It appears I fried my spa pump (it is humming but not turning) because it was placed too close to the water line. I guess this adds stress to the pump because of difficulty in priming itself when the water flows back down into the in-ground tub.

The thing is that the pump is part of a spa pack I ordered to replace the original spa mechanicals only two years ago. I disconnected the pump and I am ready to order a new one ($215). The website spaguts.com recommends inserting a pump pot ($70) into the line if the pump is close to the water line. I can't physically lower the spa pack and further down, so I think I have to get install the pump pot. Does anyone have experience with one of these and is this the way to go to prevent future pump damage?

Get yourself a self-priming pump and install a check valve on its suction side.

I have not seen these available on the site that I was going to order the pump from. How much is a self-priming pump and a check valve, and where do I get one from?

an example of a self-priming pump is a hayward brand super pump. There are many others as well...like a pentair brand whisperflo.

A check valve will be plumbed inline on the suction side of the pump. you would get one to match the pipe size.