I'm having a similar problem.
My biggest issue is I can't turn the handle of the skimmer(is closed)
I don't want to force it and break something else.
i was planning to remove the screw and spray W-40.
I still don't know which way the valves should face.
Thanks,
tony d
The dye test showed me where the problem is in my pool attached hot tub
Dirt comes thru a jet in the HT.
When I add fix a leak should the filter be off or on recycle(sand filter)
Thanks,TD