Hey Mr. VG -- you still out there? Something interesting turned up when I was tearing everything down this weekend, getting ready for winter: remember our discussion of the plugged main drain? when I took the end off of the ball valve on that line, the line was full into the valve. the skimmer line was full to the same level, both about 4" below the common suction line into the pump. This level was a good 3' above the pool surface where it now is. Care to speculate? btw, got good flow out of the jets when I blew them out, and was able to blow the skimmer line out from the pump end back to the pool. I plan on pressure testing all the lines, but I was a bit surprised to find the skimmer and main drain lines holding water.

The pool builder hasn't made it over yet... but he was complaining about having 3 kids in football, so maybe he can find some time in a couple weeks. Thanks for your interest.