I have an 18 x 36 iniground pool. My husband recently passed away due to cancer and I am attempting to learn how the pump, skimmers, etc. work. I paid for the local pool company to come out and get my Kreepy Krawler started one week ago. Everything was fine until I turned the pump off, backwashed, rinsed, then emptied the skimmer basket that is located next to the pump. It was packed with pine needles. I replaced the lid, tightened the side screws, turned the lever back to filter and now nothing works (other than hearing the pump trying to work.) How do I get the thing started up again without having to pay for another service call? I would appreciated any advise or help. Thanks!

It sounds like you just lost the prime in the pump when you took the lid off to empty the basket. Try filling the pump pot with a bucket of water or a garden hose. Then put the lid back on and start up the pump. Unless all the water drained out of the pipes and back to the pool, or the impeller is plugged with debris, this should work.

Also make sure the rubber "0" ring on the lid is clean and sitting in the groove like it should be.