Intex 22'x52" - dual intake - low suction

[shelly1367]

last year i bought a like new Intex, 22'x52" ultra frame pool...to my surprise, upon the first setup, we noticed it has 2 intake holes and 1 output. No big deal...we redid some hoses to our Hayward 1.5HP pump and sand filter. But after installing an skimmer (that hangs on the side) we were sadly disappointed at the lack of suction it has! In fact I have to plug one of the intake holes (with a rag!) in order to get enough suction for the skimmer to work properly.
Questions
1) anyone else have this problem?
2) what parts would I need to switch the holes...2 output and 1 intake? since the output hole is much larger
2) how would i check the function of the pump to make sure it's working as good as it should (it is fairly old)
3) do they make plugs to fit the intake holes so I don't have to use a rag anymore?
4) I would like to install a wall skimmer but am now worried there wouldn't be enough suction/too much water intake) for it to work well enough..


Any suggestions/tips or links to products would be great...pictures would be awesome! I definitely don't want to install a wall skimmer if there wouldn't be enough suction for it to work properly


Thank you!

 

[scout123]

I'm kind of new to all this, but I set up a 12 foot intex, using the intex sand filter and saltwater system which used a bigger hose. I plugged one of the intakes. Intex makes a black plug thing; I had 2 come with my pool, and it looks like this https://www.amazon.com/Model-10127-Intex-Strainer-Hole/dp/B003IMAEX0/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1527630933&sr=8-8&keywords=intex+pool+plug+cap

With the other intake, I cut a larger hole to fit my 1.5" hose for the upgraded pump/filter. I know nothing about the other filter pumps, so can't help there.

 

[Hendu2875]

I have a 16ft Intex and it came with the TWO suction ports.. It feels like its not sucking ANY water, but discharge says different.. I have a seperate pump/filter i use for my skimmer I installed..