Can I run my pumps with the water level below the skimmer?

In the process of filling my pool. My skimmer has 2 holes and I understand one goes to the pump and the other to the main drain. From my understanding, if the water level is below the skimmer, I can’t user the pumps since pulling from the main drain requires the water to go to the skimmer first. I don’t know if there is an equalizer but I doubt it.
 
If the main drain runs through the skimmer, I don’t see how a valve at the pad could help.

You would think someone would market a U-shaped PVC pipe that would plug firmly into the 2 skimmer holes, allowing the pump to pull from the main drain. I doubt the flying saucer diverter is robust enough for this purpose.
 
I doubt the flying saucer diverter is robust enough for this purpose.

The diverter didn't work for me. It allowed air into the system which caused the pump to cavitate. If you have a dedicated suction port that you can isolate suction to, you can drain to just above this port while the cleaner or it's hose in the water.
 
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