can't keep prime in pump

have had an extremely frustrated opening of pool this year....replaced liner, that was the easy part. Attached skimmer, pump, and filter hoses and everything seemed to be working....good flow in pump basket, great return..2 days later, sand in bottom of pool, unable to keep prime in pump basket, found out we had crossed hose leading from pump to multiport valve with hose leading to return...emptied sand, cleaned everything, took apart valve and still not able to keep prime. there are no leaks, all o-rings lubed, cannot figure out what the problem is now.

Are you sure you have enough water in the pool? If my pool water is down past a certain point-which isn't much-my pump won't hold a prime either. Once I add about an inch or so it's good to go. Good luck.

Is this an above ground pool? I ask because you are talking about hoses, but how can an AG pump NOT be primed? The water gravity flows into the basket. Are you saying that the flow into the basket isn't keeping up with the pump? That's usually a sign of a loose connection between the skimmer and the pump or low water in the skimmer.

it is an ag pool, about 6 sec. after turning on pump, water level drops in basket, shut off line to skimmer, close port, refill basket and same thing happens. I wondered if it was because of mix-up with lines originally. All lines are tight, no drips anywhere. Water levels are good but will check that, God helped out with torrential rains last night.

Something is blocking water to the pump or there is an air leak on the suction side of the pump. Those are the only 2 things that will do what you are describing. Since yours is an above ground pool and the water level is above the pump, my guess is you have an obstruction in the suction hose.

thanx, working great now...appreciate the input