Can’t remove winter plug in skimmer

[Mmorton728]

I’ve been trying to remove my winter plug in my skimmer. It’s a wing nut plug with an extension handle. I’ve tried a basin wrench and locking pliers to no luck. I thought about using like a deep socket to put on extension handle for extra leverage but not sure if turning extension handle will release pressure or if its Only the wing nut you can turn. Also thought if drilling a hole into the rubber would help release the pressure enough to pull out.

Any ideas?
Many thanks.

 

[needsajet]

It's still dry right, or is it wet now? Welders shrink stuff with dry ice (need gloves). If you could rig something up to send back pressure without damaging anything else, that might be an option. If dry, maybe WD40?

 

[Mmorton728]

It's still dry right, or is it wet now? Welders shrink stuff with dry ice (need gloves). If you could rig something up to send back pressure without damaging anything else, that might be an option. If dry, maybe WD40?

Thanks much. Unfortunately there’s water in the skimmer, pool guys left water in when winterizing, I think due to pool cover.

 

[needsajet]

Maybe a crowbar or wrecking bar? Hooked under the wingnut, then levered against a piece of wood that's resting against the side of the skimmer to spread out the force so the skimmer doesn't get cracked?

 

[1poolman1]

I’ve been trying to remove my winter plug in my skimmer. It’s a wing nut plug with an extension handle. I’ve tried a basin wrench and locking pliers to no luck. I thought about using like a deep socket to put on extension handle for extra leverage but not sure if turning extension handle will release pressure or if its Only the wing nut you can turn. Also thought if drilling a hole into the rubber would help release the pressure enough to pull out.

Any ideas?
Many thanks.

Picture would help.