Is your pool pump losing suction or prime? The loss of suction or prime is caused by a leak which in turn sucks air into the pool filtration system. The loss of suction or prime will be anywhere from the main pool skimmer to the pool pump. It won't be from the pool pump to the pool's main return. Check the following conditions to see if they are why your pool pump is losing suction or prime:

• Make sure your pool water level is high enough so that the skimmer is not sucking air. The skimmer should be filling with pool water to catch dirt and debris.
• Check the pool pump pot housing lid seal and make sure that it's completely sealed and not sucking air into the pool's filtration system. Check the pool pump pot housing lid for cracks. If you notice the lid sucking air or that it has cracks, replace the entire lid and seal immediately.
• Check all pool system fittings, hoses and clamps from the pool skimmer to the pool pump for wear and tear. Make sure all loose fittings, hoses and clamps are tightened and secure.
• Check pool pump pot housing for any cracks or leaks.

Note: If all of the above are in good working condition, check the pool pump pot housing main seal and the pool pump's impeller. If both of those are working, check the pool pump.

• While the pool pump motor is turned on and running, inspect the area where the pool pump pot housing area attaches to the pool pump motor. Check to see if you notice any pool water leaking from that area. Spray that area with water and see if the water is sucked into the pool pump pot housing. If so, the main seal is damaged and not sealed properly.
• With the pool pump motor turned off, take apart the front half of the pool pump pot housing and inspect the pool pump motor impeller. Check to see if there is any sign of wear and tear or cracks. Sometimes debris in the pool water that passes through can damage the impeller.
• To see if your main seal to the pool pump pot housing is damaged, take the front half that you took apart in the previous step and stand it upright with the pool pump motor facing the ground. Pour water over the impeller to see if water leaks through to the outside of the pool pump pot housing. Any leakage would insinuate damage to the main seal.
• On the rear of the pool pump motor, remove the cover. Using a screwdriver or wrench turn the main motor shaft and listen for a rumbling or grinding noise. Also feel the screwdriver or wrench while twisting and check for any restrictions. Any of these feelings or sounds could mean your bearings or brushes are damaged.

If all of these items check out, you need a new pool pump, not just individual pool pump replacement parts, to fix the issue of your pool pump losing suction or prime.