I just installed an in ground spa with the pump/electronics being located in a pump shed 18 feet away. I'm using a Sta-Rite 4hp pump with pot, all the lines were pressure checked for leaks but when I fill up the pump pot, seal the lid and turn it on the pot sucks dry instantly and thats the end of it... The pump is 16 inches higher than the water level, do I need to dig up the suction line at the tub and install a check valve? Just doen't seem right to bury something like a check valve that may require maintenance down the road. Thanks!

Priming that will be a little tricky, but if you're quick, you can do it.

Let the hose run for a minute or two in the pump basket, filling the intake line with water. Then, in one speed filled blurry motion, throw the hose over your shoulder, tighten the basket lid back on, and turn on the pump.

It'll catch