Replacing bubbler light in my Baja shelf

[BobbyKW]

Hey everyone! So my pool has been up and running right at 2 years. My bubbler light in my baja shelf went out. I got a new one thru the warranty, and planned on replacing it myself, as I only have to feed the wire about 20’. The problem is.. when I drained the pool enough to get to the lens and take it off, I discovered that the pool builder installed the wrong brand light in my Pentair niche, and used plumbers putty to stick it in there with! I picked and scraped off the putty that I could, but it won’t come loose. The tool that came with my new Pentair light, doesn’t fit the grooves on the old light, so that is useless in helping get the old one out. Any advice on what I can use to loosen the putty and remove the old light, so I can install the new one? Is there a chemical that may loosen it? Pool builder is no longer in business. (I wouldn’t call him even if he was!) Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[ajw22]

Can you get a wide mouth needle nose pliers in between the notches to try and turn it loose?

@1poolman1 @wireform @Lake Placid @98Poolmaster ideas?

 

[wireform]

Help me understand the picture. Inside the red markings, the white rim, is that the conduit? And how about the green spots, is that the plumbers puddy you speak of ? Then I would get 2 of These and get the 90° ones into the green spots 180° apart and work it enough to move it out a little that you can wrap a strong nylon or similar thin cord like string/rope around the neck. I'd bring the string out at 180° of each other at a notch and pull. Its got to move if it's only shove in there.

 

[BobbyKW]

Can you get a wide mouth needle nose pliers in between the notches to try and turn it loose?

@1poolman1 @wireform @Lake Placid @98Poolmaster ideas?

Thanks for the reply. I tried using large pliers, but it didn’t want to budge. I was a little worried to put too much pressure on it and breaking the niche. I’m also not sure if it’s just setting in there with the putty, or if it’s turned into any threads. I’ll try your idea and use a little more force. I’m wondering if a few drops of Muratic acid on the putty would loosen the putty up?

 

[BobbyKW]

Help me understand the picture. Inside the red markings, the white rim, is that the conduit? And how about the green spots, is that the plumbers puddy you speak of ? Then I would get 2 of These and get the 90° ones into the green spots 180° apart and work it enough to move it out a little that you can wrap a strong nylon or similar thin cord like string/rope around the neck. I'd bring the string out at 180° of each other at a notch and pull. Its got to move if it's only shove in there.

Thanks for the suggestion. Yes, the round white 2” circle in the center is the conduit. Im not sure if it’s just shoved in there with putty or turned into any grooves, then sealed with the putty. It feels like it’s in there pretty solidly. Do you think using a few drops of Muratic acid to loosen the putty and clean it up a bit would help/hurt?

 

[BobbyKW]

This is the new light..

Help me understand the picture. Inside the red markings, the white rim, is that the conduit? And how about the green spots, is that the plumbers puddy you speak of ? Then I would get 2 of These and get the 90° ones into the green spots 180° apart and work it enough to move it out a little that you can wrap a strong nylon or similar thin cord like string/rope around the neck. I'd bring the string out at 180° of each other at a notch and pull. Its got to move if it's only shove in there.

 

[wireform]

I don't think it screw in to anything otherwise there could be a wire problem twisting. I think they get shoved in there and the bezel completes the installation. Here they needed putty I guess because it wasn't meant to be used with this bezel.

 

[BobbyKW]

I don't think it screw in to anything otherwise there could be a wire problem twisting. I think they get shoved in there and the bezel completes the installation. Here they needed putty I guess because it wasn't meant to be used with this bezel.

I believe the new correct light, is supposed to be pushed down into the niche and then turned about a 1/4” to lock it into place. I guess I’ll drain some water this weekend and give it another try. Thank you!