Pump not priming automatically

[sotrev02@gmail.com]

Hello folks,

First time poster,

Having a hard time with my pump staying primed. Pumps are located above pool, have two jandy valves one for spa and one for pool. Recently replaced both with new flappers. The spa flapper is constantly getting debris under the flapper so it leaks. Before the jandy I had the taller bigger container type check valves. Would the different type check valves be my problem? Is there some type of fix to avoid contaminating the valves. Any help would be appreciated.

Lee