Looking at the picture I see 2 items: #7 and #14.

#14 looks like the transporting/winter storage device on my Hayward (different shape). However, your attachment only described up to #13, so I'm guessing.

#7 clearly looks like it's supposed to be right up to the bottom of the multi-valve, protecting it, and it doesn't look like it should even go 8" into the filter, so I'm wondering if it's not assembled correctly?????

Maybe one of the pool pros who deal with equipment can answer it better than I can. I don't think the sand should be over it--the top of the sand is supposed to be smooth.

I'm guessing all the way here....