Jandy CL460 Drain Dilemma

[HouTX]

I am a first time pool owner and this forum has been invaluable. Most of my questions have been answered by searching this forum.

I looked up the instructions to clean the filter cartridges and noticed that the drain plug is located about 1/2" from the pump (see attachment). I do not see a way to open the drain plug (no room) unless I am missing something. The pressure is well within the norm (about 18psi currently) and since the pool is 4-5 years old I am assuming it has been cleaned before. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JasonLion]

Welcome to TFP!

My, that is a uniquely bad plumbing job. There isn't any simple way to deal with that short of doing some replumbing.

 

[HouTX]

I was afraid of that! Is there a way to clean a cartridge filter without draining the water first ? Is it safe to remove the top once the pressure has been released if the water has not been drained first ? I realize there will be water everywhere when you remove the top, and then manually get the water out of the bottom base (?) What does not make sense is that the filter must have been cleaned in the last 5 years, somehow.

 

[jblizzle]

If you open the air release valve on the top, the water in the filter should drain down and then you can just take the top off.

 

[JasonLion]

It is easy to clean the filter for routine cleaning: Take the top off, remove the cartridge, hose the cartridge down, and replace everything.

It is nice to have the drain plug out to do the annual full cleanup and winterizing, though I can image doing it without removing the plug.

 

[HouTX]

Thank you all, I did not realize that the filter chamber drains when pressure is released. I will give that a try