Gradual loss of suction while vacuuming

[Area Man]

Are you sure you don't have the wrong end in the skimmer? The swivel end that's supposed to go on the vac will leak if it's on the skimmer end.

By golly. I didn't realize the ends weren't the same! That solves my problem, so I'm glad I "contributed". Thanks, JohnT!

[MassAttack]

Thank you - that's a lot of good information and advice. While I was able to pretty much rule out leaks, there could be more than one cause to my problem. I did find this morning that backwashing more seems to have helped a lot. After backwashing I was able to vacuum for nearly 30 minutes before losing suction. Even though backwashing seems to have done it for me, I will keep all the other advice in mind too. Next year when I have a lot dirt early on I will vacuum to waste, and at some point I will also try bypassing the skimmer basket.

Thanks again.