Sand in pool- is this the problem?

[newguyjosh]

Last summer I noticed sand coming back into the pool but decided to wait till spring before opening to try and fix it. I took the sand and laterals out today to look for cracks. I didn't see any cracks in the laterals themselves but there are what appear to be cracks around the parts that hold the laterals in (see pics)

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff115/newguy07/021F6E3D-DD71-499B-99AC-0F2AD4F5CD8C_zpse9xnhsew.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff115/newguy07/FE5080FF-BD32-40B8-B6D5-F679525FDD35_zpsqqpliumg.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff115/newguy07/C7E94645-B888-4B50-BB23-0132316F4383_zps75qlwtg5.jpg

Does that look like the problem? If so will this fix it? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004VTGK64/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_3_1?colid=V685K9W5ZNNT&coliid=I20D538M7OOEMC. I have the Hayward s180t

Thanns

 

[dsmith99]

I would say that is the problem. Your first pic shows it best, you have some separation there and the fine sand does not need much space to get through. Looks to be the correct part for your filter and should fix your problem

 

[Chemnut]

Those laterals look good to me, when pulled in the up position there is always a gap in the bottom. They will seat properly once cleaned and opened back up once inside the filter. Are you rinsing after a backwash?

 

[dsmith99]

The structure is pretty obviously cracked and separated where the screw attaches. This one is the most obvious but I spotted two other screws also cracked. This opens up a gap around the laterals and the sand to get through. It's possible the filter didn't drain well enough and froze or it could just be old brittle plastic, hard to say. I would replace the assembly and I'm betting it will solve your problem.

 

[Chemnut]

My apologies, I missed that huge crack