Pool not draining, skimmer valve issue?

[coachwad]

So I am draining my pool so I can clean some scale buildup. I have the skimmer valve closed so that the pump can draw straight from the drain, however the skimmers are still sucking so the pump keeps losing prime. Any advice?
FWIW, I am draining through the "waste" port on my filter if that makes any difference.

 

[Jimrahbe]

coach,

Welcome to TFP... A Great resource for all your pool related questions...

I can't see how the skimmer(s) can be sucking air if you have the valve shut off at the pad???

So I'm puzzled... How many skimmers do you have? How about a picture of your equipment pad, showing the valves on the input to your pump?

Are the skimmer(s) actually sucking air, or is your pump just not getting enough water from the main drain and causing cavitation?

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.