Pool pump prime problem

[Carter20]

Last night I tried our barracuda for the first time and in order to generate enough suction I had to half close the main drain valve. I let it run for about three hours then when I was done I just pulled the barracuda insert out of the skimmer valve and returned the main drain to fully open. The pump continued to run on filter while I put away the cleaner. After a while I noticed air bubbles coming from one of the three returns and the pump basket had a lot of bubbles on it. I tried turning off the pump and putting the lid off and on but that hasn't seemed to work.

Today I turned the pump on again and same thing, air in pump basket and bubbles from same return.

Is this connected at all to my use of the barracuda and turning the main drain half off? Any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[duraleigh]

You have a suction side air leak. Somewhere between the pump and the skimmer(s), air is being sucked into the system. Find that leak and your issues will be solved.