Replacing Hayward Sand Filter Tank Drain Cap Filter

[couzin2000]

I have to replace the drain cap FILTER - yes, there is a white screw-in filter inside the opening that is supposed to hold in the sand and let the water flow through. When you remove the black cap, you see water coming -- it's coming through that little white filter.
Mine is broken. I removed it when I swapped out the sand a week ago. I totally forgot to screw in the new one.
If I try to remove the cap, will I lose LOTS of sand and water? I need to be able to screw in the white filter. Will there be too much pressure for me to push this thing in?

If I can't do this without emptying the sand completely, then how bout I leave my filter filled with water while the temperatures here in Quebec go well below zero? Will it crack?

 

[Texas Splash]

What if you close the pool first. Vacuum-out (or blow out) the majority of water in the filter, or try to unscrew the drain cap just enough to allow water to drain out slowly if possible. Once the majority of water is out, I would think/hope the damp sand will remain in place at the bottom. Then you can remove the drain cap completely and push the insert into the opening.

 

[Texas Splash]

I definitely would not leave the filter full of water. It will rupture from water expansion when it freezes.

 

[1poolman1]

I have to replace the drain cap FILTER - yes, there is a white screw-in filter inside the opening that is supposed to hold in the sand and let the water flow through. When you remove the black cap, you see water coming -- it's coming through that little white filter.
Mine is broken. I removed it when I swapped out the sand a week ago. I totally forgot to screw in the new one.
If I try to remove the cap, will I lose LOTS of sand and water? I need to be able to screw in the white filter. Will there be too much pressure for me to push this thing in?

If I can't do this without emptying the sand completely, then how bout I leave my filter filled with water while the temperatures here in Quebec go well below zero? Will it crack?

Slightly open the cap and let the water drain from the filter until it completely stops. There will be some sand in the port, but it should be a bit loosely packed. Sand won't flow out without water to carry it. Slowly insert the new filter, twisting it back-and-forth to get it to clear a space in the sand and you should be good. You're not the first to do this.