Love the swimming child. Great explanation and pics! You can also use the skimmer plate with your skimmer basket in place. That will help some of the larger gunk get caught in the skimmer basket. You do have the skimmer baskets, right?
So you take your skimmer basket out to vacuum? What you need is the plate that goes on top of the basket so that the schmutz is collected there rather than risking it clogging your pipes or pump basket.
Skimmer plates: Hayward Skimmers - Swimming Pool Supplies, Parts, and more
If you don't find them, get them. You need them and also skimmer socks. People use pool store ones, hairnets, paint strainers, pantyhose.... But they all help.
Seems like overkill
I'm enjoying following this thread. I hope to be working on our new-to-us pool, also foreclosure/2 years+ closed. We have 3 kids under 10, and no fence around the immediate pool area/open to whole yard. Fence is one of my priorities before removing the cover. I look forward to seeing your progress!
Since I started using the hairnets, I have not had to backwash my DE filter since August. Well worth the cost.