
4
CHALLENGER
®
Centrifugal Pump Installation and User’s Guide
OPERATING THE PUMP
Initial Start-Up
1. Relieve all system pressure and open all air bleeders on entire hydraulic system prior to starting the
Challenger
®
Centrifugal Pump. See filter owner’s manual.
2. Ensure that all fittings, clamps, closures and couplings are tight and in accordance with equipment
manufacturer’s recommendations.
3. Open suction and discharge valve to allow free flow of water. On flooded suction pumps with strainer
pot, the water source is higher than the pump. The water will flow into the pump strainer pot and the
pot will fill with water. On pumps without strainer pot, the water will fill the pump housing.
4. On non-flooded suction systems, the pump lid will have to be removed by rotating the lid counter-
clockwise and lifting.
5. The pump strainer pot should be filled with water up to suction/inlet port on the pump.
6. It is good practice to lubricate the lid o-ring with silicone lubricant each time the lid is removed. The
o-ring should be cleaned and inspected every time the strainer pot is opened.
7. The lid should be replaced by pressing the lid down and twisting the lid clockwise.
8. The pump is now ready to prime. Energize the motor and the pump will prime. The time to prime will
depend on the suction lift and the distance and size of suction piping. Turn off power if the pump does
not prime within thirty (30) minutes and refer to “Troubleshooting” on page 11.
DO NOT run the pump dry. If the pump is run dry, the mechanical seal will be damaged and the pump will
start leaking. If this occurs, the damaged seal must be replaced. ALWAYS maintain proper water level in
your pool (half way up skimmer opening). If the water level falls below the skimmer opening, the pump will draw air through
the skimmer, losing the prime and causing the pump to run dry, resulting in a damaged seal. Continued operation in this
matter could cause a loss of pressure, resulting in damage to the pump case, impeller, and seal and may cause property
damage and personal injury.