HELP! Unknown pipe fitting in my pool

[gq_wolf]

[h=2]HELP! Unknown pipe fitting in my pool[/h]

Need some help with an unknown "hole" fitting in my pool. We bought a house that came with a pool, but the owners had already moved and did not give us any instructions on operating the pool. A lot of it I had to figure myself. One thing that I have not figured out is this threaded opening towards the shallow end of my pool (see pictures).

The issue I have is that debris finds a way to build up in here and I need to know if this is something I can plug. I assumed it was something to maybe screw a pole in? Upon draining my pool and cleaning this out, it appears the pipe goes down deeper and may be a part of some piping system. I have no idea.

If someone recognizes this and could offer an explanation, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!​

 

[COBrien]

Could it be part of an in-floor cleaning system? A quick Google search turned up this image:

Do you have any pool "accessories" that look like they thread into that fitting?

 

[Bama Rambler]

It looks like a regular eyeball fitting to me. Maybe for a fountain.

 

[gq_wolf]

No accessories that I am aware of.

I have a dolphin spitting fountain above ground.

 

[rps]

Could it be a floor inlet? My pool has several of these which allow the water returning to the pool to be circulated from the bottom as well as the top returns. I'm also thinking it could be a pressure plug. According to our PB, those are used when the pool is empty to relieve pressure in case water builds up under the gunite. It helps prevent water from popping the pool out of the ground. Do you have a valve on the return side that may connect to this fitting?

 

[gq_wolf]

Could it be a floor inlet? My pool has several of these which allow the water returning to the pool to be circulated from the bottom as well as the top returns. I'm also thinking it could be a pressure plug. According to our PB, those are used when the pool is empty to relieve pressure in case water builds up under the gunite. It helps prevent water from popping the pool out of the ground. Do you have a valve on the return side that may connect to this fitting?

Since debris can collect in here, I don't think it would be an inlet.. unless there is a setting/valve in my pool equipment area that I don't know about. I don't know if there is a valve that connects to this.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

I was going to ask if it was a hydrostatic valve?

 

[Richard320]

Is there some reason you can't run a garden hose down it and see if water appears somewhere else?

 

[gq_wolf]

Is there some reason you can't run a garden hose down it and see if water appears somewhere else?

will try that this evening.

 

[gq_wolf]

Didn't notice anything coming out of the jets when putting my water hose in the orifice. Looks like COBrien was right. I spoke with my local Leslie Pool repair guy. He said that for some of the older pools, this was installed with a fitting much like a sprinkler head that would act as a jet return. Perhaps the owner decided to upgrade their system - making this obsolete. I've never seen or felt water being suctioned or jetted from this hole, so it kinda makes sense. He told me that any plumbing store should have a cap that would thread into it.

Thank you all for your thoughts and responses. This is a great site with friendly advice.


Thanks!