First, get the pump serviced. Often the seals, gaskets and impeller ( or diaphram) are worn and so the pump will not hold prime. Servicing a pump can be done by yourself with a kit, for a few bucks, ( $25 - $50), or done by a professional for a few more bucks, ($50-$100).

Using a poly mesh filter from a hot air furnace, wrap the foot valve with this, secure with zip ties and use this as a pre-filter. Weight the foot valve and suspend it off a float, so it is not sucking sediment off the bottom, or use rigid PVC plumbing to suspend the foot valve off the bottom.

Make sure there are no leaks in the garden hose or fittings on the supply side of the pump, or better yet, spend the money and use a good quality soft or rigid PVC supply line.

Make sure that if there is a priming stack for the pump, that it is well sealed with no air leaks, including the cap. If the pump is self priming, install a t-junction in the supply side plumbing, with a stack and sealed cap, that lets you quickly prime the supply line.

Usually, the self priming feature of a pump, accellerates impeller wear.