How to prime a sand filter pump - INTEX Sand Filter Pump

No such thing as 'sand pump'...
There's a circulation pump and sand filter.
filters don't pump water.
if no water is flowing, then pump is either not primed, or valves are closed.
Or water level is not at point of water entry into suction port.

use a garden hose connected to house supply to fill the housing and pump head , after that Pump should be able to take over and use water pulled from skimmer , if all your joints and seals are good , if it looses prime ,even after resting for a little while , ck all your joints and seals for leaks ,remember not all leaks ,Leak Out some leak In !!

You will see NO leak if the pump is on.
But once the pump is off, then you may see a leak.

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The most common causes of no prime are that the filter pot is not filled with water (don't forget to put the cover with a gasket on), there is an air leak in the pipes/valves between the pump and the pool, a plug of leaves or other debris in the suction line, or the pump is installed so high in elevation relative to the pool that just a little of the above issues will prevent it from priming. I hope this helps.

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What brand of pool pump do you have? The pump is separate from this pool filter so I would have to know the brand and model to tell you how to prime it.

Check skimmers, pump strainer basket and filter pressure. If filter pressure builds. time to backwash the filter. Also, the impellar on the pump might have debris in it...

Do you have problems priming the system? If so you may have a suction leak in the plumbing attached to the front of the pump or a bad 0-ring seal in a valve. Symptom would be that when you set up to vac. The pump would lose prime or move very little water. Also maybe a clogged pump impeller.

You will simply remove the old sand from your pool filter and follow the instructions from your users manual like you are adding sand for the first time. In case you don't have it, I am going to paraphrase it for you below.

1. Be sure correct amount of filter sand media is in tank and
that all connections have been made and are secure.
IMPORTANT: To prevent unnecessary strain on piping system and valving, always shut off pump before switching Filter Control Valve positions.
The correct amout of sand can be determined with this link: http://www.backyardcitypools.com/pool-filters/Filter-Sand-Requirements.htm

2. Set your controls to the backwash position.

3. Prime and start pump according to pump instructions. (be sure all suction and return lines are open), allowing the filter tank to fill with water.

4. Once water flow is steady out the waste line, run the pump
for at least 2 minutes. This initial backwashing of the filter is recommended to remove any impurities or fine sand particles in the sand media.

5. Turn pump off and set valve to RINSE position. Start pump and operate until water in sight glass is clear—about 1/2 to 1 minute. Turn pump off, set valve to FILTER position and restart pump. Your filter is now operating in the normal filter mode, filtering particles from the pool water.

6. Adjust pool suction and return valves to achieve desired
flow. Check system and filter for water leaks and tighten connections, bolts, nuts, as required.

7. Set your filter to the "filter" position.

Sounds like your pump is not primed. That would be the only reason your filter doesn't register any pressure. Try priming the pump by filling the hair/lint pot with water and starting it up. If the pump pot is full while it's running and you still have no pressure, you may have a clogged pump impeller.