Quote Originally Posted by bmlocal175 View Post
I went out and stopped the pump and just pushed down on the filter handle. The handle on top where you move it to backwash, rinse etc. Without moving it off of filter all the water in the pump went down somewhere. Is this normal?
Yep, in a typical multiport valve when you press on the handle, the diverter (not sure what's it really called) inside the valve lifts off the ports that connect to inlet, outlet, backwash, top of sand and bottom of sand so that when it's turned, the spider gasket won't be destroyed. When it's opened, the ports are all connected and air can enter the valve allowing the water to drain.


Was on hold with the pool store forever and hung up eventually. While I was waiting I took a pinch of dirt and debris from the wife's garden and through it in the skimmer. Didn't notice any dirt flying out but twice saw some little pieces of debris come out.
Sounds like you've demonstrated that the filter is not working correctly.


Was reading about the filter top, maybe a bad gasket or something. Don't know anything about it and will have to probably have someone come look at it.
Sounds reasonable. Another pair of eyes may help and the next step would be to inspect the spider gasket.

Let us know how it goes.