Hi, opened the pool yesterday but having issues and not quite sure what the problem is. I have an inground 18,000 gallon pool and a self priming hayward 1.5 hp pump that is 4 seasons old. The pump sits 4' above water level. First off I have to say that I changed the sand in my filter for the 1st time and forgot the step to put water in the filter before adding the sand but I don't think that is causing the issue.

We cannot seem to sustain a flow through the pump without force priming each time after we turn it off. I checked for leaks in the intake, and any other leaks and can't find anything. Switched it over to waste to bypass any potential problem with the way I changed the sand and it still won't sustain suction.

Does this sound like I need a new pump or is there another issue I might be missing?

Thanks very much,
Tom