Return fitting won't create a seal with the wall

[Jon008]

I have a vinyl pool and when I went to unplug the returns to open the pool, one of the return fitting plates spun with the plug. I finally was able to get the plug out of the return but when I went to screw the return fitting back to seal against the wall, it won't sit level with the wall to create a water tight seal. One side screws in faster than the other side. I tried to see if I could remove the entire fitting and try to reset it but the fitting screws loose but never screws all the way out.

No matter how many times I try to screw the fitting back in, the left side tightens before the right side and leaves a gap between the wall and the rubber gasket. I'm at a loss on what I can try next. Is there some trick to getting these to screw back in flush with the wall? This is one of the returns that is on my shell stairs so it screws in instead of being held by actual screws like the other returns.

 

[ajw22]

Let's see if the Pros have any pro tips - @1poolman1 @Pool_Medic @ferretbone @jimmythegreek

 

[Pool_Medic]

Unfortunately it sounds like you unseated the actual return fitting. As it’s in fiberglass steps, there are no screws holding it to the step, the hood is drilled, fitting inserted and that ring you see is tightened down over some sealant. I always used car filter rubber wrenches to get it good and tight.

I would try to back it off maybe 2 turns (but be careful you could unscrew it totally) then apply a sealant, then retighten. For future reference, always use a expandable plug in those rather than a threaded plug.

 

[Jon008]

@Pool_Medic Thanks for the suggestion. I figured there is a nut behind there to tighten it and that it can't be totally fixed without taking the stairs out. I'll definitely use an expandable plug from now on. I'll try and use a sealant to fill any gaps from not sitting flush against the wall and then use dye to make sure it's water tight after it dries. For the sealant, since it will be under water, would you recommend a silicone sealant or something else?

 

[Pool_Medic]

Anderson’s leak sealer might work, if it was me I would lower the water below that return then use a good silicone.