Service Providers Forum

Frozen return jet retainer rings
thepoolsitter - 6-6-12 at 07:29 AM

I am dealing with a 30 year old concrete pool. The return jets have never been remove and are now welded to the fitting. they also have been painted over. How can I get the eye balls out so I can do a pressure test? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Sdewolfe - 6-6-12 at 08:05 AM

break em...they're $6. add it to the bill.

cgg90210 - 27-8-12 at 09:15 PM

try blow-ups at the jets and induce at the air line

hinejs - 28-8-12 at 08:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Sdewolfe
break em...they're $6. add it to the bill.


I second that. I add a small materials charge for drain covers, weirs, baskets, jet inserts, etc. Anything that falls apart or has to be broken to perform your diagnostic.

-Jeremy
Florida Leisure Pool & Spa
FloridaPoolSpa.com

cgg90210 - 11-9-12 at 11:18 PM

Still think blow ups are easier:cool:

hinejs - 15-9-12 at 06:50 AM

you mean using an open stem inflatable? How effective are those plugs. I've wanted to try one.


Quote:
Originally posted by cgg90210
Still think blow ups are easier:cool:

Semi_Retired - 16-9-12 at 08:37 AM

The new style works great. I would suggest using a high quality bicycle pump from a specialty bike shop for inflating. One that has a built in gauge and quick connect and release lever on the hose end. Mine is made by Bontrager.

Pay attention to the maximum pressure that is usually found on the plugs.

The only drawback that I see is that the plugs are long and could conceivably seal a leak in the last several inches of pipe. I've usually dye tested the plaster around the returns as well as the inside of the jets using a scuba flashlight and syringe if I am in the pool or a mirror if I am laying on the deck. The mirror allows me to see inside the pipe 360 degrees and also reflects the sunlight into the dark space inside. If no leaks are found ,then I'm not concerned with the inflatable sealing a leak at the pipe ends.

Brian
QuickLeakCheck.com
PoolRepairsOnly.org

thepoolsitter - 20-10-12 at 10:16 PM

Thanks everyone for yor input.;)

cgg90210 - 11-1-13 at 10:43 PM

BTW, you can always induce pressure to the jets through the air line above grade. If I have a leak on the jet line, I'll induce from the air line (usually in eqipment area or away from spa) then use a probe on my listeneing device to listen to each plug on jets. The loudest jet/plug will narrow the search.

timdoesleaks - 23-1-13 at 09:00 AM

Regarding the inflatable plugs, I carry a paintball refill cylinder on the truck for quick inflations. When I have to cut a pipe below water line I don't have the hassle of an electrical source of an air compressor when I have an open line chugging water at me, while I am fumbling to insert the inflatable. Then I glue on a ball valve and extract the plug.

timdoesleaks - 23-1-13 at 09:05 AM

Also, I prefer using stiff rubber plugs in case I want to leave the plugs in for awhile. I remove the eyeballs by chipping around the edge to remove any buildup with a sharp screwdriver. I then tap the screwdriver between the eyeball and the cover- that usually pops them loose. Beware not all eyeballs are still available- I only destroy as a last resort.

cgg90210 - 13-4-13 at 10:03 PM

As far as using an air compressor, I recommend using compressed air tanks. No noise, portable and easy to control air flow via regulators. I used to use nitrogen tanks but just switched to scuba tanks with an adaptor for my regulator. Tanks were around $150 ea and cost $5.00 to fill