While I'm sure I'm b*st*rdizing the proper terminology - the short story is that AG pumps are meant to be pressure fed, they 'won't' draw water up out of the pool. If you can place it below the water level of the pool, it should work.

Also, Have you fully primed the vac hose (i.e.. filled it with water)? These pumps don't allow for ~ any air in the lines, so it may be possible to use it if you can fully prime the hose and strainer basket.