One of the most important parts of your above ground pool is the pump. The pool pump circulates the water through the filter system, which cleans any debris from the swimming pool. Without the water moving around regularly, algae may start to form in your pool water. Sometimes the above ground pool pump will be on, but it will not move any water. This can happen when air gets in the system and will cause the above ground pool pump to lose its prime.
Air can enter the system in many different ways and in order to fix the issue, you need to check a couple things.
Air Relief and Shut Off Valves
The first thing you want to do is to check if your filter has an air relief valve. If it does, open it to release any pressure that has built up inside the above ground pool pump. Once the air is out, water should start flowing out of it and then you can close it. If your pool filter system has any shut off valves you will also want to make sure they are all in the open position. This allows the water to flow freely through the system.
Water Level of the Pool
How high is the water in your above ground pool? If it is not at least half way up the skimmer opening, your pump may be sucking in air. Sometimes you will hear a gurgling sound as the pump is trying to suck in water and instead is getting air. You will also want to check the weir door inside the skimmer. It may be stuck closed so make sure that it is functioning properly. If your water level is low, turn your above ground pool pump off and add more water to the pool. Once the water is high enough you can turn your pump back on and it should start to prime.
Strainer Housing
Another way air can enter your pool filter system is through the strainer housing. Turn off the pump and then slowly open the lid to allow air escape from the pump and relieve pressure. Remove the strainer basket within the pump and clean out any debris, leaves or sticks that are inside. Rinse the strainer with a garden hose to ensure all dirt is removed. Pour 2-3 gallons of water into the pumps housing. Check the lid of the strainer housing and make sure the o-ring is in there and is not stretched out or worn. If it is, replace it with a new one. Use Lube Tube O-Ring Lubricant-Sealant when putting on the new o-ring. Close the strainer housing and turn your above ground pool pump back on. The housing should get filled with water and start to prime.
Hose Connections and Pump Location
Air can be entering your above ground pool pump through any hose that is connected to it. Check to see that all clamps are fully tightened and secure. Make sure all the connections where o-rings are present are not worn out.
The farther away the pump is from the pool, the harder the system has to work to try and get the water to flow through.
Take a look at our extensive inventory of above ground pool replacement pumps and motors, which include all of the top brands such as AquaPro, Hayward, and Pentair.
Do you ever turn the above ground pool pump off? For instance if you are going to be out of town?
Hi Tia,
Above ground filter systems should generally run 8-12 hours or more per day depending on weather, bather load, and water conditions. If you are going on vacation, your filter system will still need to run to keep your pool clean. Algae can develop very quickly when water is not circulated, especially during the summer months. We would recommend using an outdoor timer to turn your filter pump on and off while you are away on vacation.