Well, I got the valve installed on the inlet... I had to use the "ram-horn" installation with both the skimmer and main drains coming together at the inlet...

But, I did get the valve 9 inches away from the pump, so I feel better about it being situated there... I also have the main drains on the side that had to go up and around to the valve vs just up and over, so hopefully it is balanced better...

I'll go take a pic and post up how it turned out...