Pump will not prime; pump basket does not fill with water and only air is visible under the lid.

Safety first: Turn off power before opening the pump lid or adjusting plumbing.

• Check water level: Ensure pool water is at least halfway up the skimmer opening.
• Service lid O-ring: Remove the lid, clean the O-ring and sealing surface, apply silicone lubricant, and reinstall. Replace the O-ring if flattened or cracked.
• Tighten suction unions: Hand-tighten the union at the pump inlet and any nearby unions. Do not overtighten to the point of cracking.
• Prime with water: Fill the pump basket housing completely with water, reinstall the lid, and restart the pump. Observe for air bubbles; persistent bubbles indicate a leak further up the suction line that may require professional leak detection.