No suction at one skimmer

[CherryLane]

We have a massive vinyl pool - around 50,000 gallons. We were new to this house last year and had a pool service and didn’t get to know the equipment. That company was unable to come and open our pool or service it this year so we are new to maintaining this pool and trying to learn.

We got it open and water is starting to look decent. We have 2 skimmers and are only getting suction at the far one, no suction at the skimmer in shallow end which is closer to the equipment. We aren’t sure if this is a simple issue like a valve turned wrong way or a bigger problem like a leak or something. Our equipment is in the photos:

We believe we got all the plugs out. We don’t have a spa, so not sure what that valve controls. We tried backwashing. We tried using a hose at the skimmer to clear a clog. When we tried isolating that skimmer by turning off the main drain and far skimmer and the pressure drops from 25 to 12 and air bubbles started coming out of returns and the pump window had air bubbles in it. A pool company we called which couldn’t come service said maybe call a plumber to check for leaks. I’m holding out hope the solution is simpler than that and we’re just dumb newbies who missed a switch or valve. Any suggestions?

 

[1poolman1]

A hose at the skimmer will only push a clog further into the line if it is there. Try a Drain King at the pump inlet plumbing if that skimmer isn't controlled by the valve closest to the pump. It must be inserted entirely into a pipe or it will burst on first use. If that first ball valve is for the affected skimmer, it would be blocked off by the Drain King. Close all valves except for the affected skimmer.
The site below is just to show what it is. They have something like it at most Home Depots. Don't get canvas as it will rot before your next use.

Your pump had/has a severe seal leak.

Amazon.com

 

[CherryLane]

A hose at the skimmer will only push a clog further into the line if it is there. Try a Drain King at the pump inlet plumbing if that skimmer isn't controlled by the valve closest to the pump. It must be inserted entirely into a pipe or it will burst on first use. If that first ball valve is for the affected skimmer, it would be blocked off by the Drain King. Close all valves except for the affected skimmer.
The site below is just to show what it is. They have something like it at most Home Depots. Don't get canvas as it will rot before your next use.

Your pump had/has a severe seal leak.

Amazon.com

Thank you, we will work on both your suggestions. We actually found out from the former owner that it has been this way for a few years, so while that’s not ideal, it emade us feel better that we didn’t miss something and encouraging that the pool looked great last year even with just the one skimmer functioning.