filter basket losing water

[Cold Drink]

When I take the lid off my pump basket it loses water really quickly. Is this normal? I have to fill it with water and put the lid on quickly otherwise it will drain again. It will drain almost completely in about a minute. Even when I fill it up and start the pump it takes a while for water to start circulating since there is a lot of air. Just wondering if this is normal or if I have a problem with the pipes underground coming from the pool.

[Poconos]

No problem. With the lid off you're simply letting the water drop back to pool water level. The self priming design of these pumps creates a slight vacuum with the basket empty but wet. Just enough to start sucking water. This can take a couple minutes depending on the amount of vacuum created and the height of the pump above the pool water level.
Al

[matt4x4]

If you install shutoff valves - one before the pump, one after the pump or filter, you can avoid the drop in water level and the repriming, however, DON'T forget to open the valves before starting the system again.

[Cold Drink]

ok, thanks for the replies. I'm happy its not a problem. I guess I'll have to find another reason for air coming through my pipes.

thanks,
- tom