Pool Light Niche Ring

[jca001]

I have old Swinquip pool lights and the ring around the niche is rusted and staining the vinyl liner. They do not make them any more so I cannot buy new ones. So I want to remove them and have them cleaned, maybe sand blasted and then powder coated. Checking with a couple of local shops, this will take a couple of days.

So if I remove the ring, will a lot of water leak out during this time?

And if some water goes between the vinyl liner and wall, will it cause problems?

I think there are 8 or 10 screws holding the ring to the niche, so I was thinking after I remove the ring, if I use what is called fender washers (they have small holes and are bigger around than a normal washer) and put them in place with the screws there would be less of a leak, any thoughts?

 

[Texas Splash]

Jack, can you post a pic of the light fixture please? A unique set-up like this might be a good question for @jimmythegreek. Ever seen these before?

 

[jimmythegreek]

I have seen lights like that. If there isnt a retaining ring under it then it will leak pretty fast. Id drain the pool down not worth issues that could come from it. The only safe way is to make a template and pattern it to something else so you cam screw it down to seal against the gasket. A thin cutting board works good for stuff like this

 

[jca001]

Texas Splash:
I can try to take a picture of the light but I don't think it will show up very good being in the water.

Jimmythegreek:
So just using fender washers would not be good enough to mostly seal the liner to the niche?
I really don't want to drain the pool down 3+ feet and refill which will dilute the salt and other chemical values.
I can use the niche ring to make a ring out of 5/8 or 3/4 plywood and still use the fender washers to spread the load over the wood while the metal niche ring is being cleaned and powder coated.
I am pretty sure with the niche ring not being in place the light will not be able to stay in place. Therefore I will have to pull it up and lay it on the side of the pool during this time.
The over all plan is to replace the current light fixture which is a 500w incandescent bulb with a RGB LED 33w fixture.

Thanks for the information and suggestions.

 

[jimmythegreek]

Yup that will work you need a continuous ring of pressure. Changing the bulb works well I have an inyo pools pure line color changing bulb in my personal pool and its pretty nice was worth the 200 or so bucks for sure