No pressure and dirty pool

[ETex2]

Just bought a house with a gunite pool and there is no pressure at the filter. This is a simple set-up - no spa and only one valve. On the advice of the pool supply co., I: replaced pressure gauge, replaced o-ring at filter basket, and replaced filter cartridge. Maybe 1 or 2 pounds of pressure. There are no leaks that I can tell, and there is pressure (water and looks like lots of air) coming from the returns. The basket has water. I must be missing something obvious. Suggestions? Thanks!

[Pool Clown]

What hp is the motor on the pump? If it's a two speed, that may be all you will get on low speed.

[ETex2]

I'll have to check that; I don't think it's a two-speed. There are no switches or anything else on the pump or in the wiring to lead me to believe it is, but I'll investigate. Frankly, the labels on the pump are so old and faded out that I doubt I'll be able to read it, but will try. Thanks

[Pool Clown]

How about the basket in the pump housing? Is it cracked or have a hole in it? If debris gets through the basket, it can begin to collect in the impeller and eventually slow the flow way down, if not stop it all together.