Swimming pool question: I get either suction or circulation, but not both.?

Question

Preface: I did backwash. When I turn the intake valve one way I get water flowing in the pool providing circulation/skimmer, but the pool vac does not move. I turn the valve the other way and the pool vac works great, but the water does not circulate and no suction in skimmer. I can't find a happy medium. What gives? Please help! Thanks

Answer 1

Leave the filter on "filter"
The end of the hose with the plastic circular cap that goes over the skimmer will provide plenty of suction.
You don't need it to circulate while vacuuming.

We have the automatic turtle vacuum that goes around the pool with a basket at the end of it that drags along the bottom.
My husband had to rig it up though.
The hose that returns the water into the pool he took a "v" shape pvc pipe, two valves and had one for the return into pool and one for the turtle. We leave it on filter, turn the valve for the pool water return to the off position and open the other valve for the turtle. The pressure of the water now operates the turtle but do not have the circulation from the return hole inside the pool. You can't run the vac and circulate at the same time.
Confusing right? You can email me and I can send you a picture of it.

Answer 2

Pool

Answer 3

I think that it is supposed to work that way, so that you get more suction while vacuuming, but if you keep it on filter it will work just fine without the automatic cleaner attached.
http://appliancequickfix.com/ has a great page on pool water maintenance.