If the pump is self-priming, yes. A pool pump is designed to recirculate the water in a pool. This is how you clean your pool pump basket if you have an Above Ground Pool or if your equipment is located below the pool's water level line. The pump is blowing out water, but not sucking it in. I need to lower the water level in my in-ground pool just a bit (it's just high enough that cold water from the pool spills over into the attached spa when I'm trying to heat the spa). A pool pump is designed to recirculate the water in a pool. (Most inground pools are done this way; the pump and filter sit above the water level.) Because the pool pump is situated below the level of the pool water, atmospheric pressure pushes water down the pipe from the pool to the swimming pump at ground level. Use the pool pump to lower the water level, turn the diverter handle to backwash, then turn the inlet lever to draw water from the bottom drain of the pool and not the skimmer. At the least, this will ruin the motor shaft seal which is what prevents water from getting inside the motor. Be sure to put a pump on the cover to keep it drained during the winter. Water is gravity fed to the pump inlet when the pump is off. To keep your swimming pool water at the ideal level, it’s a good idea to check your water level daily to ensure that the water level looks normal. When the pump is primed,it means the water is flowing through the pump at top speed,creating suction and pressure. If you have a hose for a pool cleaner or vacuum attachment, simply place that in the skimmer intake and lift the other end above the water level and out of the pool. Once the water level has fallen below the skimmer, turn on the pump for a few minutes to drain the pipes. Pool Pump Won't Prime? If you have a gunite or tile liner, and you're covering the pool with a tarp or solid cover, you only need to drain the water to just below the skimmer level. If you have a hose for a pool cleaner or vacuum attachment, simply place that in the skimmer intake and lift the other end above the water level and out of the pool. Skimmer -block the skimmer by placing a simple tennis ball (ball filled with water). To keep your swimming pool water at the ideal level, it’s a good idea to check your water level daily to ensure that the water level looks normal. If the pump has no water to pull from the skimmer, it will draw air instead and lose prime which leads to running dry. ... Stephens, Gus. This can be very helpful if the spa and or the equipment is elevated above the pool water level.) I understand there is a way I can do this using my pool filter pump.