Does your tub have a mesh inlet screen? When I owned a Jacuzzi, the dealer provided a couple. My current tub has bot a top loading filter which skims off the top of the water and feeds into the pump, and also a lower pump suction inlet. The lower one has a perforated cover, but would still allow small particles to get sucked into the pump (sand, hair, bugs etc...). It really seems to collect a lot of debris.
I looked all over and finally found a mesh screen designed to fit over the inlet (the web site link is
https://spaandpoolstore.com/6540-213-sundance-sweetwater-jacuzzi-spas-drain-cover-mesh-filter-large-diameter-5-6540-213/.
Can anyone think of a reason
not to use this? I realize it might limit the flow into the pump a little, but top filter may just have more flow).