Display shows PR or PRIME and the pump repeatedly attempts to prime but never reaches normal run mode.

Safety: Turn off power at the breaker before opening the pump.

• Verify water level and skimmers: Ensure pool water is high enough and skimmer weirs are not stuck closed.
• Manual prime: Remove the Zodiac pump lid, fill the strainer pot completely with water, reinstall the lid tightly, then restart the pump.
• Set valves correctly: Confirm that the suction valve(s) feeding the pump are fully open and that any bypass or drain valves are in the correct position for normal filtration.
• Check for air leaks: Inspect the pump lid O-ring, suction unions, and any 90° elbows near the pump for cracks or loose fittings. Tighten unions by hand plus a small additional turn with a strap wrench if needed.
• Filter bypass test: If possible, set the multiport valve to RECIRCULATE to bypass the filter. If the pump primes in recirculate but not in filter mode, the filter is likely restricted and needs cleaning.

If the pump still cannot prime after these steps, a technician should inspect for underground suction leaks or internal pump damage.