Three questions from a learning newbie

[duraleigh]

Nick,

From your description, I think all of your issues are related. you need to solve that leak at the pump.

Once you do that, you'll stop sucking in air (which is probably causing the air bubbles at your returns and "waves crashing" in your pipes) and your vacuum will pull much better.

[PatL34]

You may also want to check the pool level is not too low. It can give the same effect as waves crashing, as a vortex builds upin the skimmer, starts sucking in air, and then refills the skimmer with water, repriming the pump. Just a thought.

Pat