4 Things to Check When a Pool Pump Loses Prime

Start with the pump lid o-ring This is the most common cause. The o-ring dries out, gets brittle, or isn’t seated right. Wipe it down, apply pool lube, and tighten the lid.

Check the drain plug, pump basket lid, and suction line fittings Even a pinhole leak can let in enough air to kill the prime. Listen for hissing or look for tiny bubbles in the pump lid window.

Verify the pool water level If the water dropped below the skimmer, the pump can’t prime. Top it off and re-prime.

Look for a crack in the underground suction line If you’ve checked everything else and it still loses prime, you likely have a buried leak. That requires a professional repair.