Hello everyone. I covered and plugged the inlets and returns from my Bestway 18' above ground pool back in September (live in upstate NY) and removed the filter, pump and all lines leading to these inlets and returns. There have been no issues with this until this morning. I went outside and heard what sounded like a faucet running. Sure enough, upon checking, I saw water coming out of the port (it's the one port of the 3 on the furthest right side if you're looking at the pool straight on) as if there wasn't a plug in that inlet to begin with. I should also add that the last few days the weather has been exceptionally mild with temperatures in the mid to upper 50's after weeks of below freezing temperatures. Fortunately I had an extra "Lincoln style" plug which I used to plug the opening at the outside of the pool to stop the leak. Unfortunately, I can't get to the inside of the pool as there is a thick layer of ice at the top and I'm a little concerned about incurring any damage to the pool if I start breaking up the ice at the top. Feeling inside the port hole with my fingers, I can feel the plug inside the pool that I put there back in September and it now feels loose after being snug back then. Has anyone run across this before and is my only remedy at this point to leave the Lincoln plug in on the outside until spring when the ice starts to melt or should I get one of those rubberized plugs with the threaded T-handle (link attached) and put that in the outside part of the port? I think I got to the leak before a lot of water drained out as it was fine the night before this morning. Thank you in advance.
Bestway 18' above ground - issue with hole plugs
- Thread starter af66
- Start date
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,181
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
You are correct that disturbing ice can cause the edge of the ice to damage the liner.
What is a Lincoln style plug?
I am not familiar with the Bestway pool and where the leaking port is. Ice can disturb and move a plug.
If the Lincoln plug on the outside is holding water, then leave it that way.
Show us pictures of the plug and your situation.
What is a Lincoln style plug?
I am not familiar with the Bestway pool and where the leaking port is. Ice can disturb and move a plug.
If the Lincoln plug on the outside is holding water, then leave it that way.
Show us pictures of the plug and your situation.
- Jun 1, 2018
- 16,019
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
If a threaded plug will fit the threads that is the best solution.
I have a low return near the ground and I always plug it from the outside with one.
Use some pool lube or faucet grease on the oring -
i also use teflon tape on the threads which some people frown upon but it works for me. (I like hercules mega tape its grey)
I have a low return near the ground and I always plug it from the outside with one.
Use some pool lube or faucet grease on the oring -
i also use teflon tape on the threads which some people frown upon but it works for me. (I like hercules mega tape its grey)
This would be the "Lincoln plug" that Bestway recommends for plugging the pool returns and inlets. These were used on the inside of the pool as recommended and it seems that in the last 24-36 hours, the plug has loosened in the hole so that water has breached the plug. I currently have the same plug now on the outside. Unfortunately it isn't threaded like my old aluminum walled above ground pool so I'm thinking of using the rubber plugs that I linked in my original e-mail. Thank you both for responding!
- Jun 1, 2018
- 16,019
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Lots of people call them “black hats” 
but I totally see the Lincoln reference now.
You’re supposed to put the return covers/fittings back on top of those to keep them in place.
I realize you can’t do much about that now with the frozen conditions.
Perhaps adding a fitting to the outside would keep the plug in place.
The issue with the conical pressure type ones is that they may get pushed out as water expands inside the pool when freezing. Its a toss up for how long they will hold.
but I totally see the Lincoln reference now.You’re supposed to put the return covers/fittings back on top of those to keep them in place.
I realize you can’t do much about that now with the frozen conditions.
Perhaps adding a fitting to the outside would keep the plug in place.
The issue with the conical pressure type ones is that they may get pushed out as water expands inside the pool when freezing. Its a toss up for how long they will hold.
- Jun 1, 2018
- 16,019
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
They also make these threaded caps now that you may consider using next time instead of the black hats/lincoln ones - there’s several makers but here’s one
Thanks so much for your reply. I wasn't aware that the return fitting had to be reattached. I just assumed the plug would hold by itself so that will be good to know for next year. You're exactly right. With the ice buildup I think my only option will be to plug from the outside and monitor although it seems to be an issue when the temperatures up here moderate from below freezing to something along the lines of 50-55 degrees. I do have the black hat on the outside of the one pipe and will most likely do the same to the other just to be safe. I have an extra fitting (I always buy more than needed) to use for that.