Sand swap help?

[sealy99]

I have a Hayward S244T sand filter. This is my first time changing out the sand. Disconnected the unions on the pipes and took the collar off the multiport valve expecting to find a center pipe that I can reach around to remove the sand but what I find is this

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[sealy99]

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[sealy99]

How do I get around this to remove sand or remove it without damaging laterals. It seems pretty solidly placed on there. Not sure if it's glued or how it's assembled

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[joel0711]

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Just had mine apart yesterday--- That part just lifts straight up and off...

 

[pooldv]

Here is a tutorial on cleaning a sand filter that will help.
Deep Cleaning a Sand Filter

 

[Richard320]

That black piece should have lifted out with the valve leaving the white pipe sticking up exposed. Wiggle on it until it separates.