A&A in-deck Leaf Vac not repairable - replace or close it off ?

[JRB100]

The lock bar which holds the lid in place for my Leaf Vac (A&A, in-deck) no longer stays in place. A&A has advised that the LV should be closed-off or replaced. I now know having the LV installed in the deck was a big mistake.

My question:
should I close-off the LV and let the debris* go to the pump basket, or
close-off the in-deck LV and add a new one (not in the deck).

* - I only have a Crepe Myrtle near the pool. Occasionally there may be some leaves from neighboring trees fall in the pool, but not a big issue.

I just installed an Intelliflo VS pump and not sure I want to have debris collect in the pump basket.

 

[Bama Rambler]

I think I would clean it up really good and take some marine epoxy and build up a bead of it to hold the lock bar in place. You could take some time and make it operate like original.

 

[JRB100]

I think I would clean it up really good and take some marine epoxy and build up a bead of it to hold the lock bar in place. You could take some time and make it operate like original.

I like this reply more than you know. I am embarrassed I did not think of it though. I have some epoxy on the way and will see how it works out. Thank you!

 

[Bama Rambler]

I'm glad you liked it, and hopefully it'll work for you and last a lot of years.

 

[JRB100]

As Bama Rambler suggested, I placed a bead of marine-grade epoxy to the top of the guide. Later I realized a part for the internal portion of the Leaf Vac would work as additional reinforcement. I cut two ~3" sections from the Stop Ring and glued one above each of the two guides. The parts dried for 24 hours and are now up and running. (I guess this is why A&A no longer sells an in-deck Leaf Vac.)

 

[Bama Rambler]

Glad it worked for you and you didn't have to go to a lot of trouble getting it removed and or replaced.