Slimmer hose length

Hello:How long should the hose be from skimmer to pump?I have about an 8’ hose that I think could be causing reduced pressure and/or an air pocket at the top of the pump.-Above ground-21’Thanks

Could be shorter, but 8 feet of hose should not cause much pressure loss anyless it was vastly undersize. Trapped air above the basket is not  unusual or an  issue as long as is does not continue to get larger and the pump continues to pump properly.