Okay, fairly new to taking care of my own pool and this video scare the Crud outta me. LOL! How did these accidents happened? Did they not turn off filter and releasing pressure gauge? That's what I've always thought, that if you turn off your filter, and release pressure gauge, you are safe to work on it? There is still danger? Can someone expand because I'm in the midst of trying to open my filter, and it is completely stuck. I've turned off power and I've released the pressure gauge completely. I've been on top of the filter, face all in on it, thinking it's safe. LOL! All trying to force open the lid. Is it safe for me to continue trying to pry this lid open, or should I stop? Please advise. Thank you.
Filter lid
- Thread starter GonnaTryTFP
- Start date
Okay, fairly new to taking care of my own pool and this video scare the Crud outta me. LOL! How did these accidents happened? Did they not turn off filter and releasing pressure gauge? That's what I've always thought, that if you turn off your filter, and release pressure gauge, you are safe to work on it? There is still danger? Can someone expand because I'm in the midst of trying to open my filter, and it is completely stuck. I've turned off power and I've released the pressure gauge completely. I've been on top of the filter, face all in on it, thinking it's safe. LOL! All trying to force open the lid. Is it safe for me to continue trying to pry this lid open, or should I stop? Please advise. Thank you.
Is it this filter?
Those are pure evil.
There is no good way to get that lid off.
Whoa, did I post that before or something? If not, A.I. is really advanced now. LOL! Yes, that is my filter. You think it's time for a replacement? I can't even find the model number on this thing.
Ancient Purex SMBW DE filter, looks like a 2036 or 2048. Safest thing if ever opening the lid is to remove the air-relief assembly completely. Best thing is to get a new cartridge filter.
@JamesW is it cartridge filters particularly, just some cartridge filters or all filters have an equal risk?
Yes.
Some are more dangerous than others.
For that old filter, it is almost impossible to remove the lid.
Any filter that has trapped air can have that problem and hurt someone, don't ever take them for granted. Even a long-time pool tech can get hurt as a friend of mine did when he didn't make sure the air was out of the system, lid blew and caused a concussion.
Despite the video, filters DO NOT operate from air pressure. Compressed air is the enemy. Always open the air relief AND open the pump to let any pressure out before trying to open a filter. Sometimes there is a check valve that will keep pressure in the system and opening the pump should eliminate that. Best advice from the video, "never put your head over a filter you are opening."
I should have clarified my question with a little more info. This is not a D.E. filter, it's a cartridge. I've seen my pool guy clean it, it has 4 cartridges inside I believe, and IIRC, he said it was an old Pentair. So yeah, I've always been curious what the model number is for this filter. All the labels on it have faded.
Definitely a Purex (bought by Pentair) tank. Mistook that white whatever-it-is at the bottom right of the tank for the backwash valve handle.
Their CFW series cartridge filters had three cartridges in them but there were also kits that could convert to 4 cartridges (after Pentair bought them). The lid was/is next to impossible to open and harder to replace, hated servicing them.
Nice, so mine is "vintage." Gonna bring it to PBS Antique Road Show. LOL!
I'm leaning towards Aquastar Pipeline. Looks like it would be easier to DIY maintain.
What do you guys think?
The largest Pipeline filter is 250sq. ft. They seem to be good quality, but if you have room for a larger tank, you would be happier in the long run with something starting at 300 sq. ft. with multiple cartridges.
Here is how to get the lid off . Shut all power off. Take the pump lid off and open the air relief valve completely. Then using a flathead screwdriver, insert it into the gap between the lid and the tank and pull up on the screwdriver while working all the way around. Make sure power is OFF!
This was what I wanted to hear when I started this thread. LOL! I guess I was on the right track, before I gave up. I actually poked around and pryed a little with a flathead before I decided it might not be wise. I was afraid of damaging the lid. Also, when you put the flat head in the gap, you fear stabbing the o-ring. I didn't quite trust my instincts. Like was I doing something that was a rule of thumb, not to do? LOL! So I guess we can't avoid the need to pry. If this is normal practice for a stuck lid, I'll give it a try again. Thank you.