Replacing return ports/fittings

[Bill1974]

I know I should have done this when the liner was replaced earlier this year, but that did not happen.

How easy is it to pull back the liner and reinstall the liner now that it has been in for 6 months? Any tips or tricks? I'd like to replace because half the screws holding in the face plates already have bigger screws installed as the right ones stripped when the liner was installed.

It's a steel wall vinyl liner in ground pool.

I am look to to replace the fitting because I am redoing the patio around the pool and redoing all the lines at the same time. I replaced the skimmers and light niche before the line was done.

 

[ajw22]

It gets harder to do in colder weather. You need warm weather for the liner to stretch. Best to use a vacuum to hold the liner in place.

Maybe @jimmythegreek will have some pro tips for you.

 

[Bill1974]

After thinking it over, I think I will just drill out the stripped screw holes, glue in a PVC rod and drill it out for the proper size screw. This way I don't need to disturb the liner or hope that I can get a new fitting in just the right place. All I need to do in drain the pool to below the returns.

 

[jimmythegreek]

Drain the water below the returns and remove faceplates. Use a solid body pvc epoxy and fill from front and rear. Drill new pilot holes and use stainless screws BY HAND no impacts or drills. 10 bucks

 

[Bill1974]

Do you have a product you recommend?

I do know many of epoxies are not happy being submerged in water over time.

 

[jimmythegreek]

Jb weld makes one that is on the shelf all over. I think its plastic weld or something like that. Look on back for abs compatibility. The epoxy will never see water the faceplate seals the front off. If it sees water you have a leak that needs fixing

 

[wireform]

Loctite marine epoxy This works great and works even under water. When you drill it out the hole will be smooth and can be problematic as the glue may not have what to grab onto. It would be best if you can score up the drilled hole so the epoxy has what to bite on. Maybe a safety pin and bend the point this way with minimal pressure you can score up the smooth surface.