thepoolsitter
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 posted on 6-6-12 at 07:29 AM |
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Frozen return jet retainer rings
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.
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Sdewolfe
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![[*]](./images/corporate/default_icon.gif) posted on 6-6-12 at 08:05 AM |
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break em...they're $6. add it to the bill.
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cgg90210
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| posted on 27-8-12 at 09:15 PM |
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try blow-ups at the jets and induce at the air line
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hinejs
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| posted on 28-8-12 at 08:18 PM |
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| 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
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cgg90210
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| posted on 11-9-12 at 11:18 PM |
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Still think blow ups are easier
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hinejs
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| posted on 15-9-12 at 06:50 AM |
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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 |
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Semi_Retired
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 posted on 16-9-12 at 08:37 AM |
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3/4"-1 1/2" inflatable plugs without brass ends
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
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thepoolsitter
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 posted on 20-10-12 at 10:16 PM |
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Thanks everyone for yor input.
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cgg90210
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| posted on 11-1-13 at 10:43 PM |
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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.
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timdoesleaks
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| posted on 23-1-13 at 09:00 AM |
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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.
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timdoesleaks
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| posted on 23-1-13 at 09:05 AM |
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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.
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cgg90210
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| posted on 13-4-13 at 10:03 PM |
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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
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