The pump loses prime and runs dry after a few minutes; the basket housing fills with air.

Safety: Turn off power before opening the pump lid or working on plumbing.

• Check water level: Maintain the pool water level at least halfway up the skimmer opening.
• Inspect lid and O-ring: Remove the Onga pump lid, clean the O-ring and its groove, lubricate with silicone grease, and replace it if flattened or cracked.
• Tighten unions: Hand-tighten suction-side unions. Do not overtighten them to the point of cracking.
• Bubble test: With the pump running, look for air bubbles in the pump housing and at the return jets. Persistent bubbles indicate an air leak that may require re-gluing or replacing suction fittings.

After sealing leaks, re-prime the pump by filling the housing with water, then restart it.