Step 3) Re-Connect Your Pump & Filter
Now that your cover is off, skimmer open, and returns in, it’s time to un-winterize your filter system and equipment. Re-connect your lines and tighten any unions that you might have. Be sure to lubricate any O-rings before connecting lines and unions. It’s also good to lubricate any threaded plugs, caps, and your pump lid as well. (Do not use petroleum based lubricants as they will prematurely wear out your O-rings. We use a Teflon based Magic Lube that works great and can be found on our website as well as in store.) Install your pressure gauge but be careful not to over-tighten when you thread it into your filter head.Your hose connections should go as follows: Connect the hose from the bottom of your skimmer to the front of your pump. Then connect your next hose (usually clear) from the top of your pump to the port on your filter marked “pump”. Now you can connect your return hose from the connection on the filter marked “return” to the return fitting on your pool. Once your lines are all connected go ahead and start filling your pool back up if you have not already started to fill it.
*Tip for sand filter owners- If you’re pool is green or you suspect that the bottom has debris on it then fill your pool right to the top of your skimmer. This helps so that you can vacuum your pool on the “waste” setting to remove the algae and debris and not have to worry about adding water again. This also bi-passes the filter so that you will not have anything getting back into your pool.
Equipment Checklist:
- Hoses are connected properly
- All plumbing connections lubricated & tight
- Pump housing plugs lubricated & installed
- Filter drain cap installed
- Pressure gauge & backwash hose installed