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The gauge just unscrews. Whoever installed it may have used a pipe dope that hardened. You shouldn't break anything taking it out. When installing the new one get some teflon pipe tape and wrap about 8 turns on the threads then screw it in. If the housing is non-metalic just go hand tight so the housing doesn't crack. Just snug it up at first and see if it leaks. Tighten until it doesn't leak but don't use a wrench.
Al
Thank you all for your help. I got the new gauge in and it's working fine. Was running about 15psi before I added the 1/3 cup of de, that took it to right at 16. It did do a better job of preventing the return from pushing the dead algae back thru, but after a few minutes of sweeping, I'd still have to stop, backwash, rinse, and start over. But it's worked well, I have one more round of vacuuming to do today to get the rest out so hopefully that will be it, then just normal maintenance keeping it clean. I'm excited, temps projected in the 90's this weekend, so I've got it done just in time!
Although, should I be concerned that my pump is too large for the pool? Is that something I should look into changing or will it hurt anything to continue using it?
With the larger than necessary pump you're just using more electricity than you need however for the cost of a new pump it probably isn't worth it at this time to change. Depends on new pump cost, if you can sell the old one, electric rates, run times. The pressure seems right in range, not too high, so you're not driving the heck out of the filter. Relax, enjoy the 90 deg heat, and send some up my way. I may be in the pool by July at this rate.
Al
I just went out to vacuum again, here's a question regarding the pressure. When I just run the filter, the preasure shows around 17. When I hook up the vacuum, it starts at about 14, then after I sweep a while, it gets up to around 20 before I backwash. I can tell this point because it quits pushing much water out of the return. Should I stop and backwash before it gets to this point, or will it hurt if I continue sweeping at 20 or is there any certain number I need to be aware of to not let it get above?
How high does your pressure gauge go (if the needle were maxed)? I wait until my pressure is up about 10psi before I backwash.