Ask the Pool Guy Allan Curtis was out and about over the weekend answering homeowner questions.
One question he fielded was what to do when the equipment for the pool is above pool level. In this case, approximately 3′. When priming the pump for the season, the pool guy recommends filling up the pipes from the pump to the pool with as much water as possible. He also uses a special connection on a garden hose and placed in the skimmer to force water up the pipe to the pump. Once the pump is primed, as long as the system stays running and allows no air into the system, turning the pump on and off should be just fine. In situations where there is a slight air leak, perhaps from a pump lid not sealing properly, you may lose prime when the system is off. If you need to open the pump basket to remove debris, close the valves coming into the pump while cleaning, and be sure to re-open it when you are ready to turn the system back on.
If you need help understanding your plumbing situation, or any others that are pool related, please feel free to use the contact us page or leave a comment on any related blog post. Our team is here to help!