Ok thanks Ben. Do you mean add 1-2 gallons every evening while filling it up? Not sure how long it'll take to fill but I imagine it'll be a lot quicker than emptying, since I'll have 3 hoses going in....so may take only 1 or 2 nights.

Prime the pump....hmmm. Does that mean when the water gets above the skimmer level? Also, do I need to clean the filter and if so, when?

Sorry for dumb questions but I'm a newbee.

Thanks again.