I have a leak that I believe is coming from somewhere between the Filter Canister Retaining Ring and the Niche Assembly.

How do you remove the retaining ring? I don't have any pliers large enough to fit around a 6 1/2" ring. I’ve tried knocking it with a hammer and screwdriver but it won’t budge. It looks like they used the white gasket material to seal it. What’s the best way to get this retaining ring off?

Thanks

Hi Nexus,

The presurized filter cans have a lip molded around the outside of the filter can body. This lip rests onto the niche. If you have a drip coming from underneath this area, and lock ring, then it will be just that, a drip. There shouldn't be a significant loss of water in that area, unless the lid lock ring is not on correctly, or the lid o-ring is pinched. Some spas vent the niche back into the spa via the return jet, and this may clog and back up. The niche should vent off with an overflow tube somehow, and reduce the water oversplash etc. that occours.
If you still want to remove the bottom lock ring from the can, you may have to cut it off. In that event, you will obviously need to replace the entire filter can assembly, and connective plumbing.
Other than that, a Big Fat Stinkin' 2" channel lock and a colorful vocabulary will often do the trick