add 1.5" unions to be able to easily remove filter

[brianmac]

Here is a picture of my Hayward 244T. I have a SWG attached. I am planning on replacing the sand in the filter. I am 16 years owner and don't know if original owner has changed the sand. I have been getting sand in the return last year.

I want an easy way to disconnect my filter from the plumbing. I figured 1.5" unions, but the way the piping is i don't think two of them(intake and return) will fit. Was thinking just putting one on top, but really don't think there is clearance for that.

Any thoughts on best way to do it?

Thanks for any help!
Brian

 

[Texas Splash]

You look to be jammed-up in a corner there. If it were me, I'd look at redoing that entire top line. Are you not able to bring it out & away a bit (towards the camera)? If so, I would start over from the pump MPV port back to that vertical line should give you enough room for the union.

But now something else caught my eye. It looks like your flow switch in pointed towards the pump MPV on the Inlet line right? If so, that's not right either. The SWG and flow switch should be on the outlet line, the last thing before going back into the ground to the pool. So if I'm seeing this correctly, the flow switch should be removed from that spot which would also give you more room on that inlet line.