Just started having issues with the pump. I've got a Jandy Stealth pump, CL460 cartridge filter, and AquaPure SWG in an AG pool and the pump is above the water line. Everything was running fine until the GF decided to help by vacuuming the pool this weekend. I'm fairly certain that she did not get all of the air out of the hose.

So, the pump lost prime. I put a large bucket of water in the pump pot, but it almost immediately drained out. This is a little perplexing, as the piping from the pump pot to the filter rises above the top level of the pump pot, so I don't know how it would run uphill. Anyhow, I put in another bucket of water and quickly put the lid back on. The pot was only about half-full, but the pump started; however, the flow is not good and the pump pot remains only half full. At times, the pump won't start at all. It hums, and then a switch turns it off (I assume to prevent overheating). Since then, the pump works intermittently (it either does, or it does the hum and then shuts off), the pump pot is half full, and the pressure gauge is not moving regardless of whether the pump is on or off. I've tried bleeding air from the filter, and it seems to push a little air out and sometimes a little water, but not much. There are air bubbles (both large and small) in the water returning to the pool, and the return does not seem to have much force. The suction at the skimmer also seems very weak.

The pool was installed before I bought the house, so I don't have any background on it other than it is about 5 years old. I can't figure out the piping, as there is only one suction pipe coming out of the ground that leads to the pump, with no visible valve (so I have no idea how to adjust suction between the two main drains and the skimmer - could the valve be located somewhere else?).

My main concern is making sure that the pump will work consistently (and not just sit and hum). I'm guessing that I could have a problem with a clog in a suction pipe, clogged impeller, or a leak (possibly the pump pot lid - I didn't use any silicone grease when replacing the lid). Any thoughts or suggestions on how to diagnose and remedy this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.