Main drain piping repair

[pablito3]

Hi all,
I have a pool that was constructed 8 years ago and plumbing wise has been a disaster with leak after leak. I have decided to replaceand reroute all the plumbing. My question is can I relpace the main drain tubing without draining down the pool. The water level is already below skimmers, returns and vac. connection. If I placed a piece of rubber matting over the drain would that prevent the water from escaping when I cut the pipe coming from the main drain?
Thanks for any help/advice.