It’s challenging to inspect a pool filter and see what’s wrong with it.
Some pool filters will need to be changed and others are going to have too much debris in them. This is normal and it’s something you are going to prepare for as a pool owner. You will know it is a part of the maintenance schedule with the pool filter.
However, what if you have a stuck pool filter lid? This is when it becomes important to find out how to remove a stuck pool filter lid.
To remove a stuck pool filter lid, start by inspecting the O-ring for damage, hit the lid with a mallet to loosen it, and then apply a lubricant to get it off such as WD-40. If it is rigid, take pliers or a wrench and pull on the lid to get it to come off.
The screws that are holding the lid may have become worn down. This does happen and it’s best to use the pliers in a situation such as this to get the stuck pool filter lid off.
It will take a bit of force but you are going to get it to come off as long as you are diligent about how you do it.
Here is what you need to know as you find out how to remove a stuck pool filter lid.
Table of Contents
Steps On How To Remove A Stuck Pool Filter Lid
1. Check The O-Ring For Damage
It is common for the O-ring to be the troublemaker with the pool filter lid.
You might have a situation where the lid is not in good shape and that is why it is stuck. This is also going to include a scenario where the O-ring has become damaged.
If the O-ring is not sealed, this is going to cause the lid to get stuck.
The best option in a situation such as this is to remove the O-ring and replace it. This is going to help the lid become unstuck and it will also ensure the pool filter lid works properly.

2. Use Pliers Or A Wrench
How are you going to pull on the pool filter lid?
The best option is to take pliers and begin pulling on the screws. This is how you are going to get the lid to come off as required.
It will take a bit of force.
Another detail to think about is how you are going to manage the situation if the pliers don’t work. Sometimes, you are not going to get enough grip to get the screws out.
You might have to invest in a wrench and use this as a tool to wedge into the lid. This is how you are going to apply enough pressure to get the pool filter lid off as soon as possible.
3. Apply A Lubricant To Loosen The Lid
Sometimes, the pool filter lid can become dry.
This means it is not going to budge and it will be rigid. This is possible due to how worn down the pool filter lid is and how old the pool filter is as a whole.
As a result, you will need to use a lubricant.
Something like WD-40 is going to get the job done. You will want to target areas around the pool filter lid to help it loosen a bit.
4. Hit With A Hammer To Loosen The Lid
Another option is to take a hammer and gently hit the top of the lid.
The reason you are going to do this is to get the lid to become loose. It is going to take a bit of time but you will want to keep tapping on the pool filter lid.
This is how you are going to get it to come undone.
This might not work on its own but you can also tap and pull to get the lid to come off.
Final Thoughts
The pool filter lid is important when it comes to overall performance and it’s important to learn how to remove a stuck pool filter lid right away. These steps will help.
To remove a stuck pool filter lid, start by checking the O-ring for damage and replace it immediately. If the O-ring is fine, take pliers to pull on the lid and also apply a strong lubricant to loosen the lid. It’s also recommended to tap on the lid to loosen it with a hammer.
This is how you are going to get the pool filter back to how it was.
The pool filter is reliant on its lid and that is why you are going to want to address this issue as soon as the lid is stuck. Do not overlook this when you want to protect the lid.