Top diffusser for hayward s200 fiter

[charlie21ny]

What is the purpose of the top diffusser....mine is cracked what symptoms would it have on the filter...also i need to replace it what are the steps in removing it,can it be done thru the small dome or do i need to take the filter apart...Ty in advance

[Poconos]

That diffuser does exactly what it's name implies. Diffuses the water, sort of a spray, over the top of the sand. Here is the link to the manual
http://www.hayward-pool.com/pdf/manuals/manual23.pdf
and from what it says the top diffuser can be removed through the access dome.
Al