Should, I be able to feel the suction through my skimmer basket? I generally have stuff in my basket, but I feel no resistance when pulling it out. With it out, if I put my hand near the suction I can feel some suction then, but if I put a sponge ball at the bottom of my basket it will not stick under water that's for sure. I am getting stuff in my pump basket and in my skimmer baskets so I'm not terribly concerned, but just want to know if its operating like normal.