OK I plugged up the outlet hose coming to the filter. Took off the cap, cleaned the basket, inspected the O ring. Looked perfect, right where it should be. I put the cap back on carefully and tightened it pretty good. It seems to have made the leaking stop, theres still maybe a drip. I don't want to tighten too hard. How many turns do you guys usually get ?
BTW--I think this is my issue, I am usually trying to put the cap on frantically while water gushes everywhere, taking my time with the hose plugged up I think I was able to make a more solid connection. It seems overnight with filter off i lost maybe 3-4 inches of water from this leak. Filling pool more as we speak.