Anthony skimmer diverter stuck

[beegee226]

I recently bought this house with a pool that has an Anthony skimmer diverter that is stuck so only the skimmer is sucking. The main drain is completely off so I'm not getting great circulation in my 15k gallon pool. I've tried turning the diverter counter clockwise and it won't budge. Is there a tool or something I can use to get down there and put some leverage on it? Thanks!

 

[ajw22]

Post pics of what is stuck.

 

[beegee226]

Here is a picture of the old school Anthony skimmer diverter valve.

 

[ajw22]

Is the black top of the valve cut flush with the bottom of the skimmer? Can you push on the tab? I am sure the threads are seized if they have not been turned in years. If you can keep the water level down I might try soaking the valve in Kroil Amazon.com: Kano Kroil Penetrating Oil, 8 ounce liquid: Automotive or Liquid Wrench to try and loosen it.

You are likely to discover that the main drain makes little difference. Many folks have abandoned their main drain and found no difference in circulation.

Inground Pool Skimmer Plumbing Diagrams

How pool skimmer pipes are connected underground. Common, and old style methods of plumbing pool skimmers on inground pools.

blog.intheswim.com

 

[beegee226]

Is the black top of the valve cut flush with the bottom of the skimmer? Can you push on the tab? I am sure the threads are seized if they have not been turned in years. If you can keep the water level down I might try soaking the valve in Kroil Amazon.com: Kano Kroil Penetrating Oil, 8 ounce liquid: Automotive or Liquid Wrench to try and loosen it.

You are likely to discover that the main drain makes little difference. Many folks have abandoned their main drain and found no difference in circulation.

Inground Pool Skimmer Plumbing Diagrams

How pool skimmer pipes are connected underground. Common, and old style methods of plumbing pool skimmers on inground pools.

blog.intheswim.com

No, the valve is not flush, its about 1/2" - 1" above the skimmer floor. I've tried turning it by hand and also with some pliers, but I can't get a good grip or enough leverage. Maybe I'll try out your tip with the oil if I get frustrated enough.

My concern is that chlorine is settling at the deep end of the pool and not being circulated properly.

 

[ajw22]

My concern is that chlorine is settling at the deep end of the pool and not being circulated properly.

Stir the water in that are with your pool brush after you add the chlorine.

Run your pool cleaner a bit to stir up the water after you add chlorine.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

If you can find a PVC pipe just larger than the diameter of the valve and about 18" long, you can notch it to fit the tab and slip it over the diverter. Glue a PVC "T" fitting on the top end and use a stick or pipe to give it a good twist. Your basically making a T handle tool.

 

[beegee226]

If you can find a PVC pipe just larger than the diameter of the valve and about 18" long, you can notch it to fit the tab and slip it over the diverter. Glue a PVC "T" fitting on the top end and use a stick or pipe to give it a good twist. Your basically making a T handle tool.

That sounds like a good idea. I was contemplating buying a basin wrench but that sounds much cheaper. ??

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Be careful...If it's super tight, follow Allen's advice. You don't want to snap the diverter.

 

[beegee226]

I ended up getting this basin wrench from Amazon. TEKTON WRN92004 Telescoping Basin... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D4ZF034?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It worked great! Now I have an additional setting to play with on my pool... Main drain/skimmer ratio!