Does this sound like I need a new pump??

one other question--would a busted pipe cause the same problem?

yes, and I was going to touch on that, but did not want to get into excess work for you before you troubleshot the basics.
A busted pipe from skimmer to pump would allow air to get into the system when the pump is running, however, you should also notice an abnormal drop in water level when the system is not running - of course the bucket test it really the only way to properly determine that.
You can narrow it down though.
If you get another fitting for the intake side of your pump and run tigerflex or rigid pipe back into your pool, start the thing up and it all works fine, I'd have to say the problem DOES lie somewhere between the skimmer and the pump.
If your pump is a ways from youur pool, tigerflex could get a little costly, however, rigid should be relatively cheap - it does have to be non collapsible hose to work though.

I was able to work on tmy pool last night, and fortunately it was an easy fix for me. Once I got to looking and tightening all my disconnects, I noticed one of my returns, and it was not as tight as it should have been. Once I tightened it, all was well.

btw, I have had to deal with a leak before, in my elctrical conduit for my light. Was able to pinpoint it and fix it 2 years ago. Leaks are not fun.

Thanks for all the greart information. I will be posting again later about my light.

thanks again
tom

Glad the problem had a simple solution. I guess the air leak would just let water drain out of the system when the pump was off.
Happy Summer.
Al