When we suspect something may be blocking the suction line, you can try:
- A garden hose from both directions (the poolside skimmer then the pump strainer basket). If you need additional pressure (seal around the hose) there are products like "Drain King" or bladders that help provide that seal.
- Try a plumber's snake from each direction
Those methods typically have the most success pushing-out anything that may have gotten stuck in the PVC. While pushing water from the poolside skimmer with a garden hose may seem like a good way to encourage water flow, remember the sheer nature of the hose is also obstructing flow of water through the pipe, so that's not always an ideal way to prime. If you've tried everything listed in post #5, try to give us some more details about your equipment and pool, to include if there is any significant elevation difference between the pump and pool, and we'll go from there.