Air in system won't let pump hold pressure (Skimmer weir stuck)

[cmcq]

The only things between the skimmer and the pump are a valve with a clear lid with six screws and the filter basket. I haven't touched the valve cover and I've opened and closed the filter basket lid quite a few times. I thought I had it tight enough but maybe I need to try again. When the pool is opened, the pool guys usually put some type of gel on the bottome of the lid, presumably to get a tighter seal(?). I don't really see any of that on there now. Do you know what that is and can I get it at Home Depot/Lowes or is that a pool specialty item?

[Poconos]

It is silicone grease. Available at pool stores and probably other places. Kind of expensive but a < $10 tube will last a long time. Don't use any petroleum based grease as that will attack the gaskets. Just to add to what Carl said, even a tiny air leak can cause havoc and prevent priming and even suction. Try clesaning and lubing the gaskets and see if that helps. If it doesn't come on back and we'll work on it more.
Al

[cmcq]

As it turns out, the problem wasn't around the basket or the pump. It was even more simple than that, but wasn't something I had come across before so I never thought to check it. For some reason, the flap {Admin => "skimmer wier} in front of the skimmer that is supposed to open when the water flows was sticking closed. When the pump basket would finally fill and the pump would start to pull water, it would only pull what was in the line back to the skimmer basket, then start sucking air b/c the skimmer couldn't pull water from the pool. The pump would run dry, then the water would slowly leak back into the skimmer until it filled, allowing the pump to run, but only long enough to drain the water again.

Anyway, not sure why it started to stick closed, but I shaved the sides down a little, put it back in and everything is working perfectly.

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my questions. PoolForum is great.