Expert Pool & Spa, Inc.
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Omaha Nebraska
 Pump Basket
Home Up Pool Vacuuming Priming The Pump Pool Cleaners Backwashing Filters Pump Basket Water Level

Printable Version

Cleaning of the pump basket should be done at least once per week or whenever debris is visible.  If the pump basket is congested the circulation system will have reduced efficiency.  Poor water flow, cavatation or pump damage can occur.  Pool cleaner booster pumps can also be damaged.  Always clean pump baskets after vacuuming and cleaning of skimmer baskets.  Clean pump baskets before backwashing.  If the pump basket is cracked or broken it should be replaced immediately.  Broken baskets will allow debris to clog the impeller on the pool pump and also congest filters with larger debris.

A printable version of these instructions can be found at the link to the left.

How to clean the pump basket:

  1. Turn off pool cleaner pump and pool heater if equipped.  If the heater was in operation you should wait 5-10 minutes for the heater to cool down before turning off the pool pump.
  2. Close Skimmer and Main Drain valves.
  3. *** If the pool pump is located BELOW the water level in the pool*** then turn the filter valve to CLOSED.  Otherwise disregard this step.
  4. Remove pump lid.
  5. Clean pump basket.  Use a garden hose to wash the basket if possible.  Use caution if you tap the basket to empty it.  Baskets become brittle over time and can break easily.  It is easiest to clean a basket if the contents are allowed to completely dry.  Having a spare pump basket to rotate with the dirty basket is the easiest way to perform this task.
  6. Inspect the pump basket for signs of damage and replace basket if needed.
  7. Re-install pump basket.  Some baskets twist-lock in place.  Do not over-tighten the basket.
  8. Inspect pump lid and o-ring for cracks or damage and lubricate pump lid o-ring with Magic Lube or petroleum jelly if it appears dry.
  9. Install pump lid and o-ring.  Do not over-tighten.
  10. ***Make sure filter valve is in the FILTER position***  If you moved this in step 3 then put the valve back to the FILTER position.
  11. Open the Main Drain valve all the way.
  12. Open the air relief valve on the pool filter.
  13. Turn pool pump on.
  14. Once the pump has caught a prime, open the remaining Skimmer valves one at a time.
  15. When a steady stream of water is visible out of the air relief valve, close the valve.
  16. Turn pool cleaner pump and heater back on if desired.

These procedures apply to inground swimming pools and may vary from system to system.  Expert Pool & Spa, Inc. does not sell or service aboveground pools and these procedures do not apply to most aboveground pools.

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This website was last updated on
Friday February 22, 2008