5 Steps to Fix a Pool Pump That’s Sucking Air

Fill the pool above the middle of the skimmer opening Low water from backwashing is the most common cause. If the water level drops below the skimmer, the pump gulps air and loses prime.

Turn off the pump and inspect the pump lid O-ring A dry, cracked, or dirty O-ring is the usual culprit. Clean it, apply silicone pool lube, and tighten the lid hand tight only.

Fill the pump basket with water before restarting With the lid off, use a hose to fill the basket. This manually re-primes the pump. Close the lid, then turn the pump on.

Check other common leak points if it still won’t prime Look at the drain plug, valve stem, and threaded filter connections. But in nine out of ten cases, the lid seal or low water is the problem.

Never let the pump run dry for more than a few seconds Running dry will melt the pump seal. If it doesn’t prime quickly, shut it off and troubleshoot further.