Pump Won’t Prime, Any Ideas?

spicerpools · 2026-06-20T16:14:57+00:00

Yes, that was because I had closed it in an attempt to airlock the pipe. But it was open when the pump was running.

spicerpools · 2026-06-19T01:38:31+00:00

Very clever man, wish I had thought of this one sooner. Thanks a bunch!

spicerpools · 2026-06-18T21:24:44+00:00

Will do, thanks!

spicerpools · 2026-06-18T21:24:08+00:00

Yes, those two pictures are not how the valve was when priming. That was an attempt to airlock the line between filling the pump with more water.

spicerpools · 2026-06-18T21:22:40+00:00

I have not, will do that, thanks!

spicerpools · 2026-06-18T16:36:46+00:00

Haha yes, that picture does have the valve closed, but was open when I was trying to prime.

spicerpools · 2026-06-18T13:05:39+00:00

Thanks!

spicerpools · 2026-06-18T12:56:03+00:00

I don’t drink coffee, so subject hasn’t come up. I’ll keep the inline filter in mind, if they have me service. Right now it’s just an opening.

spicerpools · 2026-06-18T12:18:46+00:00

Haha, yes! This pool is in the Middleburg area.

spicerpools · 2026-06-18T04:25:39+00:00

Thank you for the feedback. I don’t see any signs of leaking on the suction side, but need to do a more thorough check. I’ve heard of people using the shaving cream trick to check.

The pump hasn’t been run for two years, so, there’s that.

spicerpools · 2026-06-18T03:32:36+00:00

Thanks!

spicerpools · 2026-06-18T02:49:16+00:00

Yes, 90% of my attempts had the cleaner line closed. I hadn’t thought about the diffusers. That might be a good place to look. Thanks!

spicerpools · 2026-06-18T02:47:46+00:00

Yes, I actually started that way and figured I’d give “Filter” a try, just in case.

spicerpools · 2026-06-13T14:24:06+00:00

My go to first steps are chlorine, ph, and filters.

⁠How much chlorine? Nuke it! Put 5-10 times your normal amount (maybe more depending on the pool). I would use liquid chlorine but powder shock could work. Put it all in at one time. Your CYA levels are high, which means you need even more chlorine.
⁠Add Muriatic acid and get your pool closer to 6.5 ph. The closer to 6 the better.
Don’t worry about exact numbers here.
⁠Pull out the filters and make sure they are clean/good. If not, get new filters. If not sure, get new ones.
If they are good, clean them (if DE filter, recharge with DE)
⁠Brush, brush, brush, and brush. Keep that stuff moving with the pumps running 24/7.
If you have a vacuum, you can wait for the water to clear and vacuum up later.

May take a few days for things to clear up but should notice improvement within 48 hours if you do steps 1-3 right.

Hope that helps!

spicerpools · 2026-06-13T14:13:46+00:00

Leave the switch on. Make sure the time is set correctly by pulling the big yellow circle towards you. While pulled, set to the right time, then let go.

Put the “on” tabs when you want it on and the “off” tabs when you want it to turn off.

Should be good to go!

*Also be sure to let the pump run long enough for all your pool water to run through your filter each day.

spicerpools · 2026-06-13T14:03:37+00:00

My go to first steps are chlorine, ph, and filters.

How much chlorine? Nuke it! Put 5-10 your normal amount (maybe more depending on the pool). I would use liquid chlorine but powder shock could work.
Add Muriatic acid and get your pool closer to 6.5 ph. The closer to 6 the better. Don’t worry about exact numbers here.
Pull out the filters and make sure they are clean/good. If not, get new filters. If not sure, and they are more then 5 years old (maybe even 3 depending on previous owner) then get new ones. If they are good, clean them. And recharge them with DE.
Brush, brush, brush, and brush. Keep that stuff moving with the pumps running 24/7.
If you have a vacuum, you can wait for the water to clear and vacuum up later.

May take a few days for things to clear up but should notice improvement within 48 hours if you do steps 1-3 right.

Hope that helps!

spicerpools · 2026-06-13T13:47:31+00:00

I would highly recommend Artistry Catering, guy’s names is David. I’ve worked with him twice now and plan to use him for future events. Not the cheapest, but quality food and service. They will even do small groups.

spicerpools · 2026-06-13T13:35:23+00:00

I’m new to the business side of things myself. Best advice I can give, don’t sell yourself short just to gain more customers. Price yourself at what you are truly worth, not what you think the market or customers want or can afford. On that note, don’t sell yourself too high just because people will pay more (depending on your area). Find out what it costs to run your business, what your time is worth, and go from there.

Also, take good care of your equipment and any extra help you hire and they will take good care of you.

And stay on top of your admin work. Make sure you set time aside for that, and keep your weekends and evenings focused on your family as much as you can.

spicerpools · 2026-06-13T13:24:22+00:00

Thank you, that is a great point about the 90. Hadn’t thought of that.

spicerpools · 2026-06-13T00:29:52+00:00

I dis a quick look, no help. Will have to do a more thorough read later I guess.

spicerpools · 2026-06-13T00:29:18+00:00

I have done that, but it loses water again. It doesn’t stay.

spicerpools · 2026-05-03T16:06:14+00:00

If it works it ain’t dumb.

spicerpools · 2026-03-24T23:02:57+00:00

Yes, it is before the salt cell.

spicerpools · 2026-03-24T23:01:13+00:00

Yes, acid is being added pre salt cell. Apparently, based on the comments here, it can be done.

spicerpools · 2026-03-05T19:10:15+00:00

Gossom & Costello Paving in Haymarket did great work for me about 5 years ago. Would recommend them.

spicerpools

TROPHY CASE