What's this and can I cut it out?

[larrybbaker]

Bought a house last year with a pool. This "device" is on the return side. The previous owner didn't mention it, and not sure he new what it was. Seems to have a rubber diapgrham and wing nut on the bottom. Pool is still closed at the moment - so no pressure read - and I don't recall if it read pressure at all last year or not.

I am handy and comfortable working with piping... the question is should I?

 

[JoyfulNoise]

If it’s coming off the filter’s backwash line then it’s a separation tank to capture heavy debris before sending the backwash water into you sanitary sewer line. Some towns require them by code. You’ll have to check if that’s your situation.

But it looks defunct with that rubber gasket in the bottom. Notice the threads on the bottom, something used to screw onto there. The rubber gasket looks like something the previous owner slapped on there to seal it up.

I’d get rid of the whole thing.

 

[Newdude]

@JoyfulNoise is it missing it’s bottom cap ? The gasket like thing on the bottom sure looks like the doohickey in a garden hose and the threads on the bottom are suspicious as well.

 

[RDspaguy]

I suspect the "gasket" is an expansion plug, and something definitely screws onto the bottom threads. Would like to know what line it is in. Strange that it has a pressure gauge. Maybe an old inline mineral cartridge?
Just thinking out loud, so to speak.

 

[Newdude]

I suspect the "gasket" is an expansion plug, and something definitely screws onto the bottom threads

In thinking whoever closed the pool took it off to allow any water in there to drain or ice to expand if need be. It might be a gusher at startup.

 

[RDspaguy]

If it blows that plug it will be very dramatic, for sure. Probably sound like a cannon. And I wouldn't want to be close when it went.

 

[RDspaguy]

But maybe it is on the drain line and just a separation tank as joyful said. Lets see what the OP has to say before we go too far down that rabbit hole.

 

[Newdude]

If it blows that plug it will be very dramatic, for sure

Ha. I was thinking more of a thwoomp like a potato gun/cannon, a mortar like sound for the 1/10 of a second before Niagra falls hits the ground below.

 

[JamesW]

It's too small to be a separation tank.

It looks similar to a Jandy Ray Vac Energy filter, which goes to a pressure side cleaner.

Is there any type of cleaner?

Jandy Ray-Vac Pro Series Energy Element Filter Kit with Gauge - Model 2888 - INYOPools.com

Complete Jandy Energy Filter (No Valve) - 2888

www.inyopools.com

 

[larrybbaker]

It's too small to be a separation tank.

It looks similar to a Jandy Ray Vac Energy filter, which goes to a pressure side cleaner.

Is there any type of cleaner?

Jandy Ray-Vac Pro Series Energy Element Filter Kit with Gauge - Model 2888 - INYOPools.com

Complete Jandy Energy Filter (No Valve) - 2888

www.inyopools.com

It appears you are on to something here - I actually cleaned the top of it off and found this... there is no cleaner here - except the one I bought the end of last summer (robotic). Also - the gasket at the bottom is actually a red Oatey pipe plug....

Based on this I think I can get rid of it... before it blows

 

[RDspaguy]

Well done James! Impressive.