Fix my leaky Frog

[Pool_Doctor]

Problem: Have a copper frog that’s copper tubing, from mouth to belly, has a small leak between its neck and mouth. I fixed one small leak where the copper tubing was attached to the inside body for support had broken loose. I used JB Weld Water Weld. The remaining leak is very hard to access because the neck to mouth area is very narrow and curves downward making it hard to ensure I get the Water Weld in the proper spot. You can see in the pic where I applied the JB weld and that the tube curved downward so much you can’t see it. I have a plastic coated wire through the inside of the tube to ensure I don’t accidentally seal the copper pipe completely. It’s a small crack but can’t see it.

Question: Anyone have a recommendation on how to seal the crack that I can’t see and is near impossible to get two of my fingers on. I’m fine with pouring something to seal the entire inside of the head/neck area.

 

[AUSpool]

Probably not the answer your looking for but I would be removing any copper containing water features from the pool for fear of copper leaching into the pool and copper staining to the pool.

 

[Pool_Doctor]

Yes, I completely understand what you’re saying and glad you pointed that out. It’s people like you with such knowledge that make this the only site one needs to maintain their pool … if they use the search function and read the wealth of knowledge available. I accepted that risk up front because my wife absolutely loves them. It’s been 3 years now and no rise in metals. Since pool was first filled and before water features were turned on, Copper is .2 and Iron is .1. No staining or other visible signs of a problem. They only run about 10 hours a week.

If metals do become an issue, I have thought about running a smaller plastic tube through the frogs to eliminate the water touching the copper tubing and my little umbrella girl was installed for easy removal if needed. Or replacing them with something else.

I periodically take a water sample to my pool builders store(for warranty purposes) and also to Leslie’s for a double check on metals. Not to rely on or use there magic cure all products, I’ve been completely committed to the TFP philosophy. Only had to super chlorinate once the PB was done with their 30 day startup process. After that it’s been all TFP.

Not question related from this point:

On a side note, I’m an IT guy and had a job that I accepted in Australia with a rotation of 6 months in Sydney and 6 months in Melbourne. For a company that handled 2 of the national banks IT securities work. But after resigning from my company in the US, my now wife of 24 years finally agreed to go out with me on a date. Took her to breakfast followed by a movie and then dinner of course. Didn’t go to church w/ her that Sunday but my butt was in that church pew the very next week. I just knew she was the one for me at least a year before I was giving up and set to go on an adventure. When she gets me mad, I bring out my book on Australia and set it on the coffee table…

 

[Pool_Doctor]

Probably not the answer you’re looking for but I would be removing any copper containing water features from the pool for fear of copper leaching into the pool and copper staining to the pool.

@AUSpool, The water features are bronze. That’s still ~88% copper. Does the same warning you provided still apply to bronze instead of regular copper? I knew better than using copper anywhere near the pool and meant to say the frogs and girl is made of bronze.

Sorry, my reply to your feedback was a general reply to the question. I’m learning how to use the forum. Haven’t had the need to post much, not because I’m super smart, but because every question I’ve had to this point has been asked and thoroughly answered at least ten times by at least two experts for each question.

I’m almost ready to start adding borates. Just waiting for the time when I can focus on it.

Much respect

 

[AUSpool]

I’m not really sure, copper, bronze or even brass. They all have a high copper and other metals content that could cause staining. I believe bronze does have a higher corrosion resistance than pure copper due to the manganese. Suggesting to remove it was probably too much, just nice to know and be aware. Water features in general also cause pH rise which can be managed by limiting their use to when you’re actually using the pool or enjoying the view, which would also reduce the risk of staining. A lot of the staining reports are caused by heater cores that have failed which have high flow rates, more copper and heat.

At lest you know and are watching it. I’m more of a prevention rather than cure person. Rain water would be more corrosive than pool water and I think you would start to see local staining to the surrounding rock surface. I’m not suggesting you need to start pulling your water feature apart but there are alternatives like fibreglass statues etc. that look like the real thing.

As for fixing him, more of the JB weld maybe. Using a spatula or putty knife to push it into place. You could fill it but that would make any future fixes impossible and whatever it’s filled with will expand and contract at a different rates causing possible cracking over time.