Check the water flow in the pump basket. If water is not consistently flowing through the basket in 30 – 45 seconds, turn the system off and repeat these steps. After redoing these steps, if you still have issues, you most likely have an air leak in the system that needs to be fixed. Check all lids, O-rings, and housings to make sure they’re in working condition. If none can be found, you may want to consider calling out a service technician to diagnose the problem.
• Once water is consistently flowing, you will begin to hear air flowing out of the air relief valve on the filter. This is air being removed from the system that entered when you opened up your pump lid.
• When water is consistently flowing out of the air relief valve, close the valve.
• Slowly return your diverter valve handle back to its original position and open up your air relief valve again to ensure that all air is gone from the pipe you just opened.
• Close the air relief valve, and turn off the system.

Again, if you are still having trouble after trying these steps, it may be time to call an expert out to examine your pump and test for any leaks.