Kripsol Loss of Prime / Suction Starvation

Pump runs but there is no water flow or only a weak trickle from the pool returns.

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Possible Causes

Air leak at Kripsol pump lid O-ring, Low pool water level exposing skimmer, Blocked skimmer basket or pump strainer basket, Blocked suction line or main drain, Loose suction union on Kripsol pump inlet

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off the pump before opening the lid or valves.

  • Check water level: Ensure the pool water is at least halfway up the skimmer opening so the skimmer does not draw air.
  • Clean baskets: Remove and clean the skimmer basket(s) and the Kripsol pump strainer basket. Even partial blockage can severely reduce flow.
  • Prime the pump: Remove the Kripsol pump lid, fill the housing completely with water, lubricate the lid O-ring with silicone grease, and reinstall the lid tightly. Restart the pump and watch for a solid, bubble-free flow.
  • Inspect for air leaks: While running, look for persistent air bubbles under the pump lid or at return jets. Tighten suction unions and replace a cracked or flattened lid O-ring. Check any above-ground suction hoses for cracks or loose clamps.
  • Check valves and lines: Make sure suction valves are open. If one line (e.g., skimmer) is suspected blocked, try running only on the main drain or vice versa to isolate the problem.

If the pump still will not hold prime, a buried suction line may be blocked or leaking and will require professional pressure testing.

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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Kripsol pump lid O-ring
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