I've tried to take it off with the pump running, I've opened the air release valve on the filter, I've closed the valve from the pool... I cannot get it off. I'm not the strongest person in the world, but I've always been able to get it off before (with a struggle). The handles are nearly impossible to hold on to without crushing my hands. Any ideas to get this darn thing off? Thanks! Here's a pic of it: Hayward Power-Flo Matrix Strainer Cover SPX5500D | Hayward SPX5500D
Hayward Power-flo matrix pump lid won't budge
- Thread starter jojalis
- Start date
Welcome to the forum.
If it is screwed on so tight that you cannot remove it by hand, you are going to need a good size strap wrench to get it to budge.
Something like this (just make sure it opens big enough to fit the cover):
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Whirlpool-Strap-Wrench/3083907
When you put the cover back on, put a bit of o-ring lube on the threads, it will help keep them from getting stuck together. Also, no need to tighten the heck out of the lid either... The o-ring is making the seal, the threads just keep the cover on. When I close mine, I do it with very little effort & I have not yet had a leak issue.
If it is screwed on so tight that you cannot remove it by hand, you are going to need a good size strap wrench to get it to budge.
Something like this (just make sure it opens big enough to fit the cover):
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Whirlpool-Strap-Wrench/3083907
When you put the cover back on, put a bit of o-ring lube on the threads, it will help keep them from getting stuck together. Also, no need to tighten the heck out of the lid either... The o-ring is making the seal, the threads just keep the cover on. When I close mine, I do it with very little effort & I have not yet had a leak issue.
- May 22, 2013
- 2,796
- Pool Size
- 12000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Welcome to TFP jojalisHave you had it off before ?? Did you lube the O ring with silicone lube when you reinstalled it ??
I thought strap wrench too except it's going to compress on the cover and might create even more resistance to turning. Still worth a try.
Also getting a friend to help if you think there's room for another set of hands on it. Maybe with gloves that have a vinyl/rubber surface to get a grip.
Try using a hair dryer to heat lid working in a circular pattern until warm to the touch.
I always clean and fresh lube lid o-ring when bringing out of winter storage.
Like dom said no need to over tighten lid.
I always clean and fresh lube lid o-ring when bringing out of winter storage.
Like dom said no need to over tighten lid.
- May 22, 2013
- 2,796
- Pool Size
- 12000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
I really like the hair dryer idea. 
I was trying to think of how to heat it a bit to hopefully get it to expand and maybe be a little easier to turn.
I was trying to think of how to heat it a bit to hopefully get it to expand and maybe be a little easier to turn.Yes it is. If the OP should try that, I hope they let us know how it worked!I really like the hair dryer idea.