strainer basket with low water level

[Labradabra]

I am a new pool owner. I had turned off the pump to clean out strainer basket. All the water gurgled out of the basket and wasn't filling back up when turned on. Pool guy told me to turn off and back on again and it did start to fill up but not all the way. Now I see small air bubbles by the return jet in the pool and when I change to speed on the pump it doesn't sound like it's increased the speed. I'm not sure how to get the basket to fill back up with water and am concerned about pump speed because of freezing temps for 2 days.
Any help for this newbie is much appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[Texas Splash]

Hello and welcome to TFP! Given the current conditions in your area, others are also experiencing some odd events with their system because of the extreme cold. Probably not much we can do this time at night, but the first thing you can do that will help us get you some good answers is update your signature with all of your pool info. Please add your pool info to your signature by going to the top of the TFP web page (just under the Pool School button) and select "SETTINGS". On the next page look to the left for a menu bar that says, “MY SETTINGS” and go to "EDIT SIGNATURE" to enter your pool and equipment info there. Or you can click EDIT YOUR SIGNATURE. It will help us later. This link may also help you: Pool School - Read This BEFORE You Post.

With your pool info available, we can discuss some possibilities that apply to your set-up. If the motor situation has changed by morning, or you see anything else odd with the pool or equipment, let us know that as well. While we encourage owners to keep the water flowing to avoid freezing, some owners have experienced issues that simply warrant draining the pump and filter to avoid possible damage (swelling) and wait it out. Tomorrow morning I suspect you'll be able to give us a better picture of what should be done next. Nice to have you with us.