Throw on some skimmer socks! There is recent long discussion about using them. They filter an amazing amount of suspended stuff and will help cut down on your backwashing needs. In your extreme situation, if you have 2 skimmers, you might just put a sock on one (that way, if it clogs up due to the sock, you are still skimming with the other).

I would buy a five pack and just keep rotating on a new one and wash out the old. Every little bit helps!