Man I feel like an idiot not being able to figure some of this out

I have a Hayward 2HP pump and a 1.5 HP pump for the water feature. The 1.5 pump came with a tool used to pull the top off to access the strainer basket. The 2HP pump did not. I'm not sure how to get the top off - I tried beer j/k

Anyway there is a clear top that sits on top of a black cap or housing. Is it just the clear top that comes off? Before I charge in there with a m***ive dose of brute strength I wanted some re***urance on what I'm actually supposed to do.