Thanks for the reply...will keep trying to twist it off.
I'm replacing the sand for a number of reasons. The original owners had used Pristine Blue. I converted back to chlorine because I didn't like the way the water felt. It always felt slippery & even scummy. We also have a lot of trees in & around our yard which brings more bugs, pollen, etc. I also have been getting a puff of white cloudy stuff (not sand) coming back into the pool when I turn the pump on. It doesn't matter if I've just backwashed or not. Can only surmise that the stuff coming in is dirt that is not getting filtered out. I've read & heard both sides of the argument on how often the sand should be changed. Just figured if I do it this time then at least I'll know that it was done right and can basically start from scratch. If I can't get the assembly off I'll either have to call the pool company or give up. I'm one of those people that tends to want to take everything apart just to see how it works! I also don't give up that easily but what was going to be an afternoon project is now going into a couple of days. It's hot here right now but the pool doesn't look too inviting since I haven't been able to run the filter for a day or so...
Jill