Sounds like Proavia nailed it, so the pipes in the new picture should be the pool suction, try turning on the pump and rotate that valve clock wise 1/8 of a turn so the handle is pointing slightly to the left. If you were to turn it counter clockwise 90 degrees so the handle was pointing at the pipe on the right that would cut the water supply off to the pump completely assuming the powered valve is as seen in the previous pictures (don't do that). After the 1/8 turn see if you have suction in the skimmer. If it is connected the way it seems and you were to go all the way clockwise that would shut off the main drain and you would be getting all suction from the skimmer.
As for the SWG being non functional do you mean that you were told not to use it because you have stone around the pool? Many would disagree with that stance or at least say given a little care you can use it. The effects are different Depending on the type of stone soft vs hard and if you are willing to seal it every year or two the chances of damage can be significantly reduced. Not that it is impossible to damage it but with a little care like spraying down the deck if you get a lot of splash out stone can get along with a salt pool just fine.
As for the SWG being non functional do you mean that you were told not to use it because you have stone around the pool? Many would disagree with that stance or at least say given a little care you can use it. The effects are different Depending on the type of stone soft vs hard and if you are willing to seal it every year or two the chances of damage can be significantly reduced. Not that it is impossible to damage it but with a little care like spraying down the deck if you get a lot of splash out stone can get along with a salt pool just fine.
