Once you have installed your new pool pump and made sure (if you have installed new fittings and unions) that all joints have been cemented, its time to "prime" your pump.

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To do this, remove the Strainer basket lid, fill the chamber with water from either a hose/bucket or similar.

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Fill it until it overflows, then quickly put the strainer cap back on and make sure its securely fastened.

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Only then turn on the pump, if it doesn't prime and water flows freely into the chamber, repeat the process until it does.

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If after multiple attempts it does not, then you most likely have air that's being drawn into the pipework. air will only be drawn in on the suction side and that is the port on the front of the pump.

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Faulty pvc joints, o rings in direction valves, filter o rings not seated properly are just a few of these causes. 

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Even professionals can encounter priming issues, in some cases there isn't an air leak, it can just take a long time to get a newly installed pump to prime properly.