FOUND cause of filter allowing dirt/bugs in pool

Well I broke down the filter today for winter closing. The standpipe that the laterals are screwed into isn't snug enough when the valve ***embly is installed on top of it allowing everything that's floating on the top of the water to go inside and right out the return into my pool! The pipe and valve ***embly is scratched and also there was a ton of bugs, etc in that area.

Now how to fix that? Matt 4X4 had a great idea of using electrical tape around the standpipe however that will only last 1 season. Not a big deal to replace every season when it's broken down. Any other suggestions out there?

could try silicone?

Would I put the silicone on the standpipe or inside the valve a$$embly? Also wouldn't that also be something I would have to replace annualy?

Don't be too sure about the electrical tape lasting only one season. Advantage of the tape it's a slip fit whereas silicone isn't. You can also control the thickness of the seal with the number of layers of tape you use. If it's similar to my Hayward, you don't want to seal that joint completely as I think that is an air bleed path from the top of the chamber.
Al

I actually have another little tiny pipe that runs along the standpipe and I would guess that would be for air. It has a little white cover on top with slats to allow air/water in and out but so that sand/debris can't enter into it.

Here is a picture of it. You can see that tiny tube with the white cap. Hopefully that is for air because I intend to do my best alleviating that gap between the valve a$$embly and standpipe. I'll try the electrical tape method.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k1.../filter005.jpg

Mine doesn't have that tube. Any way to tell if it's plugged?
Al

It should not be it has that white cap on it and then goes right into the standpipe near the bottom.

Why what are your thoughts?

Simply that if it got plugged then it would block the air flow.

I called Astral Pool today and they recommended silicone. I would rather do something permanent.

Matt 4X4 had some great ideas. I was also thinking about glueing on a piece of thick rubber to make up the gap, the same as electrical tape but hopefully with the glue permanent.