Pump not holding prime

[CarlD]

It depends on the brand. Sometimes you can replace the pump but keep the motor, sometimes the other way around.

If you can find the crack then you could try sealing it with epoxy. There's a special pool repair epoxy that actually dries underwater! As long as the repair doesn't hit the basket or impede any openings it could well last for years.

[AnnaK]

Is this available at the pool store? HD/Lowe's/ACE? Am I looking for a particular brand name or will it say 'pool repair' or 'water' on it? I'm not meaning to sound like a dummy, honest. I fix stuff with duct tape, zip ties, bungee cords, and, sometimes, a chewing gum-toothpaste combination to fill small holes. I've not worked with epoxy.

[CarlD]

Most pool stores stock it. Pool Repair Epoxy or something similar. Other stores like H-D MAY have it, but they should epoxy putty which is pretty similar. You cut off equal amounts and knead it together until it's an even color and then apply it. I've used epoxy putty to fix things (successfully) like a car's heater core. But pool epoxy putty is designed to be APPLIED under water, as opposed to being applied dry and then immersed after it's dry.

Most car parts stores stock epoxy putty. It is NOT Bondo.

[AnnaK]

But pool epoxy putty is designed to be APPLIED under water, as opposed to being applied dry and then immersed after it's dry.

O-KAY! That answers the question I had about how to get the remaining water out of the pot. I don't have to. Though I was already scrounging through the box in the garage for some rubber tubing I know is in there.

Thanks a bunch!

ETA: Duh! There's a little drain on the bottom of the pot. Never mind the rubber tubing syphon. Sheesh!

[CarlD]

O-KAY! That answers the question I had about how to get the remaining water out of the pot. I don't have to. Though I was already scrounging through the box in the garage for some rubber tubing I know is in there.

Thanks a bunch!

ETA: Duh! There's a little drain on the bottom of the pot. Never mind the rubber tubing syphon. Sheesh!

That's right! There's a little drain plug there!....

If it moves and it shouldn't, use duct tape.
If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40.

For everything else a hammer and/or vise-grips!

[AnnaK]

I'll keep your fix-it advice in mind.

Found some marine epoxy and have drained the pot. I'm now off to do some gluing. If you don't hear from me by tomorrow, send help. It means I've glued myself to the pump pot.

Oh yes. That is something I would do.

[CarlD]

Nah. It's epoxy, not superglue. You'll be able to get away, just not able to get the glue glop off your your fingers.

[Watermom]

I'm not meaning to sound like a dummy, honest. I fix stuff with duct tape, zip ties, bungee cords, and, sometimes, a chewing gum-toothpaste combination to fill small holes.

Too funny! I love it! (sheesh -- isn't that the way everybody fixes stuff??