Vacuum Stuck in Skimmer Box

[Pool Master]

Hi (username is a joke). Long story short, I attached my SkimVac vacuum plate in the skimmer box without the o-ring. It got stuck in there and the elbow joint broke off.

I have the pump turned off, the pool runs with the basket on top of the plate, but I have to empty the basket super frequently. Tried Vaseline at pool store's suggestion, and worried about prying too hard and damaging skimmer box.

Totally not sure what to do. At the point where I'm considering trying to cut the thing out.

 

[Casey]

Take pics so we can see what's going on.

 

[Pool Master]

These good?

The second picture is clearer - you can see the notches where the elbow joint previously locked in.

 

[cowboycasey]

I think you can get a small pry bar in there/down the middle and pop it out.. maybe napa or advance has 1 of these type bars

TEKTON 3346 Rolling Head Pry Bar Set, 4-Piece - - Amazon.com

 

[Pool Master]

Will it damage the skimmer box if I pry too hard?

 

[Propbndr]

Instead of prying on it, if you can get the head of one of those pry bars into the hole in the plate, you may be able to dislodge it by repeatedly pulling up sharply on the pry bar while catching the head on underside of the hole. The idea is to "hammer" the plate loose. Just be sure to keep your face clear in case it breaks loose suddenly.