I would like to change my Polaris pressure side pool cleaner to a Hayward vacuum side cleaner. Pool is screened; no leaf problem.

Main pool pump is a 1 hp Hayward Super II with 1.5" ports. I need to replumb the 1.5" pressure supply pipe that went to the pool wall port for the Polaris vac. This will be the new suction pipe for the vac cleaner.

I have space to cut the pool pump 1.5" suction inlet pipe and install a T and then connect the T to the pipe which will now be the suction pipe for the cleaner.

Can a ball valve work to control how much water to drawn by the vac?

Could I plumb it with straight pipe, no valve, and use the skimmer / floor Jandy valve to control flow from the vac? Turn OFF floor drain and only use skimmer and vac?

Thanks.