Can i replace a return fitting while underwater

[Jmichaelg56]

I have a return fitting in the middle of the wall that has cracks in the threads and leaking. My question is can I replace it with out draining the pool ? Will the water pressure hold the liner against the wall? If water gets between liner and wall will it be ok ? I glued the threaded fitting wanting to wait until winter but I don't think it will wait. Changing the fitting is no problem for me.

 

[mknauss]

I am going to say that will be an issue -- but let's see if any of our above ground pool owners have some ideas.

 

[Bama Rambler]

As a matter of fact, I just replaced the wall return fitting on our pool without draining. I thought I'd lose a lot more water than I did and that I'd be soaked when I got done. As it turned out I only lost about 2 gallons of water.

First I took a couple of winterizing plugs and plugged the existing fitting and the new fitting. Then I cut the piping off the existing fitting and took the big nut off (I wound up having to cut it into and pry it off with a screwdriver). The water pressure held the existing fitting in place and it was only leaking drops. Then I got the new fitting in one hand with the rubber gasket on it and grabbed the existing fitting and pulled it out and immediately inserted the new fitting. Again the water pressure held the new fitting in, leaking only drops until I could get the big nut on it and tightened down. Then I reworked the piping and once the glue cured enough I removed the plug and replaced the eyeball.

All is well.

 

[Jmichaelg56]

As a matter of fact, I just replaced the wall return fitting on our pool without draining. I thought I'd lose a lot more water than I did and that I'd be soaked when I got done. As it turned out I only lost about 2 gallons of water.

First I took a couple of winterizing plugs and plugged the existing fitting and the new fitting. Then I cut the piping off the existing fitting and took the big nut off (I wound up having to cut it into and pry it off with a screwdriver). The water pressure held the existing fitting in place and it was only leaking drops. Then I got the new fitting in one hand with the rubber gasket on it and grabbed the existing fitting and pulled it out and immediately inserted the new fitting. Again the water pressure held the new fitting in, leaking only drops until I could get the big nut on it and tightened down. Then I reworked the piping and once the glue cured enough I removed the plug and replaced the eyeball.

All is well.
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Did any water get between the wall and the liner? Or did the pressure hold ot tight

 

[Bama Rambler]

I'm sure a little water got between the liner and wall. but since it's not really watertight, it will drain out shortly after.

 

[Jmichaelg56]

Yes I can !! Changed fitting under water. I took an old chlorine bucket and cut it wrapped a noodle around it and submerged unplugged the fitting and let water out of bucket (of course it wants to float up so i put a small piece of plywood to hold in place) scooped rest of water by hand removed broken fitting got out tightened up the fitting then removed the bucket. No water between the wall and the liner.

 

[Wobblerlorri]

Huh! You made a coffer dam!