[JRTJH]

If you don't have a socket that fits, rather than buy one, you can use a 12" crescent wrench and a 8 or 10 inch crescent. Just adjust the 12" crescent to fit the flats on the anode, use the smaller wrench to grip the shaft of the large wrench and twist to loosen. I stopped carrying a socket I never use several years ago and now, always use two crescents to remove the anode.

Don't forget to apply Teflon tape or plumber's putty to the threads on reassembly, otherwise it may not come out at the end of the season.... BTDT...