Pump Basket Cleaning

Expert Pool & Spa, Inc.
www.ExpertPool.biz
 

  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.