Removing Bungee-Plug for Spring opening

[ffabcd4]

Hi,

Pool company closed my pool for the Winter and used Bungy-Plugs (Bungeeplug.com) or something like it. I'm opening it up for the Spring and tried to unscrew a plug in the pool but it seemed VERY tight. I assume I'm fighting air pressure? Am I supposed to unplug the skimmer plug first to release pressure? What is the correct way to remove these plugs? Thought I'd ask before I do any damage. THANKS!

 

[Newdude]

You can remove the skimmer plug to possibly help. If not, try channel lock pliers. Throw a couple wraps of tape around the ends of each half of the jaws on the pliers. It will help protect the plug and also help the liner when you drop them, because let's be honest. (ask me how I know)

 

[Bperry]

Yep what newdude said. But it’s likely just stuck and not related to air pressure. Mine got stuck pretty good for some reason when I used them as well (and I installed them). I think it’s just the nature of them. The evil engineer who designed them so there’s barely enough surface area to grab needs a nasty-gram in his inbox. I had to use channel locks to get them off even though I only tightened by hand.

I use PVC caps now.

 

[ffabcd4]

You can remove the skimmer plug to possibly help. If not, try channel lock pliers. Throw a couple wraps of tape around the ends of each half of the jaws on the pliers. It will help protect the plug and also help the liner when you drop them, because let's be honest. (ask me how I know)

Thanks. I actually first tried by hand, then some (maybe not quite large enough) channel locks. No movement. Then I got concerned maybe there is a special way to remove these, so I came here to ask. Probably will remove the skimmer plug tomorrow, maybe go get a bigger channel lock as well, and try again. Fiberglass inground pool so no liner issue but a good tip anyway. Thanks for the reply.

 

[ffabcd4]

Yep what newdude said. But it’s likely just stuck and not related to air pressure. Mine got stuck pretty good for some reason when I used them as well (and I installed them). I think it’s just the nature of them. The evil engineer who designed them so there’s barely enough surface area to grab needs a nasty-gram in his inbox. I had to use channel locks to get them off even though I only tightened by hand.

I use PVC caps now.

Thanks, that makes me feel better. I just responded to newdude as well.

 

[Newdude]

Then I got concerned maybe there is a special way to remove these

Always the smart call if something doesn't go easy.

In this case, they're just simple threads



I just popped my plugs/skimmers today and there was considerable vacuum pressure. Hopefully opening the other end helps. Or get more leverage with bigger pliers.

Fiberglass inground pool so no liner issue

OK so you'll scratch instead of rip. Tape them bad boys up.

 

[ffabcd4]

Always the smart call if something doesn't go easy.

In this case, they're just simple threads

View attachment 481209

I just popped my plugs/skimmers today and there was considerable vacuum pressure. Hopefully opening the other end helps. Or get more leverage with bigger pliers.


OK so you'll scratch instead of rip. Tape them bad boys up.

Thanks for your help. As you said, just extremely tight! Got them out and pool is open.

 

[ffabcd4]

Yep what newdude said. But it’s likely just stuck and not related to air pressure. Mine got stuck pretty good for some reason when I used them as well (and I installed them). I think it’s just the nature of them. The evil engineer who designed them so there’s barely enough surface area to grab needs a nasty-gram in his inbox. I had to use channel locks to get them off even though I only tightened by hand.

I use PVC caps now.

Thanks for your help. Yes, just extremely tight! Got them out and pool is open.