Skimmer sucking air I think

[Supertrucker]

My skimmer closest to the pump seems to be sucking air from somewhere. I checked the weir door and it's operating properly. I replaced the o rings in the valve with no change. We do have 2 live oaks that dump on us twice a year and I've been busting my rear emptying the skimmers and vacuuming the bottom. Is it possible I've managed to suck leaves down the skimmer pipe and it's restricting the flow of water?
When I shut the valve off the pressure goes back up to normal levels.

Im stumped...

 

[bobodaclown]

You could run water over the connections leading to the valve, monitor for air in the pump basket, the water flowing over the pipe connectors won't allow air in, another trick is to use shaving cream.

 

[mas985]

My skimmer closest to the pump seems to be sucking air from somewhere.

Are you seeing a vortex form in the skimmer?

 

[Supertrucker]

I do see a vortex when the skimmer is on. The biggest thing I noticed was the water level in the pre pump strainer is lower with that skimmer valve open. I also noticed air bubbles coming from the return jets that go away when that skimmer valve is shut off. I've never had a problem with this skimmer until I started getting hammered with leaves.

 

[mas985]

If you are seeing a vortex in the skimmer then that is likely where the air is entering the skimmer. This means that there is actually too much flow from that skimmer or the water level is too low.

Is the water level to the mid point of the skimmer mouth?

Is there another skimmer or main drain to draw from?

What is the make/model of your pump?

 

[Supertrucker]

I guess I need to better explain. I don't see a big vortex in the skimmer. Water level is good. It is at the mid point of the skimmer mouth. I have an auto-fill system and with the exception of about 6 days when it was in the teens and 20s it has been on for the winter. We are in N Texas and winters are pretty mild for the most part.
There is a main drain and another skimmer that pump draws water from.
I will have to check on the make/model of the pump. Pool came with the house so I'm still slowly learning about the equipment.