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
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".[1]
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.[2]
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.[3]
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[4]
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)
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/trying-to-loosen-jet-from-gunite-wall.192119/#post-1694134
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/trying-to-loosen-jet-from-gunite-wall.192119/#post-1693368
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/trying-to-loosen-jet-from-gunite-wall.192119/#post-1693017
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/trying-to-loosen-jet-from-gunite-wall.192119/#post-1693022
