Leaky pump on jetted tub

circ pump and booster pumps are different. circ pump is on during filtration cycles aswell as the heating element. booster pumps run the remaining jets. if you are only losing water when the jets are turned on, then start looking under the tub skirt for leaks within the jets and the plumbing

If water is back up above the intake, it should prime itself in a few minutes. As long as you don't let the case get hot to the touch it should be okay to run dry.

If it fails to prime and pump up pressure, you may have to prime it.

I assume that it pumps from/to the hot tub. If so, the pump is fine. Look for any air leaks in the piping/hoses from the connection in the pool to the inlet of the pump.

Gary

Surging is caused when the pump doesn't have enough water to push to the jets. this is usually a problem caused by air being drawn into the suction of the pump.
take a look at the jet(s) facing the suction cover.
I have seen cases where the water with the air mixed in causing bubbles gets sucked into the suction of the tub and causes the surging because the pump is pulling in too much air.
try rotating the nozzle of the jet facing the suction away from it. point it another way. turn the air control knob closed and see if that is the problem.
the only other issue that could cause this 'surging' problem is a leak in the suction line and could be the source of the water you see under the tub.

First find access to tub,by code there needs to be access to pump motor,either built into wall or various tubs front skirt is removeable.Fill tub and run to visibly see leak,sounds like bearing assembly gaskets are leaking on pump,could possibly be a jet connection,but if it only does while running its the pump or motor assembly.Hope that helps,in the future make sure water is always above suction intakes or can lead to premature burnout of pump

It kind of sounds like you have not purged air from near the pump impeller. Try adding water through the filter, often times this forces prime.

yes---you need to have no air getting in the lines.

the pump must not have any air leaks in the suction side of it,, or it will just **** air and not water,,, water is very heavy you see, however i think its the impeller in the pump thats the problem,,,you should try to put water in the out let of the pump so you fill the pump with water first if its dryed out it may just wear out the impeller before it starts to **** water up, if this still dont work turn off the stop **** and strip out the pump to look at the impeller any wear on it and it will need a new one fitted
i hope this has help you, good luck