Kreepy Krauly Vacuum Regulator - Do I need that thing?

[thegoat54]

I just got a Kreepy Krauly from a yard sale. I did not get the regulator valve with it.

Can I just attach it to my skimmer using my vacuum hose adapter? What does the valve do exactly? Is it needed?

 

[pabeader]

Do you have 2 inlets like a skimmer and a main drain? If so, you could adjust the suction balance between them to adjust the movement of the cleaner. If not, you can try using it with out the regulator but you may find that the vacuum will go too high on the walls and start to suck air. The regulator allows you to lower the suction through the cleaner to stop this from happening.

 

[thegoat54]

No, I only have 1 skimmer. It is an above ground pool.

So as long as I can lower the suction somehow thats all I need? So I could install a ball valve on my skimmer drain line? Or even just plug/block up the skimmer with something so that less suction can occur?