How to fix return pulling away from pipe

HeatherH

Well-known member
May 16, 2022
52
Virginia
Pool Size
14000
Surface
Fiberglass
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Hayward Aqua Rite (T-3)
Hello,
We have had an issue with our pool settling that has caused strain on one of the pipes. One of the return pipes has been pulling away from the fitting at the pool wall. We had someone come fix it in 2020 because it was leaking like crazy. We started to close the pool today, and after draining below the returns, I checked by all of them. That same return seems to be separating again. I took some pictures so you can see what I’m talking about.

One return on the other side started doing this last year, but I used the pool putty on it and let it cure over the winter, and it held (I used the kind that could cure underwater because we didn’t drain below them last year). I checked it today and it still feels good.

What’s our best option for fixing the one pulling away now since it’s dry? Pool putty again or something else?
 

Attachments

  • B7E4A0FE-B076-428D-A6A4-B8D3B1929035.jpeg
    B7E4A0FE-B076-428D-A6A4-B8D3B1929035.jpeg
    190.7 KB · Views: 10
  • 0EE735A7-3343-427A-BC51-06D9A19894CC.jpeg
    0EE735A7-3343-427A-BC51-06D9A19894CC.jpeg
    158 KB · Views: 9
  • 893815E0-6C9F-42E8-98FD-A6C659BE2528.jpeg
    893815E0-6C9F-42E8-98FD-A6C659BE2528.jpeg
    130.6 KB · Views: 9
Hi HeatherH
I had the same issue with my pool returns. I had to cut up my pool deck, dig down to the pipes and fit new returns. I filled in the hole with material to reduce the settling.
Multiple attempts to seal the gaps from poolside failed.
 
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.