Using the swimming pool pump as skimmer

[corrigannick]

Hi there.
In my swimming pool to pond conversion I have the pool filter and pump still in place. If I turn the filter to "cycle", the water is pumped through and bypasses the filter. Is this a suitable way to get the water moving? How do I stop the fish and insect larvae getting sucked in with all the leaves? I would only want to use it for a very short time each day to stop stagnation.
Thank you!