Hello, second year pool owner here.
For reference, this 24 foot above ground pool was left derelict here when I bought the house. Last year I completely drained and cleaned it and checked the liner, which despite having a ton of debris was in tact and good other than some stains.
We used it all last year with no issues other than first time pool owner problems (chemicals, algae, etc.)
This year I decided I would do further safety upgrades and maintenance. I installed all new tubing, electrical work, etc.
When installing the tubing, I noticed this rust but didn't realize the leak was still a current issue as I didn't remember it last year. Upon further research, I now realize this is bad lol. The pool is currently filled and cycling but the return is leaking akin to having the kitchen faucet turned on ever so slightly. Like a light stream right after drops.
I understand I need to drain the pool below the return, rake out the return, pull the liner away, and analyze the rust damage. Depending on that, I can apply Repairs. The issue is that the previous owner may have used a random ring to fasten the return to the pool? If you look at the closer photo you can see there I'd a thin metal, rusted ring holding the outside of the return to the wall. Any ideas on how to remove this? I am trying to be delicate because I don't watch to damage the wall further. Channel locks have a hard time gripping it due to the thinness of the ring.
Every video ove seen has a larger plastic ring on the exterior.
Any advice is appreciated!
For reference, this 24 foot above ground pool was left derelict here when I bought the house. Last year I completely drained and cleaned it and checked the liner, which despite having a ton of debris was in tact and good other than some stains.
We used it all last year with no issues other than first time pool owner problems (chemicals, algae, etc.)
This year I decided I would do further safety upgrades and maintenance. I installed all new tubing, electrical work, etc.
When installing the tubing, I noticed this rust but didn't realize the leak was still a current issue as I didn't remember it last year. Upon further research, I now realize this is bad lol. The pool is currently filled and cycling but the return is leaking akin to having the kitchen faucet turned on ever so slightly. Like a light stream right after drops.
I understand I need to drain the pool below the return, rake out the return, pull the liner away, and analyze the rust damage. Depending on that, I can apply Repairs. The issue is that the previous owner may have used a random ring to fasten the return to the pool? If you look at the closer photo you can see there I'd a thin metal, rusted ring holding the outside of the return to the wall. Any ideas on how to remove this? I am trying to be delicate because I don't watch to damage the wall further. Channel locks have a hard time gripping it due to the thinness of the ring.
Every video ove seen has a larger plastic ring on the exterior.
Any advice is appreciated!
