thepoolman1 - thanks, I think I see what you are saying.

I was slipping the nut onto the hose first, then pushing the hose onto the barb, then trying to tighten the nut toward the fitting (very difficult).

I think you are saying put the nut on the fitting first and then slip the hose over the barb, then tighten the nut away from the fitting.

That's what I am going to try anyway!