loss of suction at skimmer

[vinouspleasure]

turned out we had lost those doors that sit in front of the skimmer (weirs?). this fixed the problem...why do they help so much?

[Poconos]

For one thing they break up the water flow and help prevent a vortex from forming and sucking air. Their real purpose is to prevent stuff in the skimmer from going back in the pool when the pump shuts off.
Glad you found the problem.
Al