Pool Pipe or Skimmer Leak

I have a major leak. The pool shell is not the issue but rather the main skimmer line and drain line appears to be compromised. The pool pump would not prime and was sucking alot of air....so after an investigation we turned the valve off for the skimmer and not the pump is now able to work as the water is being drawn through the suction pool cleaner line. Nevertheless we have a problem. ....After geting the pump back on line I noticed debris in the pump basket. I cleaned the pump basket and came across a handful of steel pellets....at least 50 of the pellets were in the basket including a screw. They came from somewhere and I believe that they are related to my leak. Are they from to my pool skimmer equipment or main drain equipment? Whats going on here? Please advise. I thank you in advance

It is also possible that the skimmer line is block and that too can cause air to enter the pump basket via the lid. So make sure that the skimmer line is completely clear before assuming that it is a leak. You can back flush from the pump through the skimmer using a hose in the pump basket inlet wrapped with a rag. See if anything comes back out the skimmer.

As for the pellets, I have no idea. Do you have kids? :)