I think we misunderstood each other. I'm not a fan anymore of a band holding the 2 important parts together. It should be held by at least a couple of independant fasteners, that way if one fails, there's always a few more backing it up till you fix it. My pool pump had a very similar band that was shaped like a "u", except the sides were bent out like a "v". When you tighten the thumbscrew (read: pain in the thumb!) the clamp tightens equally on all sides. When that band failed, it allowed the pump housing to leak. In a continuous running environment, I might have noticed the leak within a week and cut the pump off before any damage occurred. Instead, as soon as the pump turned off, the air sucked in where the water had been coming out, and drained ALL the water from the filter and heater. The next day, the pump just ran dry, and fried the impellar, housing, bearings, etc. $160 to rebuild the pump and buy a new band. I guess I didn't seat the band properly because it did it again a month later. I broke down and bought a new pump, and replaced the DE filter while I was at it.
Related topic, does anyone want a huge DE filter? The filter inserts inside will need to be replaced soon, but it's a top of the line solar filter. I'm sure a DIY'er will figure out something to do with it.
I also have half a huge bag of Diatomaceous Earth left, with no possible use. It's free to a good home.
