Quote Originally Posted by Jacob99 View Post
Is the inside spider tube thing suppose to attach (or "clip in" if you will) somewhere or is it just a balancing act while placing the sand inside?
The long tube with the radial arms (laterals) in my filter (Hayward S270T) just kind of sits on the bottom. Try to center the top of the large tube in the top of the filter and be sure the laterals are attached and extended. My filter came with a carboard "sand shield" that folds into a sort of "A" shape with wings that helps hold the large tube in place and also helps to keep the sand out. I also covered the top of the large tube with a couple layers of cling wrap held on with a rubber band under the "sand shield". Also fill the filter about 1/2 full of water before putting sand in.

The filter base has a drain, should I face that drain facing out away from the pool, or does it matter? Is the drain just for the winter?
Position it where it will be convenient to get to it when you drain the filter and where what drains out will go where you want. Be sure the strainer is in it and the cap on before filling the filter with water and sand.

... do I need to backwash as soon as I start the pump and filter up ...
Yep, start in backwash to get the dust out of the sand and not in your pool. Remember, you can't do this 'till the pool is full to half way up the strainer.

Please don't misunderstand, I'm totally happy to answer your questions as are many here but in case you didn't get one, here's the manual http://www.hayward-pool.com/pdf/manuals/Manual145.pdf.

Goog Luck! Keep us posted!