How difficult to replace a return jet in an inground vinyl liner pool?

[Bill1974]

I should have replaced these when the liner was done earlier this year, so my bad.

Everything is exposed, I have replace all the pool line and found that the back side of the return jets is cracked and leaking. They are split and no amount of pipe dope, teflon tape, glue will seal it.

I know the liner has to be pulled back to do this.

I have new fitting already.

What tips and tricks are there to replace these? How far below the fitting should i drop the water? How difficult is it going to be get the liner back in the track (liner was put in in May this year)?

 

[ajw22]

Let's see what ideas @jimmythegreek has for you.

 

[jimmythegreek]

I responded to your PM. Getting cold for this type of repair for a DIY. Much easier in warm weather. Lower water below fitting at least a few inches. These are a pain if the hole is round the torx looking pre cut holes are easier you domt have to hold the face. You need enough room to remove the face the majority of fitting goes in from front only nut is on back

 

[Bill1974]

I am hoping I can get a pool professional to do this. But trying to gain as much info as I can if that does not pan out. As of know I am just digging dirt to give plenty of access. My concerns and questions are getting the liner out of the track without damaging it and getting it back in. I hoping the that the liner does not shift once the existing fitting is removed. If it does I am thinking i can drop the water level to get it back to where it needs to be and get the liner back in the track easier. The time of the year isn't helping and it's also holding the rest of the project and closing the pool.

 

[Bill1974]

I have had a couple of professionals come and look and give me quotes on replacing the fittings (both within the ballpark of what I considered reasonable). One mentioned that until he took it apart he would not know what fitting should go back in. He also mentioned the shape of the cut out in the pool wall makes a difference. Are there different fitting depending on the shape if the opening or pretty much any fitting will fit in and it's just what jimmythegreek mentioned above that a non-circular opening makes it easier to tighten the nut?

 

[jimmythegreek]

There needs to be enough sheet metal for the fitting to bite onto but the star cutout makes it easy and fast amd you know that any hayward/cmp will work

 

[Bill1974]

Fittings changed, had someone do it. Seeing what they did I think I could have done it, but piece of mind and for the cost I am still happy I paid someone to do this. Being the liner was put in earlier this year looks like it made it easy to get back in the track.

The holes in the pool wall had to be enlarged. The guys changing the fitting said the existing fitting looked to be Hayward 1411 fittings and the brass retaining nut on the back looked like it was what is used on a sink or tub drain. How does a 1411 style fitting not cause the wall to rust away?

I had 1408 fitting installed. Everything went together nicely. And the liner did not need any tweaking.

 

[jimmythegreek]

Always easier watching a pro do something and deciding after you could have done that. We've all been there. The real test comes when you dont see it done and have to decide how to attack amd execute with no real life example.

 

[Bill1974]

I agree. Now that I have seen it done, I could probably do it, but will probably never need to. If it needs to be done again, this would be a minor cost. Tearing up pavers and the concrete pad under it will be far more of a hassle. Piece of mind and minimized risk were well worth the piece. With all the other work that I have done myself and what I saved from doing it, I still feel like I am ahead and also know how everything was done and comfortable knowing how it was done.