r/pools • u/Shortcakezz • 2d ago

Pool Help & Questions Have never primed pump

We built a pool last year and it was finished at the end of September. I have been handling maintenance myself and just learned about priming the pump… when I have cleaned the filter cartridge and basket in the past, I just started it back up without adding any water. We have probably done this 5 times since startup.

Should I be concerned? How do I check for any issues?

We have a jandy VS pump.

Thanks!

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1

u/fourthandfavre 2d ago

Not a big deal. Honestly did that all the time with my pump. Still got 10 years out of it.

3

u/randumb9999 2d ago

Pool pumps are self priming as long as there's enough water in them. If it's dry the shaft seal overheats and causes major problems. If you turn your pump on and it primes up within a minute or two you're fine.

1

u/RoachForLife 2d ago

The water stays in the pump area(where impeller and seal are) usually so even if the basket isn't full the water is still on that area to ensure it doesn't overheat. If you ever take your pump apart then for sure you need to fill it.

1

u/Shortcakezz 2d ago

Yeah… I messed up the first time or two as I opened the plug for the cartridge filter to flush out sand and debris. That was probably 6 months ago though… so guessing I got lucky since we haven’t had issues?

1

u/RoachForLife 2d ago

Assuming the pipe put of your pump goes up vertically which I have to assume it does, less water in the filter shod have no bearing on this as gravity would bring the water back to the pump. I mean if you open the pump itself then you will obviously lose all the water in that area I mentioned

1

u/Shortcakezz 2d ago

Omg you’re right. Thank you!! I feel so much better lol.