In order to manually turn on your Pentair pool pump, you will need the following items: a Phillips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, pliers, safety glasses and rubber gloves. Before you begin the process, it is important to make sure that there are no obstructions around the motor and that the power supply cords are plugged in securely. You must also make sure that all necessary valves are open and that there is an adequate level of water in the pool.
Why is Pool Maintenance Important?
If you own a swimming pool, it is important to keep it properly maintained in order to prolong its lifespan. This is especially true for the pool pump, which is responsible for circulating the water through the filtration system. Without proper care, the pool pump can become clogged with debris and gradually lose its efficiency.

Fortunately, there are a few steps that you can take to manually clean your Pentair pool pump and keep it running smoothly.
In this article, we will walk you through the process of disassembling the pump, cleaning the impeller and strainer basket, and reassembling the unit. We will also provide some tips on troubleshooting common problems that you may encounter.
What Type of Pool Pump do You Have?
If you are not sure what type of pool pump you have, look for a label or tag on the pump itself that should indicate the make and model. If you cannot find this information, take a photo of the pump and bring it to your local pool supply store for assistance.

Once you know the make and model of your pool pump, you can reference the user manual to learn how to manually turn on the pump.
In general, pool pumps come in two types – single speed pumps and variable-speed pumps. Single speed pumps operate at either high or low speeds and offer basic filtration. Variable-speed pumps are more energy efficient and can regulate the speed to efficiently filter your pool.
How to Manually Turn On Pentair Pool Pumps
If your Pentair pool pump is having difficulty starting up, you may need to manually turn it on. Here’s how to do it:
First, locate the switch that controls the power to the pump. It should be located near the pump, either on the side of the equipment pad or on a nearby wall.
Once you’ve found the switch, flip it to the “on” position.
Next, locate the pressure gauge on the pool filter. The pressure should be between 10 and 20 PSI in order for the pump to start properly. You’ll need to adjust the pressure by turning the valve clockwise or counterclockwise until it reaches the correct level If it’s not within this range.
Go back to the power switch and flip it to the “auto” position.That will cause the pump to start running and begin circulating water through your pool system.
Safety Tips
If you have a Pentair pool pump, it’s important to know how to properly maintain it. This includes knowing how to turn it on safely. Here are some tips to follow:
- Make sure that the power is turned off before attempting to turn on the pool pump.
- Locate the switch that controls the pool pump. It is usually located near the equipment pad or near the swimming pool itself.
- Slowly turn the switch to the “on” position.
- Listen for the sound of the motor starting up. If you don’t hear anything, check to see if there is a circuit breaker that has tripped. Resetting it should fix the problem.
- Once the pool pump is running, check all of the hose connections to make sure they are tight and there are no leaks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues With Pentair Pool Pumps
If your Pentair pool pump won’t turn on, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the issue.
First, make sure that the pump is plugged in and that the power switch is turned on. Check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. Reset the breaker and try again. You may need to replace the motor or contact a pool professional for help If the pump still doesn’t turn on.
If the Pentair pool pump isn’t generating enough pressure, you can start by checking the pump’s strainer basket for clogs. If the basket is full, empty and rinse it thoroughly before replacing it.
You should also check the impeller for debris or obstruction and ensure that there are no air leaks in the lines or suction side of the pump. If these steps don’t solve the problem, you may need to replace the pump motor or contact a pool professional for help.
Alternatives To Manual Operation
If you’re looking for an alternative to manually turning on your Pentair pool pump, there are a few options available.
Automatic pool pump timer
You can purchase an automatic pool pump timer that will turn the pump on and off at set intervals. There are also solar-powered pool pumps that will operate the pump during daylight hours. You can install a Pentair pool pump motor cover to prevent the need for manual operation altogether.
Pentair IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pump
Another option is to install a Pentair IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pump. This pump will allow you to set a schedule in which the pump runs and adjusts the speed automatically based on the amount of water being pumped. The main benefit of using this pump is that it’s energy efficient, saving money on your electric bill over the course of the year.
FAQs
Where is the reset button on Pentair pool pump?
If your Pentair pool pump is not working, you may need to reset it. The reset button is located on the side of the pump near the electrical panel. To reset the pump, simply push the button and hold it for three seconds.
Why won’t my pool pump turn on?
If your pool pump won’t turn on, there are a few things you can check to see what the problem might be. First, make sure that the power to the pump is turned on. Next, check the fuse or circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. If so, reset it and try again. If the fuse or breaker keeps tripping, there may be a problem with the wiring to the pump. Check the pressure switch to see if it is turned on. If not, turn it on and try again.
Should Pentair pool pump run continuously?
If your Pentair pool pump is set to “run continuously,” it should do just that – run continuously! This means that the pump will turn on and off as needed to circulate water throughout your pool. There are a few things to keep in mind, however, if you have your Pentair pool pump set to run continuously:
- Make sure that the pump is receiving enough water. The pump needs to be filled with water in order to function properly, so if there is not enough water being pumped into the system, the pump will not be able to circulate it properly and could overheat.
- Check the temperature of the water. If the water is too cold, the pump could freeze and crack; if the water is too hot, the pump could overheat. Either way, running the pump continuously in extreme temperatures is not ideal and could cause damage.
- Monitor the pressure gauge. If the pressure gauge on your Pentair pool pump starts to rise, it could be an indication that something is blocking the flow of water (such as a clogged filter). If this happens, you’ll need to shut off the pump immediately and troubleshoot the issue.
Can I leave my pool pump on 24 7?
Yes, you can leave your pool pump on 24/7. However, we only recommend doing this if you have an automatic timer that will turn the pump off and on for you. Unless you have an automatic timer, we recommend turning the pool pump off at night to save energy.
How do you turn on a pool pump?
Assuming your pool pump is not yet plugged in, locate the power source for your pump, which is typically a breaker panel. Once you have located the breaker panel, locate the circuit breaker that controls the pool pump. Flip the breaker to the “on” position.
Now that the power is on, go to the pool pump and make sure that the green indicator light is on. If it is not, press the reset button on the side of the pool pump. The green light should come on. If it does not, please consult a professional as there may be a more serious issue.
Next, fill up the strainer basket with water by opening up the lid. Then, adding water from a hose until it reaches the top of the basket. It is very important that this basket is full of water before turning on the pool pump as otherwise it will burn out very quickly.
Once the strainer basket is full, slowly turn on your pool pump by turning clockwisethe knob or handle marked “on.” You may hear air bubbles coming out of your pool filter at first. This is normal and will stop once all of the air has been purged from your system. Let yourpool pump run for about 15 minutes to make sure everything is working properly before shutting off again.
Conclusion
Pool maintenance and upkeep can sometimes be a daunting task, but with the proper knowledge of how to turn on your pool pump manually, it becomes much easier. Now that you know how to do this important task, you can prevent potential problems by proactively turning on the Pump yourself when needed – reducing the risk of mechanical or electrical issues arising from having it off for too long. With these helpful steps in mind, you’re sure to keep your swimming pool clean and running smoothly!