Filter leak?

[Desire5292]

I'm trying to get my pool open. Had to add water because it was drained below skimmer to close. Just realized it's been stuck right at the return jet for several hours and hasn't filled anymore...looked at my equipment and realized there's something at the bottom of the filter draining water. Looks like maybe some kind of drain that's supposed to have a cap on it? I can't remember taking a cap off last year to drain but if I was just following instructions it's possible I did it and forgot. Does anyone have any idea what I'm talking about and where I can find another cap if that's what I need?
Sorry, I know this sounds dumb, but this is all extremely new to me! Thanks!

 

[zea3]

Can you post a picture of the part that is draining? Also check inside the strainer basket on your pump. Many people store the plugs for their filters inside the pump strainer basket for the winter.

 

[Desire5292]

Here it is. Definitely appears to be something missing! Nothing was in the pump basket. All the other stuff I took off was together in the skimmer basket, so I don't know why I wouldn't have put that with it!

 

[Desire5292]

This part on the pump is leaking as well...just discovered it. My filter and pump haven't had a lot of maintenance in the last year since we bought the house because I didn't know how. It's not leaking from where the hose is attached, even though its not tightened down yet. It looks like it's leaking just underneath it? Any thoughts? Or ideas of what needs to be replaced just as general maintenance?

 

[zea3]

Any 1.5" female threaded cap should work. You can check the pool store or local hardware store to see if they have one. Get a couple of extra plugs for your skimmer and return openings, then if you run across this issue again you can prevent all your freshly added water from draining out!

 

[zea3]

Can you post a picture of the pump from a little farther back? I'd like to see where it connects to the pool and the filter.

 

[Desire5292]

Great!! Thank you! Sounds much better than searching everywhere for a cap I apparently lost 7 months ago!

 

[Desire5292]

Here it is. I tried changing the filter setting to closed (everything is still off) and now it's leaking slightly from the backwash part (valve?). ? Maybe I'm in over my head! Lol.

 

[zea3]

Ah, that helps a lot! You should have band clamps on all the hose connections. In the first picture you can see a loose band clamp on the top of the white hose where it meets the filter. Each end of hose needs a band clamp that is snugged down tight. That should take care of your leaks.
Personally I would recommend hard plumbing the connections with valves an unions. If you care to tackle that project down the road we can help you do it.

 

[Desire5292]

Yes, I do have the clamps! Just haven't put them on yet because I need my husband's help. I couldn't tell if it was leaking from there or just below it though. Lol, not sure what that even means ? I'll see if I can get my husband to tackle that!

 

[zea3]

I'm surprised the hoses didn't pop off when you turned the pump on!

 

[Desire5292]

I haven't turned it on yet because the water isn't high enough. Just trying to get the water level up and it's going into the filter and draining.