A self-priming dedicated water feature pump is provided. The water feature pump can include a strainer housing connected to a pump housing. The strainer housing can include a reservoir for allowing water to enter the strainer housing so that the pump can self-prime. The strainer housing can also include a post installed within the reservoir. The post can function to prevent a strainer basket from being installed in the strainer housing. The post can be of sufficient volume and/or geometry to allow enough water to enter the strainer housing so that the water feature pump can self-prime while also preventing a strainer basket from being installed in the strainer housing.