Thanks for approving me, and thanks Waste... I already read that and reread it again for fun, missed a couple of things... I have never opened the bleed valve when bumping , but will from now on. Also, I got the leak fixed, gasket on right, just didn't have it tucked into the top of the filter correctly, will be getting new diaphragm gasket soon, and will replace it. still have a little DE coming into the pool, but not as much as before. pool looking great, filter working great, for some reason after fixing the filter, my pump developed a leak, replaced shaft seal and gasket on that today, now everything is working great.... one last question.... what is the best way to determine if a finger needs to be replaced? I inspected all of mine, but really only found one that I was sure was leaking. thanks again.