{"id":414718,"date":"2026-01-26T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/poolcomet.com\/how-to-prime-a-swimming-pool-pump-manually-and-why-it-de-primes\/"},"modified":"2026-06-10T16:00:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T15:00:15","slug":"how-to-prime-a-swimming-pool-pump-manually-and-why-it-de-primes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/poolcomet.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-prime-a-swimming-pool-pump-manually-and-why-it-de-primes\/","title":{"rendered":"How to prime a swimming pool pump manually and why it de-primes."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Knowing how to prime a pool pump<\/strong> correctly is essential for the filtration system to function normally. When a pump is not primed, it does not draw water, loses flow, makes noise and may overheat or stop due to thermal protection. If the problem recurs, it usually indicates air ingress, poor sealing or pump wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As professionals in maintenance and sale of pool pumps<\/a>, we explain how to perform manual priming, what changes when the pump is elevated, how to purge the installation and why a pool pump is de-primed. We also tell you when to stop insisting and replace the pump with a new one.<\/p>\n\n

How to Prime a Pool Pump Manually<\/h2>\n\n

Priming a pool pump consists of completely filling the pump body and suction pipe with water to remove air.<\/strong> Centrifugal pumps do not draw air and need water to generate the vacuum that moves the circuit.<\/p>\n\n

To prime a pool pump professionally, follow the steps below:<\/p>\n\n

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  1. Turn off the pump and turn off the power<\/strong>. Never handle the prefilter cover while the pump is running.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Open the prefilter cover<\/strong>. Slowly loosen to release pressure. You can remove the basket if necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Completely fill the prefilter with water<\/strong>. Use a hose or bucket to do this, filling to the brim. This step is key to manual priming.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Check and lubricate the o-ring<\/strong>. Clean<\/a> the cap seat and lubricate the o-ring with neutral petroleum jelly to ensure tightness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Close the lid properly<\/strong>. Tighten firmly, but without forcing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Opens suction valves<\/strong>. The Skimmer and\/or bottom must be fully open.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Start the pump<\/strong>. Watch the prefilter, to make sure it fills completely in seconds. The return must recover pressure progressively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Additional purge (if applicable)<\/strong>. If you have a sand or glass filter, open the filter trap until air-free water comes out and close it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n

    How to Prime an Aboveground Pool Pump<\/h3>\n
    \n
    \"Above-ground<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

    When the pump is above the water level, priming requires more attention because gravity does not help.<\/p>\n\n

    Our professional recommendations are:<\/p>\n\n