This was the cause of my impeller clog. Note pump inlet basket is completely clogged and one side has ruptured vertically along one row.

This is an old basket I "repaired" last season by cinching up the opening with zip ties. One is still barely visible in the photo.

Using zip ties in this manner is okay for a temporary weekend fix when the pool store is closed but don't do what I did and try to use it for ordinary service after that point. Duh!