A common issue is when the pump comes on it may not come to prime. Prime meaning the pump doesn’t flow with water. On some older pumps that don’t have the protection and don’t shut off automatically this can cause for them to overheat. Below are some troubleshooting steps you can take to see where the issue might be and get it primed again.
Pump prime issues troubleshooting
Turn OFF the pump and ensure it’s not able to come back on when doing all of the below.
Check that the pump lid and gasket are on correctly and are not damaged and clear of any debris. Check pump and lid for cracks and chips.
Check that all the Jandy levers are in the correct position and that they are not cracked or damaged consider changing the jandy valve gaskets if needed.
Check the skimmer weir is not trapped closed.
Swimming pool equipment
Check that the impeller within the pump is not clogged with debris using impeller tool or screw driver.
Ensure pump is OFF. Check the impeller turns freely using a screwdriver or impeller tool. Remove pump lid and turn on pump to see if water within the pump gurgles and moves into the pump when turned on.
Check that the levers all turn freely as there could be debris within them preventing water flow.
Check to see that the filter cartridges are clean and not restricting flow.
Check water level it could be sucking in air from a skimmer pipe if the water is low
Check for damp patches around the pump gasket that connects to the motor may have leaked out water preventing it from priming once the motor goes off.
If you think one of the pipes is blocked see if the pump primes from one of them only, try the skimmer with all others closed and then try main drain or spa with others closed.
If the pump has run dry try pouring a bucket of water into the pump or use a garden hose this may get it primed manually but it may not come back on automatically on the next schedule.
If you have an elevated spa it may prime from that pipe as the water is higher that the pool but even if you get it primed it may still indicate an issue is present and repairs maybe needed if issue continues.
If you need any help with your pool and are in the Las Vegas and Henderson area contact PoolStar we are here and happy to help.