Prevening single skimmer from being stuck

[GreetingsFromAP]

I have a fiberglass pool with 2 returns, 2 deck jets, a single skimmer and no main drain. Most of the time this is sufficient, but this past weekend I had people and a toy caused the skimmer door to get stuck shut which resulted in the pump running mostly dry for a very short period of time. No damage appears to have been done, but I see how having a second skimmer or lower return could be much safer. I figure I have 2 options.

1. When having people over just turn the pump off for the time they are playing in the pool
2. Add a flow sensor before the pump that could shut off the system if enough water wasn't entering the pump. This seems like safety measure that would protect pumps, but I haven't seen this configuration anywhere. Does it exist or is there a reason it wouldn't work.

Appreciate any other suggestions and your opinion on the second one.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Another option is to use a floating weir skimmer basket. Mine works great. Check out this link. It will probably cost $30-$40 per skimmer.

Floating Weirs?

 

[GreetingsFromAP]

Looks like a good idea. I'll have to look into it if my skimmer could use it. Guess it would mean removing the door and I don't want do to that if it will damage the door. My pump in single speed with a thermal sensor. If this one goes (I already replaced the motor once), I'd get a pump with loss-of-prime detection.