Please help! Pump lid totally stuck!

[DeanaR]

Hi everyone!
so first of all I am a complete pool novice so please dumb down answers to suit ?
attached you will see a picture of my pump, it’s in desperate need of a clean but is completely stuck.
i am aware this has been asked a few times but mallets haven’t worked and there’s not much room for big tools. I have seen some people mention relieving pressure from the pump but have no idea how to do this so any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[cfherrman]

Use a stick or bar on the tabs to unscrew.

Hot water from the faucet helped the last guy I told to do that

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

To relieve pressure in the system, you should have an air bleeder on your filter. On mine, I twist the gauge at the base to open the bleeder. Your's may be different.

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP and the joys of pool ownership. Good luck. Have a great day.

 

[DeanaR]

To relieve pressure in the system, you should have an air bleeder on your filter. On mine, I twist the gauge at the base to open the bleeder. Your's may be different.

Can you help a girl out with what that part should look like ?

 

[DeanaR]

Welcome to TFP and the joys of pool ownership. Good luck. Have a great day.

Thank you! I currently have a green pool, I figure it’s pointless trying to start the slam process with a filthy pump and filter... send help ?

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

It may be easier to provide a photo or brand/model number of yours. Here's an example of what a filter looks like:

 

[DeanaR]

It may be easier to provide a photo or brand/model number of yours. Here's an example of what a filter looks like:
View attachment 132879

Sorry! I thought you meant on the pump. My filter is a sand filter, looks quite old and has more or less no labels on. Will attach a pic for reference. I will take a picture of the whole set up so you can see everything I have. Thanks for your help.

 

[DeanaR]

Sorry! I thought you meant on the pump. My filter is a sand filter, looks quite old and has more or less no labels on. Will attach a pic for reference. I will take a picture of the whole set up so you can see everything I have. Thanks for your help.

 

[DeanaR]

This is the whole set up, excuse the dirt it was like that when I moved in in December!

 

[Newdude]

I would use a foot long 2x4 (or any piece of scrap size that fits the tab and the rest of the stuff in the way ) against the plastic tab and gently hit the scrap with a hammer. A few light taps should do ( counter clockwise / lefty loose-y ). but I would increase the force if need be a little at a time.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I don't see an air bleeder. Try this. As Casey suggested, find a piece of wood, stick, or pipe (I see a piece of white PVC pipe tucked behind your filter and the wall) and give it a good counter-clockwise twist...

 

[mknauss]

The sand filter is above the pump. So there is some water pressure from it just due to elevation. Plus, when you remove that lid, the entire contents of that filter is coming out of pump basket all over that room. I suppose that has always happened, just be aware of it.

 

[DeanaR]

The sand filter is above the pump. So there is some water pressure from it just due to elevation. Plus, when you remove that lid, the entire contents of that filter is coming out of pump basket all over that room. I suppose that has always happened, just be aware of it.

No I wasn’t aware of that, thanks for the heads up! Is there any way to stop that happening? If it’s just going to pour onto the floor I’m not too fussed but is it about to hit me in the face? Stupid questions I know but as I said, complete newbie to pool life here haha.

 

[mknauss]

It won't hit you in the face. Turn the MPV (that changes to filter, waste, etc) to waste and that will drain off some of the water.

 

[Texas Splash]

Once the system is turned-off, if you place the multiport valve position to CLOSED, it may help prevent gravity-fed water from getting to the open pump basket lid. Once you finally do wrestle that lid off, don't forget to apply some silicone pool lube to the O-ring in hopes to prevent ti from getting stuck next time.

 

[DeanaR]

I don't see an air bleeder. Try this. As Casey suggested, find a piece of wood, stick, or pipe (I see a piece of white PVC pipe tucked behind your filter and the wall) and give it a good counter-clockwise twist...
View attachment 132889

It won't hit you in the face. Turn the MPV (that changes to filter, waste, etc) to waste and that will drain off some of the water.

thank you for your help yesterday! I am finally into my pump and it is now lovely and clean agin! I tried the tapping, the heating with a hair dryer, the hot water all to no avail, I got in using a large metal spirit level to give me leverage. Thanks again everyone!

 

[Newdude]

*High 5 from across the pond*

 

[Texas Splash]

 

[duraleigh]

I got in using a large metal spirit level to give me leverage.

Nice work. The pump lid should NEVER be more than just snug or hand tight.

If you put it back on with leverage from a tool, then take it back off and hand tighten only. Suction will hold it in place, not overtightening the threads.