Check and see if the diameter of the hose fits in the hole at the bottom of your skimmer where the water goes into the pipes. It won't fit tightly, but will be pretty close. If so, then you "can" use that to vacuum to waste--you fill the hose with water, and have someone hold the end of the hose in the hole (basket removed) and the suction holds it in place. However, that leaves you open for whatever you're vacuuming to get into your pipes and clog them up. I think it's much safer to buy the plate because it will fit over the skimmer basket and then filter anything that comes through the hose before it gets into your pipes, so nothing clogs them up. The plate can usually be bought at a pool store--around here they're around $15. Take your skimmer basket into the store with you, though, because the plates come in a couple of different configurations.

Janet