We starting noticing sand in the pool. My reading informed me it was probably a broken lateral. I removed the sand (boy was that a job) and discovered one cracked lateral. I also took the top off the valve and found the spider gasket was in bad shape. I ordered the parts. The lateral was correct but the spider gasket appears to be too large and will not lay flat in the bottom of the valve. The diameter of the gasket is 5 9/16 inches and the inside of the valve measures 5 5/16 inches. I called the sales representative and he told me how to ease the gasket into the valve. I am able to get the outer ring of the gasket to fit into the valve and the ring in the center to fit on the post using his advice but when I do the spokes of the gasket are wavy and obviously too long. The salesman said that it was supposed to be that way and it would fit into place when I glue it; it would just take a lot of work. He said if it took less than 2-3 hours to replace it I was doing it wrong!?!
I have attached two pictures. The first shows how I first placed the gasket. The second shows how I placed the gasket following his advice.
1. Does this appear to be the correct size gasket or is it too large?
2. Any suggestions on how to remove the old gasket? It is glued VERY well.
3. Any advice on putting the new sand back in the filter? (I know I need to put water in before beginning to add sand to protect the laterals.)
Thanks for any input!
I have attached two pictures. The first shows how I first placed the gasket. The second shows how I placed the gasket following his advice.
1. Does this appear to be the correct size gasket or is it too large?
2. Any suggestions on how to remove the old gasket? It is glued VERY well.
3. Any advice on putting the new sand back in the filter? (I know I need to put water in before beginning to add sand to protect the laterals.)
Thanks for any input!