Vacuum Port cover broken

[ScubaDoo]

The vacuum port cover / trim piece broke off today when removing the plug while opening the pool...

My question is: is this piece vital? Is it preventing a leak? Do I need to drain below and replace (before I fill pool)?
OR
Is this just cosmetic? Can I resume with opening and replace underwater in the next few days? I assume the liner (and looks like) the liner is sealed around the port.

Thanks in advance

 

[willygee]

Cover is critical for safety...tremendous suction at the port which could cause an injury esp pumps running full rpm.

 

[ScubaDoo]

I have the cover, which I'll install soon. I do not have an extra face plate.

Not questioning the need for the cover. This is just about the trim/face plate around it.

 

[willygee]

I see now..you have a screw in plug vs a hinged cover like i have...not sure if the trim is critical.

 

[1poolman1]

If that is a vinyl pool, yes you need that ring.

 

[vtpools]

Do you have pictures of the backside of the faceplates? There are a few different models. Easy to replace, can be done underwater.

 

[ScubaDoo]

Do you have pictures of the backside of the faceplates? There are a few different models. Easy to replace, can be done underwater.

Yes, I tried to upload but were too big for server apparently... Let me resize them.

 

[ScubaDoo]

If that is a vinyl pool, yes you need that ring.

Need it immediately or can be replaced underwater when faceplate arrives in a couple days?

 

[1poolman1]

You can see that it helps seal the liner around the fitting. Sooner the better. I don't do vinyl, but believe there is a gasket below the liner that needs that ring to help with the seal.

 

[vtpools]

There is a gasket behind the liner, it's usually glued to the fitting itself though. Hayward 1408B is the part number for the faceplate. Replacing in a couple of days isn't ideal, but it's hard to say if it'll cause any permanent issues or not. I'd say just get it replaced as soon as you can.

 

[ScubaDoo]

Thanks for the feedback, once it arrives I'll replace it.

 

[ScubaDoo]

There is a gasket behind the liner, it's usually glued to the fitting itself though. Hayward 1408B is the part number for the faceplate. Replacing in a couple of days isn't ideal, but it's hard to say if it'll cause any permanent issues or not. I'd say just get it replaced as soon as you can.

So now that pool is open and water levels are up, the plate should arrive today. Haven't lost any water/doesn't seem to be leaking from that area since.

So replacing this underwater is OK? Since it's currently sealed I wasn't sure if removing the screws now would allow water to reach steel wall and if that could lead to corrosion of the wall. I know its just temporary that the water would reach it and maybe I'm being overly concerned just don't want create a bigger issue down the line.

Also, is any silicone or sealant needed in the screws?

Thx

 

[vtpools]

Replacing underwater is fine, the wall is exposed to groundwater anyways. Shouldn't need silicone.