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=Pool Lube= | =Pool Lube= | ||
[[File:Pool Lube MagicLube II.jpg|thumb]] | [[File:Pool Lube MagicLube II.jpg|thumb]] | ||
| − | Pool Lube or O-Ring Lube should be used on gaskets and [[O-Rings|o-rings] in filters, pump basket lids and valves around the pool. | + | Pool Lube or O-Ring Lube should be used on gaskets and [[O-Rings|o-rings]] in filters, pump basket lids and valves around the pool. |
| − | MagicLube II (red label with silicone, not original blue label with teflon) or Boss 820 are recommended products. Also [https://www.poolweb.com/products/aqua-shield-grease-5-5-oz-tube Aqua Shield Grease] can be used on bearings, [[O-Rings|o-rings], and all metals exposed to salt water and fresh water, steam, and pool chemicals. | + | Any rubber gasket you use should always have silicone lube applied unless expressly forbidden by the manufacturer. Rubber gaskets are imperfect and there will always be a difference in size and shape between the groove they sit in and the gaskets dimensions. Lube is necessary to make up those imperceptible differences and to create a watertight seal. Lube also adds a layer of material that protects the rubber from damage by water and chemicals. |
| + | |||
| + | MagicLube II (red label with silicone, not original blue label with teflon) or Boss 820 are recommended products. Also [https://www.poolweb.com/products/aqua-shield-grease-5-5-oz-tube Aqua Shield Grease] can be used on bearings, [[O-Rings|o-rings]], and all metals exposed to salt water and fresh water, steam, and pool chemicals. | ||
You may find [https://www.homedepot.com/p/DANCO-0-5-oz-Silicone-Faucet-Grease-88693/203193536 Danco 0.5 oz. Silicone Faucet Grease] at Home Depot. | You may find [https://www.homedepot.com/p/DANCO-0-5-oz-Silicone-Faucet-Grease-88693/203193536 Danco 0.5 oz. Silicone Faucet Grease] at Home Depot. | ||
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==Lubing Pump Lid O-Ring== | ==Lubing Pump Lid O-Ring== | ||
| − | *remove the [[O-Rings|o-ring] and clean it with a clean rag. | + | *remove the [[O-Rings|o-ring]] and clean it with a clean rag. |
*Use the same rag to clean the channel. Not spotless, just to insure there is no grime or dirt that can cause issues. | *Use the same rag to clean the channel. Not spotless, just to insure there is no grime or dirt that can cause issues. | ||
| − | *Use liberal amount of pool lube, use your index finger and thumb to get a good coverage of lube on the [[O-Rings|o-ring]. | + | *Use liberal amount of pool lube, use your index finger and thumb to get a good coverage of lube on the [[O-Rings|o-ring]]. |
| − | *Install [[O-Rings|o-ring] and pump basket. | + | *Install [[O-Rings|o-ring]] and pump basket. |
*Clean lube off hands. | *Clean lube off hands. | ||
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==Why Do O-Rings Need to be Lubed?== | ==Why Do O-Rings Need to be Lubed?== | ||
| − | [[O-Rings|O-Ring] lube allows the three surfaces involved (the ring and the two components it's sealing together) to slide together as you tighten things up.<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/gaskets-and-o-rings-and-lube-oh-my.197543/post-1742845</ref> Without it, the ring will pinch and bind and deform. It's the deformation that causes the leaks. And the premature wear. So the lube is not really adding to the sealing properties of the ring, rather it allows the ring to retain its correct shape and do its job. And in that way it can lengthen the ring's life. Cleaning the ring and the surfaces it touches is important because a chunk of dirt can also deform the ring and cause a leak. | + | [[O-Rings|O-Ring]] lube allows the three surfaces involved (the ring and the two components it's sealing together) to slide together as you tighten things up.<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/gaskets-and-o-rings-and-lube-oh-my.197543/post-1742845</ref> Without it, the ring will pinch and bind and deform. It's the deformation that causes the leaks. And the premature wear. So the lube is not really adding to the sealing properties of the ring, rather it allows the ring to retain its correct shape and do its job. And in that way it can lengthen the ring's life. Cleaning the ring and the surfaces it touches is important because a chunk of dirt can also deform the ring and cause a leak. |
==How Much Should a Fitting With an O-Ring be Tightened?== | ==How Much Should a Fitting With an O-Ring be Tightened?== | ||
| − | It's important not to over-tighten an [[O-Rings|o-ring]. Doing so can cause it to leak, because that can also deform the ring. Generally, fittings with [[O-Rings|o-ring] only need to be "hand tight." You might need a wrench to loosen such a fitting, but you shouldn't use a wrench to put it back together if you can avoid it. If your hands are not strong enough to tighten a fitting enough, then you can gently use a wrench, but only to make the fitting a bit more snug than you could with your hands. You don't crank the fitting down. | + | It's important not to over-tighten an [[O-Rings|o-ring]]. Doing so can cause it to leak, because that can also deform the ring. Generally, fittings with [[O-Rings|o-ring]] only need to be "hand tight." You might need a wrench to loosen such a fitting, but you shouldn't use a wrench to put it back together if you can avoid it. If your hands are not strong enough to tighten a fitting enough, then you can gently use a wrench, but only to make the fitting a bit more snug than you could with your hands. You don't crank the fitting down. |
==Tips== | ==Tips== | ||
| − | *Never pull the [[O-Rings|O-Ring] through your fingers. Always push it through your fingers. Pulling stretches the [[O-Rings|O-Ring] and it ends up being too big | + | *Never pull the [[O-Rings|O-Ring]] through your fingers. Always push it through your fingers. Pulling stretches the [[O-Rings|O-Ring]] and it ends up being too big |
. | . | ||
Latest revision as of 15:29, 19 February 2023
Pool Lube
Pool Lube or O-Ring Lube should be used on gaskets and o-rings in filters, pump basket lids and valves around the pool.
Any rubber gasket you use should always have silicone lube applied unless expressly forbidden by the manufacturer. Rubber gaskets are imperfect and there will always be a difference in size and shape between the groove they sit in and the gaskets dimensions. Lube is necessary to make up those imperceptible differences and to create a watertight seal. Lube also adds a layer of material that protects the rubber from damage by water and chemicals.
MagicLube II (red label with silicone, not original blue label with teflon) or Boss 820 are recommended products. Also Aqua Shield Grease can be used on bearings, o-rings, and all metals exposed to salt water and fresh water, steam, and pool chemicals.
You may find Danco 0.5 oz. Silicone Faucet Grease at Home Depot.
There are many other good products sold. It should be a silicone based, non-PTFE lubricant.[1] PTFE Teflon gums up and gets sticky.
Never use petroleum products, such as Vaseline, on anything rubber.
Lubing Pump Lid O-Ring
- remove the o-ring and clean it with a clean rag.
- Use the same rag to clean the channel. Not spotless, just to insure there is no grime or dirt that can cause issues.
- Use liberal amount of pool lube, use your index finger and thumb to get a good coverage of lube on the o-ring.
- Install o-ring and pump basket.
- Clean lube off hands.
Cleaning Lube Off Hands
- Wear disposable gloves
- Use a good grease-cutting dishwashing detergent, like Dawn for washing your hands. Then apply a light hand cream like Gold Bond, because Dawn dries the dickens out of your skin.
- A cleaner with d-limonene[2]
Why Do O-Rings Need to be Lubed?
O-Ring lube allows the three surfaces involved (the ring and the two components it's sealing together) to slide together as you tighten things up.[3] Without it, the ring will pinch and bind and deform. It's the deformation that causes the leaks. And the premature wear. So the lube is not really adding to the sealing properties of the ring, rather it allows the ring to retain its correct shape and do its job. And in that way it can lengthen the ring's life. Cleaning the ring and the surfaces it touches is important because a chunk of dirt can also deform the ring and cause a leak.
How Much Should a Fitting With an O-Ring be Tightened?
It's important not to over-tighten an o-ring. Doing so can cause it to leak, because that can also deform the ring. Generally, fittings with o-ring only need to be "hand tight." You might need a wrench to loosen such a fitting, but you shouldn't use a wrench to put it back together if you can avoid it. If your hands are not strong enough to tighten a fitting enough, then you can gently use a wrench, but only to make the fitting a bit more snug than you could with your hands. You don't crank the fitting down.
Tips
- Never pull the O-Ring through your fingers. Always push it through your fingers. Pulling stretches the O-Ring and it ends up being too big
.
