Any experience with US Solar Pumps? Only $50.

The configuration of the pump would be to include quick connects on the valve and pump; male on the valve and female on the pump. Once boiling was finished, figured could turn the heat off and connect the pump to the valve with the quick connect, eliminating the danger of direct heat to the pump (although the blichmann did come with a heat shield to be placed below the valve). Once connected I would think the higher level of fluid in the brew pot would cause the liquid to equalize in the pump/tubing, priming the pump. At least that's the way it ought to work in theory in my head.

It will prime as long as the outflow if the pump is able to release the air in the lines. Example: you have a whirlpool port lower down in the pot maybe an inch higher than the pickup. You cannot just attach the hoses and go. You'd have to allow liquid to flow past the pump before hooking up the whirlpool.

As long as your outflow hose is held higher than the pump you can just let it fill up then turn off the valve, connect the hose to the whirlpool and then let her rip.

If your hose isn't connected to the pot lower than the liquid level in the pot, you won't have a problem.

Thanks for the answer. Plan on buying a whirlpool wand with the wort chiller so will keep this in mind.