Learn How to Prime a Blue Torrent Pool Pump in 5 Easy Steps

Having a swimming pool in your backyard is great for relaxation, fun, and exercise. But when your pool pump is not working properly, it can be a frustrating experience. One common issue that pool owners face is the need to prime their pool pump. Luckily, priming a Blue Torrent pool pump is a relatively easy process that can be done in just five simple steps.

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand what priming is and why it’s necessary. Priming a pool pump means removing the air from the pump and filling it with water so that it can properly circulate water through your pool. Without a proper prime, the pump won’t be able to move water effectively and your pool won’t be properly filtered.

In this article, we will guide you through each step to prime your Blue Torrent pool pump like a pro. By following these steps, you can quickly get your pump back up and running, and your pool will be crystal clear in no time!

Keep reading to learn how to prime a Blue Torrent pool pump in 5 easy steps!

Step 1: Turn off the Power

Before you begin to prime your Blue Torrent pool pump, it is important to ensure that the power to the pump is turned off. You can do this by switching off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the pump. This is important because it will prevent any electrical accidents from happening while you are priming the pump.

Once you are sure that the power is off, you can proceed to the next step. But before you do, it is recommended that you close the valves on the suction and return lines to prevent the water from draining out of the system.

Now that you’ve turned off the power and closed the valves, you can move on to the next step of priming your Blue Torrent pool pump. It’s important to remember that priming a pump involves filling the pump with water to ensure that it can function properly. If you skip this step, you risk damaging the pump and reducing its lifespan.

Once you have completed priming the pump, remember to turn the power back on and reopen the valves. This will allow the pump to function normally and circulate water through your pool system.

1.1 Shut off Circuit Breaker

1. Locate your pool pump’s circuit breaker, usually found on the electrical panel or subpanel near your pool equipment.

2. Switch off the circuit breaker to your pool pump to avoid any electrical accidents while working on it.

3. Label the circuit breaker with a “do not touch” sign or tape to avoid anyone accidentally turning it back on while you’re working.

4. Confirm that the power to the pool pump is off by trying to turn it on manually or by checking the pump’s display panel.

Make sure you follow these steps to turn off the power before attempting to prime your pool pump. Safety should always be your top priority when working with electricity.

1.2 Unplug the Pump

After turning off the power, the next step is to unplug the pump from the electrical outlet. Make sure that you pull the plug and not the cord, as it can damage the cord or the plug.

If the plug is hard to reach, use a non-conductive tool to pull it out. Never use a metal tool or your bare hands, as it can lead to electrocution.

Once the pump is unplugged, you should also disconnect the hoses that are connected to it. This will prevent any water from flowing back into the pump while you are priming it.

Remember to keep the hoses labeled so that you can easily reconnect them later. You can use a marker or tape to label them according to their position and connection.

Step 2: Locate the Pump Lid and O-Ring

After safely disconnecting the power source, the next step is to locate the pump lid and O-ring. These are typically located on top of the pump and may be covered by a protective housing.

Remove any covering or housing around the pump to access the lid and O-ring. It’s important to inspect the O-ring for any damage or wear and tear before proceeding with the priming process. If the O-ring appears damaged, it will need to be replaced before continuing.

If the O-ring appears to be in good condition, you can proceed to remove the lid. Depending on your pump model, the lid may be secured by screws or simply twist off by hand.

Once the lid has been removed, set it aside along with the O-ring in a safe place where they won’t be lost or damaged.

2.1 Find the Pump Lid

Locating the pump lid is the first step to prime a Blue Torrent pool pump. The pump lid is typically located on top of the pump and can be identified by a handle or knob. The handle is used to open and close the lid of the pump.

Make sure to carefully inspect the area around the pump to locate the lid. It may be covered with debris or leaves, so cleaning the area around the pump can make it easier to find.

Once you have located the pump lid, make sure to check the O-ring to ensure it is not damaged. A damaged O-ring can cause air to enter the pump, which can make it difficult to prime.

Remember to turn off the power to the pump before attempting to locate the pump lid and O-ring.

Step 3: Fill the Pump with Water

Now that you have located the pump lid and o-ring, it’s time to fill the pump with water. This step is crucial for the pump to work efficiently and prevent any damage. Here are the steps to follow:

3.1 Prepare the Garden Hose – Connect the garden hose to an outdoor spigot and turn on the water to prime the hose.

3.2 Remove the Pump Lid – Using a screwdriver, loosen the screws on the pump lid and remove it. Set the screws aside in a safe place.

3.3 Fill the Pump with Water – Using the garden hose, slowly fill the pump with water until it is completely filled. This will help to eliminate any air pockets inside the pump.

3.4 Replace the Pump Lid – Once the pump is filled with water, replace the pump lid and secure it with the screws using the screwdriver. Make sure to tighten them well to prevent any leaks.

3.1 Remove Debris Basket

Before filling the pump with water, you need to remove the debris basket to allow the water to flow freely. Locate the debris basket near the pump, and carefully lift it out of the housing. Check the basket for any debris or dirt and remove it if necessary.

It is important to keep the debris basket clean to ensure the smooth functioning of your pool pump. A dirty debris basket can cause clogs and damage to the pump, reducing its lifespan.

Once you have removed any debris and cleaned the basket, carefully place it back into the housing. Make sure it fits snugly and securely to avoid any leaks.

Now that the debris basket is back in place, you can move on to filling the pump with water to prime it and get it ready for use.

3.2 Fill the Pump with Water

Now that the debris basket is removed, it’s time to fill the pump with water. Take a garden hose and place it over the opening where the debris basket was removed. Turn the water on and allow it to fill the pump.

It’s important to make sure the water level in the pump is above the top of the intake or else the pump may lose prime again. You can check the water level by looking at the pump lid or by feeling it with your finger. Once the water level is high enough, turn off the garden hose and replace the debris basket.

Make sure the debris basket is secure and properly seated before turning the power back on. If the basket is not secure, it can cause the pump to lose prime again.

3.3 Reinstall the Debris Basket

After filling the pump with water, it is time to reinstall the debris basket. Locate the basket and place it back into the pump housing. Make sure that it is properly seated and in its correct position.

Check that the basket is clean and free of any debris or obstructions. If necessary, use a hose or a gentle stream of water to rinse it off.

Once the basket is in place, reattach the lid and make sure it is secure. Double-check that all bolts or screws are tightened appropriately.

Finally, turn the power back on to the pump and verify that it is operating correctly. Observe the pump for a few minutes to ensure that water is flowing properly and there are no leaks.

Replacing the pump lid and O-ring is the final step of the process. Follow these steps to complete the task:

Inspect the O-Ring: Before replacing the lid, inspect the O-ring for any cracks or damage. A damaged O-ring can cause leaks and may need to be replaced.

Apply Lubricant: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the O-ring to ensure a tight seal. This will also make it easier to remove the lid the next time you need to service the pump.

Replace the Lid: Carefully place the lid back onto the pump and ensure that it is aligned properly. Tighten the lid with the screws, but do not overtighten as this can damage the O-ring.

Tighten the Screws: Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even pressure on the O-ring. Check to make sure the lid is secure and there are no leaks.

Restart the Pump: Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker and restart the pump. Check for any leaks and listen for any unusual sounds. Congratulations, you have successfully replaced the pump lid and O-ring!

4.1 Check O-Ring for Damage

Before replacing the lid, it is important to check the O-ring for any signs of damage. Look for cracks or tears that may compromise the seal. If the O-ring is damaged, it must be replaced before proceeding.

To remove the O-ring, gently pry it out of its groove with a small flathead screwdriver. Take note of its shape and size, and use this information to purchase a new one.

Clean the groove with a soft cloth to remove any debris or buildup. Then, lubricate the new O-ring with a silicone-based lubricant before placing it back in the groove.

4.2 Apply Lubricant to O-Ring

After checking the O-ring for damage, apply a thin layer of lubricant to it. This helps create a tight seal and extends the life of the O-ring. Use a silicone-based lubricant specifically designed for pool equipment.

Make sure to cover the entire surface of the O-ring with the lubricant. Avoid using too much lubricant, as this can cause the O-ring to slip out of place and compromise the seal.

Wipe away any excess lubricant with a clean cloth. This prevents any residual lubricant from getting into the pool water.

Repeat this process every time you replace the pump lid and O-ring to ensure proper sealing and prevent leaks.

Step 5: Restart the Pump

Turn on the Power: Once you have completed all the previous steps, it’s time to turn on the power to the pump. Check that the circuit breaker and power switch are both in the “on” position.

Open Air Release Valve: To prevent airlock in the pump, you need to open the air release valve. Turn the valve counter-clockwise until you hear a hissing sound, and wait until water starts flowing out.

Check for Leaks: Observe the pump and all its connections for any leaks. Even a small leak can cause the pump to lose pressure, which will affect its performance and could cause damage.

Prime the Pump: If your pump has a priming feature, you should activate it to remove any remaining air in the pump. Refer to your pump’s manual for instructions on how to prime it.

Adjust the Pressure: Finally, adjust the pressure switch to the appropriate setting. Consult the pump’s manual for instructions on how to adjust the pressure switch.

5.1 Turn on the Power

Step 1: Locate the circuit breaker for the pool pump and turn it on.

Step 2: Return to the pool pump and ensure that the power switch is in the “off” position.

Step 3: Flip the power switch to the “on” position.

Step 4: Listen for the sound of the pump motor. If you do not hear anything, turn off the power switch and circuit breaker and check the pump for any issues.

5.2 Restart the Pump

After turning on the power, press the “Start” button to restart the pump. Listen carefully for any unusual sounds or vibrations. If you notice any abnormal noise or vibration, turn off the pump immediately and check for any loose or damaged components.

Observe the pressure gauge on the pump to ensure that the pressure is within the recommended range. The pressure reading may fluctuate initially as air pockets are removed from the system, but should stabilize after a few minutes of operation.

Check the discharge line and nozzle for proper flow and pressure. If the water flow or pressure is not sufficient, there may be a blockage or other issue that needs to be addressed.

Common Problems and Solutions

Low water flow: If you notice a decrease in water flow, check the filter and skimmer basket for debris. Clean or replace them if necessary. Also, make sure the pump basket is clean.

Noisy pump: A noisy pump may be caused by air in the system. Check for leaks in the suction line or around the pump lid. Make sure the water level is high enough to cover the skimmer and the pump.

Pump won’t start: If the pump won’t start, check the power source and make sure the breaker hasn’t tripped. Also, make sure the pump lid is securely in place and the O-ring is lubricated. If these solutions don’t work, call a professional.

Pump runs but no water flow: This could be caused by a clogged impeller or blocked suction line. Turn off the pump and check for obstructions. If you can’t find any, the impeller may need to be cleaned or replaced.

6.1 Air Leaks in the Pump

If there are air leaks in the pump, this can cause the pump to lose its prime and lose suction. Some common causes of air leaks include damaged o-rings, loose fittings, or a cracked pump housing. Here are some steps to identify and fix air leaks in the pump:

1. Check the O-rings: Inspect the pump and filter o-rings for any signs of damage. Replace any damaged o-rings immediately.
2. Tighten Fittings: Check all of the pump fittings to ensure they are tight and secure. If any fittings are loose, use a wrench to tighten them.
3. Check the Pump Housing: Inspect the pump housing for any cracks or damage. If the housing is cracked or damaged, it will need to be replaced.
4. Check the Seals: Inspect the pump seals for any signs of wear or damage. If the seals are worn or damaged, they will need to be replaced.

Once you have identified and fixed any air leaks, you will need to restart the pump and check the water flow. If the pump is still not working properly, you may need to consult a professional for further assistance.

6.2 Blockage in the Impeller

Problem: The impeller is not rotating or is rotating too slowly, causing reduced water flow or no water flow.

• Solution: Turn off the power to the pump and unplug it from the outlet. Remove the pump lid and inspect the impeller for any debris or blockages. Use a small brush or tool to carefully remove any debris from the impeller. Restart the pump and check the water flow.
• Solution: If the impeller is damaged or worn, it may need to be replaced. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing the impeller or contact a professional for assistance.
• Solution: Check the pump’s intake and discharge pipes for blockages or restrictions that may be affecting water flow. Clear any blockages found and restart the pump.
• Solution: Check the pump motor’s bearings for wear or damage. If the bearings are worn, they may need to be replaced. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or contact a professional for assistance.

If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, the pump may need to be replaced entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions