Can’t get strainer connector or pool inlet jet nozzle all the way in the hole

[johnnierotten]

We can’t get the strainer connector or pool inlet jet nozzle (1-1/4) all the way in the hole on new Intex 15 X 48 Easy Set Pool. They go about 3/4 of the way and we can’t get them in any further...so they are not flush with the inside of the pool wall. There is already water in the pool and adapters with plunger valves installed on the outside.

A little back story... we had to order the liner, accessories, pump and everything separately because all “sets” were sold out everywhere. We got the pool up last weekend with the black plugs in instead of the strainers and nozzles as we were still waiting on parts and the little guy was wanting to swim. So no pump (sand & saltwater Intex) set up yet. We have been putting granular liquid chlorine in each day and covering with the solar cover to keep the water clean and warm the water a bit. Now that we have received most of the parts (we think) except the two short hoses for the side with the T, we decided to install the strainer and jet valves in the two far left holes, leaving the third hole plugged. We thought we could possibly run the pump a bit with just the two hoses until the other parts come in (it’s starting to rain for the next few days), or at least get it together a little to figure out how it’s all going to work and if we need to order any other parts.

Anyway, we still have a ways to go with the pump setup, but for now we really just need to know how to get the strainer and jet valve to go all the way in the hole on the inside of the pool ?

editing to add - we also tried unscrewing/loosening the clamp and trying to push the valves in further that way, without success.

 

[kellyfair]

To be sure I am clear, none of the connections came with the pool? What brand is the strainer and nozzle?

 

[johnnierotten]

To be sure I am clear, none of the connections came with the pool? What brand is the strainer and nozzle?

No, everything was purchased separately since the pool “sets” were sold out. It is all Intex brand purchased from the Intex website from the replacement parts list under the Above Ground Pools->Easy Set pool section.

 

[kellyfair]

Can you show a photo of what it looks like from inside pool, and did you try calling Intex to make sure you have all the right pieces?

Scratch that on the photos - I can’t even view the ones you have already loaded. Is there enough length to receive the nozzle, and it’s just too tight? I’m wondering about using a little pool lube to see if that helps, but I don’t want you to force it and possibly damage a fitting.

 

[johnnierotten]

The attached images are not very large so I’m not sure why you can’t view them :/. From the inside of the pool the attachments are about 2/3 of the way in the hole...so they need to go in about 1/3 or so of the way more in order to be flush against the inside of the pool. There is enough length to receive them, it’s just too tight.

We went ahead and hooked up the pump late this afternoon and the water is pulling/pushing through each of the 3 openings okay for now. But I would like for them to be more secure up against the pool liner so they don’t get accidentally ripped off hanging there like they are currently. I don’t think the fitting would be damaged by trying to force it through the hard black rubber opening as the fitting is hard plastic. We have already been pushing on it pretty hard with one of us on each side of the pool liner. I haven’t heard of pool lube, but I will google it and see if it looks like maybe it would help. I’m also wondering if as the days heat up (Atlanta area) maybe the hard black rubber receiver will stretch easier...I just don’t know.

Oh, and I haven’t called Intex yet because of the crazy hold times right now, but I did double check my order to be sure I ordered 1-1/4 in fittings and also measured to be sure they are 1-1/4.

 

[kellyfair]

Hotter temps may help some. I’m trying to remember what mine looked like before I decided to redo with larger fittings, and I don’t think mine were fully against the pool wall either. Although definitely closer than what you describe.

Photos are working now, not sure what the issue was last night.

 

[kellyfair]

Checking in... how is it going?

 

[johnnierotten]

Well, the strainers and jet nozzles still won’t go in, but the pump is working like they are. I emailed Intex, but no telling when they will be able to reply as they are swamped. Got the lube delivered today, but haven’t tried it yet. Thinking about if the lube doesn’t work, draining to below the holes and try getting them to go in when dry. But, we are wanting to at least enjoy the pool for a bit after all the hard work of leveling and setup.

And like everything else, we ordered the Intex above ground pool auto vacuum, and it doesn’t fit on the jet nozzle. There is a thread in here about how the Intex 1-1/4 jet and strainer nozzles were changed in the last year or so to be just slightly different than the hat they used to be. And that the auto vacuum attachment used to fit the 1-1/4 jet nozzle and now does not. This makes me wonder if this
Is also what is affecting the nozzles not going in the pool liner holes all the way

I mean, at this point I feel a little crazy lol. But we are swimming, so it will all work out somehow I guess. We’ve got the salt and conditioner in and dissolved now and will start the SWG running tonight. Then I will work on tweaking the chemicals. Seems like from what I ran yesterday the PH is a little low at 7.0 and the CYA is low for using a SWG at 35.
Thanks for checking in!

 

[kellyfair]

You bet... and I wouldn’t be surprised to find that they slightly changed up their fittings. Their nonstandard fittings are what prompted many of us with frame pools to modify and cut larger openings.

 

[SwimWithElvira]

Did you ever figure this out? This is exactly what’s happening to me now and I also feel crazy!! Please give some advice if you can