Hi all, I have a painted concrete pool and the light fixture has been painted over several times (not by me). I need to replace the light bulb but can’t get the screws out. Any suggestions?
Stuck screws in light housing
- Thread starter aswarren628
- Start date
- Jul 21, 2013
- 53,883
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Drop the water and then drill the head off and replace it with the proper replacement screw?
@RDspaguy @jimmythegreek @Pool Clown ideas?
@RDspaguy @jimmythegreek @Pool Clown ideas?
PoolNewb2020
Well-known member
Ate the heads in good shape or are already rounded off?
If the screws are in good shape, you can use a hand held impact driver to break that initial bond.
If the screws are in good shape, you can use a hand held impact driver to break that initial bond.
Hey Cards fan! Man I miss Imos! Closest one is 2 hours away in Rolla. It's torture. And no whiteys either! 
Anyway, it all depends on the condition of the screw under that paint. A sharp flathead screwdriver or a pointy steak knife should scrape out the slot if it is a slotted screw. It's a bit more problematic if it's a phillips, or if it's already stripped out. You'll probably need to drill off the head and get on the bit left with some vice-grips. It will be easier to do from in the pool, but you may need something to stand on. I am guessing you haven't opened yet? Where is your water level at?
Anyway, it all depends on the condition of the screw under that paint. A sharp flathead screwdriver or a pointy steak knife should scrape out the slot if it is a slotted screw. It's a bit more problematic if it's a phillips, or if it's already stripped out. You'll probably need to drill off the head and get on the bit left with some vice-grips. It will be easier to do from in the pool, but you may need something to stand on. I am guessing you haven't opened yet? Where is your water level at?
I just decided that for this year, I'll leave the light alone and maybe install some exterior lights for night swimming. Thanks for the suggestions everyone. RDspaguy...you're only 2.5 hours from STL...might as well make the trip after ST. Louis county decides to open up and lift restrictions.
I come to town frequently, my two oldest daughters still live there. Sometimes I will squeeze in a few stops for long-time customers who would rather wait for me than call any of the people I recommend. But I am basically retired from the business to persue my lifelong dream of bbq concessions at fairs and events. I worked the renaissance fair in Wentzville for 3 years and decided to invest in my own rig and go for it. I am considering the VP fair, but fees and such will run close to $8k with no refunds for bad weather. Bit of a gamble, to say the least.
