racket said:The hose adapter on the skimmer, and return can likely be unscrewed and replaced with a male adapter.
If the pump is waterway, http://www.google.com/products/catalog? ... DMQ8wIwAg# this should fit.
dmanb2b said:IMO 1.5" plumbing on a standard AGP set-up like yours would be just fine, although I have nothing against going to 2". That said, scrap those 2 reducers you have next to the unions as they are not pressure rated fittings and are intended for waste water applications.
Racket is spot on with his comments, the barbed fitting can just unscrew from the skimmer and you can use a 1.5" male adapter/slip fitting...same on the return.