Well I broke down the filter today for winter closing. The standpipe that the laterals are screwed into isn't snug enough when the valve ***embly is installed on top of it allowing everything that's floating on the top of the water to go inside and right out the return into my pool! The pipe and valve ***embly is scratched and also there was a ton of bugs, etc in that area.

Now how to fix that? Matt 4X4 had a great idea of using electrical tape around the standpipe however that will only last 1 season. Not a big deal to replace every season when it's broken down. Any other suggestions out there?