Can't get pump lid open

[Jacob99]

Thanks. Yea, I'm the one who overtightened it because it was leaking so I figured it wasn't tight enough. It shouldn't be worn because it's brand new, but maybe I damaged the gasket by tightening it so hard. The 2x4 probably won't work as the handle is made to grip underneath with your fingers.

Loosen it slightly while pump is running goes against everything I've previously heard, but may be my only option. I'll be sure to keep my face clear of it's path in case I loosen it more than slightly by mistake.

[AnnaK]

Do you have ball valves on the plumbing between the pool and the pump? I do, and I turn them to the OFF position before opening the pot lid. That seems to relieve the vacuum pressure inside the pot -- the pump is OFF, of course, when I do that. You could also try sticking a pipe wrench through the handle and using it as a lever while pushing downward slightly so you don't dislodge the entire pump pot.

[usmarinemike]

I'm no expert, but if you DON'T have a valve between the pool and the pump pot, and your pump is below the water line, it might not be such a hot idea to take the lid off. There's a lot of water pressing against that lid which might be why it's so tough to get off, and why it will be even harder to get on over your new geyser water feature.

[AnnaK]

Yep, Mike, totally correct, but I can't even begin to tell you how many creative plumbing setups I've seen in photos with quite a few not having a way to shut off the water to/from an AGP.

[Jacob99]

I ended up getting it open finally! I guess I was just stronger yesterday. I ended up stuffing a shammy down the skimmer hose to stop the water. It worked. I also found why it was so difficult to take off.... gasket was out of place.

[AnnaK]

What happened to the other posts in this thread? Have they been moved elsewhere?

[Watermom]

No, nothing moved. He actually posted pretty much the same thing in a different thread as well and that was probably the one you read. It is here: http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthr...ng-pump-basket)