Just curious...why didn't you want the spillover?

marta p,
It's an easy remedy. Ask the PB to raise the tiled throat of the skimmer so it slopes from the center of the tile down to the bottom of the front of the plastic skimmer. This eliminates the tube and maintains the proper water level. Good luck.

thanks Golfgeek, one question. The skimmer isn't the same that's in the pool (that does have tile at the bottom), the one in the spa is just a white plastic square that looks almost identical to the one I've linked to below.

The PB put a pipe in the center to raise up the water level, but that's what's causing the suction problems. Do you think if the PB could do something to keep the "flap" static that would have the same effect? I appreciate your insight, thanks!!!

Luvh20 -funny, we didn't want the spillover b/c my husband hates the noise they make. oooops.

Here is a link that might be useful: link to skimmer that is similar to one in our spa

marta p,
If there is no tile in front of the skimmer opening that can be raised, perhaps a piece of plastic can be attached with glue and ss screws to the skimmer face and serve the same purpose. The weir gate(flap) will not provide the positive seal needed.
The gurgling will be diminished substantially, but you may still have to put up with a little noise. It helps to be able to use the skimmer basket to pick up leaves, etc.

Thanks Golfgeek. The thing is - I don't think it's fair that we should have to do something that's going to lessen the quality/look of our spa when it was the PB's mistake and we paid a pretty penny for it. So frustrating! Of course they haven't returned my e/mails all week, so who knows what's happening! Ugh.