New variable speed pump won't prime...

You certainly could add about 2 - 3 ppm of liquid chlorine and brush it around a bit just to keep the water sanitary. Let's hang tight and give Mark (@mas985) some time to catch up to his notifications to see if there is something we missed.
 
Did you fill the pump basket with water before trying to prime?

What is the filter pressure while pump is running for at least 3 minutes at full speed?

Can you feel any water out of the returns?

Check inside the skimmer and make sure there isn't a plug in the line.
 
From the parts diagram remove the plug #12 and place a valve on the strainer drain. Then connect a NPT to hose thread adapter. Hook up your water hose and turn on the water, then open the valve on the strainer to fill the strainer/pump. Next turn on pump. It should be primed within one minute. If i ever have a problem with my pump this works every time. Just don't for get to close the valve on the strainer when you get it primed. If this works then you have an air leak somewhere before the strainer that is big enough to not let it prime but small enough to still pump with a little help. Parts to do this are less than $10.
 
Thanks for the help and ideas. My husband found a tiny air leak in the inlet pipe connection to the pump. Once sealed up the pump kicked off and filled the filter quickly. Inlet jets are shooting and the skimmer door is open!!! We're so relieved everything is working!!! We did put a half cup of bleach into the (3250 gallon) pool to sanitize while everything is circulating. The SWCG is currently unplugged. How soon can we add salt and start it up? Thanks again for all the help.
 
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You can add salt now. Get your CYA to 20-30 ppm and set your SWCG to generate enough chlorine each day to maintain a FC of 3-4 ppm.
 
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Once sealed up the pump kicked off and filled the filter quickly.
full
 
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