Hello again!

I'm opening the pool for the spring (I know I'm late) and I can't get the pump to prime. Usually this is because of a suction side air leak. I've checked the strainer gasket, union joint and threaded junction where the pipe enters the pump housing. Everything seems normal.

What I did notice is water leaking under the pump. I believe this usually means the shaft seal is bad. I wanted to know if this can be the cause of the pump not priming?

The pump is only 3 yrs old so I'm a little surprised that something could fail already. My last hayward super pump lasted for a really long time with little issue.

Thanks.