Hayward Inlet Eyeball Removal

How to Remove Pool Return Jet Eyeballs

One of the frustrating things can be the removal of inlet eyeballs screwed into pool returns. Having the right tool makes the difference.

Hayward Inlet Eyeballs

Hayward has Hayward Directional Flow Inlet Fitting - Eyeball in various sizes:

• Hayward Directional Flow Inlet Fitting - Eyeball 1 1/2" Slotted - SP1419A
• Hayward Directional Flow Inlet Fitting - Eyeball MIP 3/8" - SP1419B
• Hayward Directional Flow Inlet Fitting - Eyeball MIP 1/2" - SP1419C
• Hayward Directional Flow Inlet Fitting - Eyeball MIP 3/4" - SP1419D
• Hayward Directional Flow Inlet Fitting - Eyeball MIP 1" - SP1419E
• Hayward Directional Flow Inlet Fitting - Insider Hydrostream 3/4" - SP1421D

Aquastar Eyeballs

If you have return fittings like the one below then it if from Aquastar

You want the Aquastar VSJW102 Socket and Jet Removal Tool for Most Major Brand Return Fittings to remove it.

Removal Tools

Hayward Removal Tool

The Hayward SP1419T Hydrosweep and Hydrostream Directional Flow Inlet Fitting Seat Removal Tool is Hayward's answer. Some people have found it is flimsy plastic and totally inadequate if the seat is "stuck".

Hayward Jet Tool Wrench

The Hayward SP-1434-T Jet Tool Wrench may be what you need to remove spa jets. It functions like a hand held socket wrench. The four "teeth" on the bottom match four opposing slots on the Hayward fitting. Simply unscrew the the jet from inside the housing and reverse to replace with new.

Stanley 55-515 Wonder Bar

A creative member found that the Stanley 55-515 Wonder Bar (flat pry bar 1-3/4 x 12-3/4) has a short end that's a little wider than what the tool needs to be and the thickness is exactly what's needed. About 1/16 inch needed to be ground-off from the flair on both sides of the short end so the width was 1.490 inches, the same as the Hayward tool.

The thickness is already tapered and measures the same 0.180 inch as the Hayward tool about an inch back. It engages the seat slots perfectly and actually fits better than the factory tool because the tool is inserted until the taper fills the slots.

The short end of the bar can now be slid into the slots until it bottoms and the 12-3/4 inch long handle gives plenty of leverage to remove the most stubborn seats. The best part is that it cost me nothing and the pry bar can still be used as it was. These bars can be found for about $10 but this is a very common bar and many people probably already have one. Some similar bars could probably also be used but they might not fit as well.

Hacksaw Blade

Others have taken a hacksaw blade or similar and cut very carefully through the fitting. Try and do it where the notch is already there. But be careful and work slowly. If you do it in a couple of places you can then take a small screwdriver or similar and lightly tap it open.

If you have the kind with the rough outside edge and are changing them all channel locks work. Otherwise try surgery. Just be patient as you don't want to crack the receptacle

G&P Eyeball Removal Tool

Made for professionals, the G&P Eyeball Removal Tool is metal, sturdy, and expensive. Its extra long design reaches deep into fittings to get in recessed slots or provides extra leverage. Fits any standard 1-1/2" wall fitting with slots on sides. (e.g. Hayward SP-1419, Pentair)

AquaStar VSJW102 Socket and Jet Removal Tool for Most Major Brand Return Fittings

This removal tool fits the AquaStar jets and claims to work for other major brand return fittings.

You can find more information on page 201 of the AquaStar Catalog.