PRIMING
Jandy Pump Fails to Prime

Variable-speed Jandy pump display shows PRIMING or PRIME FAIL; pump repeatedly starts and stops trying to prime.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Air leak at pump lid O-ring, Air leak on suction fittings, Low pool water level, Blocked suction line or skimmer, Incorrect priming speed or time settings in controller

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power at the breaker before opening the pump. Never run the pump dry for more than 30–60 seconds.

  • Check water level and skimmers:
    • Ensure pool water is at least halfway up the skimmer opening.
    • Remove and clean skimmer baskets and ensure no large debris is blocking the skimmer throat.
  • Inspect pump lid and O-ring:
    • Remove the Jandy pump lid and clean the sealing surface.
    • Inspect the lid O-ring for cracks, flattening, or dirt.
    • Lubricate with silicone-based pool lube or replace if damaged.
  • Check suction-side fittings:
    • Tighten unions on the suction side of the pump.
    • Inspect for visible air bubbles in the pump lid when running; this indicates an air leak.
    • Verify Jandy valves are fully open and not drawing air from an unused line.
  • Manually prime:
    • Fill the pump strainer housing completely with water using a garden hose.
    • Reinstall lid, open all valves, restore power, and start the pump.
  • Adjust priming settings (VS pumps):
    • On Jandy variable-speed models (e.g., VS FloPro), enter the menu and increase priming RPM and/or priming time per the manual.
  • If priming still fails: There may be a suction line blockage or underground leak. Contact a pool professional for pressure testing and further diagnosis.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Pump Lid O-Ring
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