return plug keeps popping out

[rajung]

Is it normal for the expandable plug to pop out of the return fitting?Ea. year when the ice starts to melt and I have a island of ice in the center that slowly floats around on windy days it seems to pop the plug out " froze around the wing nut" and I lose a little water that I was hoping to let mother nature re-fill.I tightened as tight as possible by hand and don't really want to over kill it in avoiding some damage.It is a cone shape so I assume not a whole lot of it actually grips when expanded.

 

[LI poolguy]

Are you using a cover on the pool?

 

[rajung]

Are you using a cover on the pool?

No, way too many issues with removing snow, and don't have any trees near pool so clean up is minimal.

 

[samt]

I wonder if you were to fashion a cover for it. Use something like a plastic cereal bowl and attach it with cord through the center / bottom to the wing nut. Something rounded like that so the icebergs are deflected.

 

[LI poolguy]

Or possibly try a shallower type of plug, that sits flush with the pool wall when tightened. If it's not sticking out, it may not get hit.

 

[rajung]

thanks for the tips, will try a different plug first.I know the one I have now has a long stem to tighten and does give the ice some sideways leverage .

 

[CJadamec]

I found a threaded plug with an o-ring to seal my return fitting. Nothing sticks into the pool to get knocked out.

 

[rajung]

that sounds good, any more info such as where purchased or pic ,thanks

 

[zea3]

You can get a threaded pvc plug at most pool or hardware stores. Here is one you can order online from Walmart.

 

[CJadamec]

Yep, that would be the one. I think mine came from amazon.

 

[rajung]

Now I see why some don't have the pop out problem, I have to use the rubber cone type, so not much grip when inserted.this does not have threads since its smooth inner wall.