Product Manual

Operating basics

Catching Prime is designed for one-handed operation by a pool technician on an equipment pad. Before first use, confirm your pump is powered down and the existing drain plug is fully unscrewed. Thread Catching Prime into the drain port by hand — the threads are tapered 1/4" NPT, so finger-tight is enough for most installations.

To prime: connect a standard garden hose to the outlet end, open the quarter-turn valve fully (handle parallel to body), and water will fill the pump housing in seconds. Close the valve, disconnect the hose, and start your pump. To drain: with the pump powered off, open the valve and let water flow out through an attached hose to your desired drainage point.

Maintenance schedule

Once installed, Catching Prime requires minimal maintenance. Inspect the valve handle every 90 days for free rotation — it should turn smoothly through its full 90° range without resistance. Check the O-ring seal at the inlet annually for cracks, flattening, or chlorine bleaching.

Lubricate the valve body with a silicone-based pool gasket lubricant once per season. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants — they degrade the rubber seal over time. Photograph the equipment pad before and after each service visit to create a visual log for catching changes early.

Troubleshooting tips

Leak around the drain port: remove Catching Prime, inspect the O-ring, and re-seat. If leaks persist, the pump's drain port threading may be damaged — verify with a thread gauge. Valve handle won't turn: sediment or mineral buildup. Run pool-grade chlorine cleaner through the valve and open/close the handle for 60 seconds.

Valve handle turns but no water flows: pump is air-locked or the suction line is blocked. Verify the strainer basket is clean and the lid O-ring is sealed before connecting. Reduced flow over time: mineral buildup inside the valve body. Disassemble and clean with a soft brush and white vinegar solution, then reassemble dry.

Safety guidelines

Always shut off pump power before installing, removing, or servicing Catching Prime. Never operate the valve while the pump is running — opening it under pressure can spray water at high velocity. Wear safety glasses when servicing pool equipment, as chemicals can splash from valve fittings during disconnection.

Keep Catching Prime out of direct freeze exposure. While the body is rated for sub-freezing temperatures, water trapped in the valve cavity can crack the seal if frozen. Drain fully before any expected freeze. Do not modify the valve body, handle, or fittings — modifications void the 90-day guarantee.

Care instructions

After each use, wipe the valve body with a damp cloth to remove pool chemical residue. Chlorine vapor accelerates corrosion if allowed to dwell on stainless steel surfaces. For winter storage in non-freeze climates: leave Catching Prime installed — the closed valve acts as a sealed drain plug.

For winter storage in freeze climates: open the valve, drain water from the pump and valve body, and either remove Catching Prime entirely (store in a dry indoor location) or leave installed with the valve open so any residual water expands out. If the polymer handle cracks after years of UV exposure, order a replacement through our contact form.

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