replacing leaking return fitting

by Barbara
(Freehold)

I just purchased a new return fitting, how do I remove the old one and install the new one, what kind of tools would I need. Thank you in advance.



Hi Barbara, On a Doughboy pool you would simply unhook the flex hose from the outside of the fitting and unscrew the outside portion. It is basically two pieces. The inside piece has the threads on it and sticks thru the wall from the inside. The outside piece screws onto the threads and get tightened down by hand.

The other common type of return fitting is the Hayward return. This fitting has a large plastic nut on the outside. It takes a large set of channel locks to undo this nut and then the fitting can be removed. It is also common for this type of fitting to be plumbed with either PVC pipe or Flex PVC. You would need to make a cut in the pipe and use a couple to reconnect it when the new fitting is installed. The fitting the pipe goes into is a threaded fitting that screws into the return. This fitting should not be glued in, just taped and doped but not glued. It needs to be removed before the large nut will come off. You would pretty much reassemble in a reverse manner.

It is also possible you may have one that has an inside faceplate that is held in place with stainless steel screws. You simply remove the screws on this one and nothing needs to be done to the outside section.