1st time pool owner...

[PoolDoc]

There are many ways to pipe the skimmer and the main drain. Your issue is not how some builders have done it, but rather how YOUR builder did it.

Without knowing what pipes connect to YOUR skimmer, I can't offer any suggestions.

[sigtau150]

So it looks like I am just missing the control plate to enable the main drain, which sits in the skimmer itself. #10 in the diagram - http://www.poolcenter.com/p/skimmer. Just ordered that, so maybe that is how I can enable the vacuum port on the side too. Will update once it comes in the mail.

[PoolDoc]

Thanks for the info.