Can't move Eyeball Seat, is it plastered in?

[putty174]

My pool has high alkalinity, but I don't want to buy a pump to aerate the water, so I want to install a return fountain (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PYRL67X). I started to remove the return fittings, and managed to get the lock and the eyeball itself out, but it seems I also need to remove the seat, which is stuck.

I bought a metal SP1419T Removal Tool (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B56LC3NG), but it seems like the eyeball seat itself was installed directly into the plaster. When I try to turn the tool in either direction, I heard a snap, and then plastic flecks float out of the seat.

Before I completely destroy the seat, I was hoping you guys could check if I should keep trying, or maybe wait until I need to replaster the pool and have those guys break these out and replace them. Let me know if I need better pictures...

Thanks in advance!

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! In your situation we'd be better off asking @AQUA~HOLICS for some tips. Stand by ........................

 

[Jasonppwc]

My pool has high alkalinity, but I don't want to buy a pump to aerate the water, so I want to install a return fountain (Amazon.com). I started to remove the return fittings, and managed to get the lock and the eyeball itself out, but it seems I also need to remove the seat, which is stuck.

I bought a metal SP1419T Removal Tool (Amazon.com), but it seems like the eyeball seat itself was installed directly into the plaster. When I try to turn the tool in either direction, I heard a snap, and then plastic flecks float out of the seat.

Before I completely destroy the seat, I was hoping you guys could check if I should keep trying, or maybe wait until I need to replaster the pool and have those guys break these out and replace them. Let me know if I need better pictures...

Thanks in advance!

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View attachment 497740

Curious if you fixed this problem. I have the same issue

 

[ferretbone]

Use a hammer and a thin flat head screw driver to chip it out. Start with a hack saw blade and make two or three cuts into it. Then chip it out with the flat head. I have to do this about twice a month. If your tool isn't working that's your last option. I use my wrench for these until I bend the wrench, or break enough of the plastic hoping I don't need to chip it out with a flat head.

 

[putty174]

@Jasonppwc I haven't fixed this, I planned to put it on hold until I get the pool replastered.

@ferretbone Is the hammer and chisel method intended to loosen the eye enough to unscrew the seat, or to remove the whole return, and then I'll have to buy a new one to replace it?