How to replace sand filter drain outlet-the dog ate my pool!

[vanessadickson]

Over the winter, my dog somehow chewed up the threads in the drain outlet of my sand filter. Picture below. The cap is no longer watertight and is losing water, despite the lovely brick I placed to try to help the NEW cap and pipe tape stem the tide. Tried a new cap, didnt help. Is it possible to just replace the outlet ead section somehow and not the whole sand filter? Help!

 

[kimkats]

Bad doggy, BAD! Oh my that was quite a trick for him to even be able to get to it!

Okay here is my idea............block it off. I have never really been able to use mine so just empty through the top using a shop vac when I need to. Get some flex seal and or tape. I would even think about getting a cork to put in it first as an extra step to block it.

THEN put up a pretty lattice fence to keep the doggy out (my dog eat our new riding mower so know what you are facing)

Kim

 

[Bama Rambler]

Believe it or not, there was a thread a while back about the same thing.

The guy came up with an ingenious solution to fix it.

I don't have time to search for it right now, but search for Sand Filter Drain Problem.

Ok I Lied, It's linked above.

 

[kimkats]

LOL better than you thought you were huh Dave??? WOW! That is an awesome write up and fix!

Kim

 

[Bama Rambler]

I was supposed to go to a meeting, but figured pool help was more important than meeting, so I blew it off. You get to do that when you're the boss!

 

[vanessadickson]

Wow, great idea. We will have to check this out at Lowes, my farmer husband can fix anything and this may be his newest plumbing challenge. Thanks guys!

 

[n240sxguy]

I thought I was the only one that had this problem! I have no idea how mine got damaged. Maybe a dog like yours. I just know it's messed up. I take silicone caulk and fill the cap about half full and thread it on. When I start it the next morning it is sealed up nice. That drain and the drains on my pump look like Edward scissor hands did the maintenance on them.

 

[vanessadickson]

Happy to announce the winner! When hubby came back from Lowes with the fittings, he realized he got the wrong size fittings ?. He gets half credit for trying.
Refusing to go back there (we live way out in the country) we decided to try the last suggestion- filling the cap half full of silicone caulk. Shut down pool 24hrs to let it cure, and WHHOOPPPIE! No leaks. His only complaint is that he will have to redo each year, but sure beats the cost of a new filter. Thanks so much guys! ?

 

[n240sxguy]

It's 5 minutes at the start of each season. Easy enough to do, at least for me. I don't want to buy a new filter yet either.

 

[danpik]

If you can find the manufacturer Part number you could probably order the assembly to replace it. The threaded portion on almost all f these drains is a separate part from the filter tank itself. You would have to remove the sand from the tank to access it, but the threaded assembly is held in with a large threaded nut on the inside of the tank.

Dan

 

[vanessadickson]

thx danpik, good idea. may try that when do next sand replace sometime.

 

[n240sxguy]

I'll doublecheck mine but I swear it's molded into the actual housing of the filter.

 

[vanessadickson]

Update...my silicone caulk solution was only temporary, and its leaking again. No way to deal with those few thread remaining except to replace the whole thing. So back to BamaRamblers plan linked above. Not as easy for sure, but definitely more permanent.

 

[kimkats]

Worth a try and THANKS for the follow up! Make sure to take/share pics so others can learn from you.

Kim