Salt cell impossible to unscrew

[johnnydot]

I suspect yea that maybe we did that at some point. We tried for so long…. But after a while we started just doing it from left to right. We called the pool store that installed the pool and the guy said that perhaps the people who installed the pool put some glue on the 90 and maybe some of it went into the ring. But we aren’t sure about that. It’s just very very tight. We also tried today to cut the ring with a saw but it’s really tough because the pool shakes a lot and we are scared of breaking something.

What channel lock? We have this: https://www.amazon.ca/WORKPRO-W1140...14503239c29f3c7fb6a5a925d959e46f&gad_source=1

 

[Blackdirt Cowboy]

In your picture with the cell pointed up, you need to turn the nut clockwise as you are looking down on it. Use these tools, one on the nut and one on the body of the salt cell. It will either break the nut loose or crush the salt cell. Put the pipe wrench on the body of the cell, but make sure it makes contact in three places to reduce the chances of crushing the body. Use the channel locks on the nut.

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[johnnydot]

In your picture with the cell pointed up, you need to turn the nut clockwise as you are looking down on it. Use these tools, one on the nut and one on the body of the salt cell. It will either break the nut loose or crush the salt cell.

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If you are looking at the cell from the top of the elbow down, clockwise TIGHTENS THE CELL NOT LOOSENS IT !

 

[ssgonzalez]

another option is to get a hammer and a large flat round punch and with someone holding the cell, hold the punch on the ledges of the ring and tap the punch with the hammer. That might free it up.

We did try with a hammer. And we tried with a small jigsaw like this: https://www.amazon.ca/Bosch-JS260-1...32f08f8d0cf03628b2465b4ec3a248a1&gad_source=1. I think the position of the cell makes it difficult to handle with tools like this, even when one person is below holding the cell with both hands.

I am wondering if it’s even possible to break the pool while doing all this? Trying around with all these tools makes the pool structure bounce around a lot, it is making us nervous of breaking it.

 

[johnnydot]

We did try with a hammer. And we tried with a small jigsaw like this: https://www.amazon.ca/Bosch-JS260-1...32f08f8d0cf03628b2465b4ec3a248a1&gad_source=1. I think the position of the cell makes it difficult to handle with tools like this, even when one person is below holding the cell with both hands.

I am wondering if it’s even possible to break the pool while doing all this? Trying around with all these tools makes the pool structure bounce around a lot, it is making us nervous of breaking it.

don't us a jigsaw - too much up and down oscillation. Better off getting a cheap adjustable dremmel tool with a small cut off wheel or round saw blade. Once you cut a deep enouth groove, you can use a flatbladed screwdriver to pry the ring apart.

 

[TinFoilHat]

Just keep in mind that the nut has proprietary threads and cutting it off means a Hayward SWG cell nut has to be installed after the 90 is cut off.

 

[ajw22]

Just keep in mind that the nut has proprietary threads and cutting it off means a Hayward SWG cell nut has to be installed after the 90 is cut off.

Another option is to use a split nut from Optimum Pool Technologies or Magic Plastics.

This YouTube video describes using a split nut.

 

[johnnydot]

Just keep in mind that the nut has proprietary threads and cutting it off means a Hayward SWG cell nut has to be installed after the 90 is cut off.

probably have to get a replacement hayward return jet

 

[ssgonzalez]

Just keep in mind that the nut has proprietary threads and cutting it off means a Hayward SWG cell nut has to be installed after the 90 is cut off.

You mean I’ll need to buy another ring? That wouldn’t be an issue. I am not planning to cut the 90

 

[ssgonzalez]

Another option is to use a split nut from Optimum Pool Technologies or Magic Plastics.

This YouTube video describes using a split nut.

This would be useful if I am ever able to remove the cell from the ring…

 

[johnnydot]

You mean I’ll need to buy another ring? That wouldn’t be an issue. I am not planning to cut the 90

don't know if you can just buy the ring, maybe google an aftermarket one.

 

[setsailsoon]

Another option is to use a split nut from Optimum Pool Technologies or Magic Plastics.

This YouTube video describes using a split nut.

I'd use a belt wrench, the kind with horizontal tread and tap the fitting slightly with a small hammer. Could also warm it a little. The one shown looks like it got over-torqued with channel locks previously. When this happens the threads bend a little and lock. If there was dirt on the threads it just makes things worse. Once you crack it just a little bit open it should be smooth again. Clean the threads thoroughly when you put it back and don't over-torque. This is much easier to do correctly with the belt wrench. If it cracks use Allen's trick.

I hope this helps

Chris

 

[ssgonzalez]

don't know if you can just buy the ring, maybe google an aftermarket one.

It’s possible . I’ve seen them. So that’s why I am not scared about the ring. Scared of breaking the cell though

 

[Blackdirt Cowboy]

If you are looking at the cell from the top of the elbow down, clockwise TIGHTENS THE CELL NOT LOOSENS IT !

In this picture, which is the one I was referencing(swg pointed up), looking down at the nut, clockwise absolutely loosens it.

 

[setsailsoon]

I'd use a belt wrench, the kind with horizontal groves and tap the fitting slightly with a small hammer. Could also warm it a little. The one shown looks like it got over-torqued with channel locks previously. When this happens the threads bend a little and lock. If there was dirt on the threads it just makes things worse. Once you crack it just a little bit open it should be smooth again. Clean the threads thoroughly when you put it back and don't over-torque. This is much easier to do correctly with the belt wrench. If it cracks use Allen's trick.

I hope this helps

Chris

 

[ssgonzalez]

I'd use a belt wrench, the kind with horizontal tread and tap the fitting slightly with a small hammer. Could also warm it a little. The one shown looks like it got over-torqued with channel locks previously. When this happens the threads bend a little and lock. If there was dirt on the threads it just makes things worse. Once you crack it just a little bit open it should be smooth again. Clean the threads thoroughly when you put it back and don't over-torque. This is much easier to do correctly with the belt wrench. If it cracks use Allen's trick.

I hope this helps

Chris

Allen’s trick?

 

[johnnydot]

I'd use a belt wrench, the kind with horizontal tread and tap the fitting slightly with a small hammer. Could also warm it a little. The one shown looks like it got over-torqued with channel locks previously. When this happens the threads bend a little and lock. If there was dirt on the threads it just makes things worse. Once you crack it just a little bit open it should be smooth again. Clean the threads thoroughly when you put it back and don't over-torque. This is much easier to do correctly with the belt wrench. If it cracks use Allen's trick.

I hope this helps

Chris

never seen a set-up like that with the cell mounted upside down !