How to make sure you won't have to prime!

[Jerry]

I am asking, not telling.  When I clean the skimmer basket and the priming pot basket, the pump usually kicks in in a minute or less, but, NOT ALWAYS !
So what is different those times i must prime? :'( :'(
Priming , by the way, is a royal pain!

[Mikey]

In my case I placed my Sequence pump below grade (below the water level of the pond) and when I need to clean the leaf basket I close the in-coming ball valve and do my work.  I then crack the ball valve open just a smidge to replace lost water and then I put the lid back on my leaf basket and open the in-coming ball valve.

[Jerry]

Yes, I know that below level will do away with priming, but can't do.
I think if I close the ball valve on the skippy first it may do the trick,  Watcha think?

[Bonnie]

Jerry, can you explain your set up?

[koiedge]

Hi Jerry,

How about placing a check valve between the pump and the pond?

http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/8242/cid/2083

And that sound hold the water in the pipe, so that the pump will prime.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Jerry]

Jeff there is a check valve, but it is in the pond, a few inches below the surface.
Maybe the gate sticks at times?

ty
Bonnie my set up is simple: The skimmer to the pump to the Skippy and out over the spillway

[Jerry]

I did it this morning, cleaned the skimmer basket and the primming pot.  Yes, it took a water hose in the priming pot to make it go.  A few tries and it's no big deal.  I do worry it won't catch hold.  It always has, so I need to stop being concerned.
One of these days I plan a below ground pump house.  The drainage will be a concern

[Jerry]

it sure is flowing well after the clean up!