too small to get grabbed by filter while vacuuming?

[Yeggim]

I have a plate that goes on top of the skimmer basket. The basket stays in place during vacuuming. I do use skimmer socks when I vacuum. Is that a bad thing to do?

I don't any more. I used to vacuum with the skimmer socks in but mine seem take a beating and wear out prematurely.