Main Drain Cover removal help

[jimmyjoe]

Hi,

I suspect I may be losing water through the hydrostatic valve in my main drain, so I want to remove the cover so I can check for leaks. The pool is 25-30 years old and has an old flat cover with no screws. I think it is just pressed in, or slip-on, and I need to pry it off with a flathead screwdriver around the edge. It's stuck pretty good and before applying too much pressure I was just looking for confirmation that it's not threaded, or attached any other way than slipped in. Can anyone confirm? Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

Hang tight. I'm going to PM someone I think who may know.

 

[PoolguyinCT]

Not threaded. Get a replacement & break it out if you must.

 

[jimmyjoe]

Thanks for the replies. I fished some rope through it a few times to create 3 loops (6 points on the cover), put an extension ladder across the pool and used a heavy duty ratchet strap and it only took a few clicks after taught for it to pop right off without breaking.

I just pulled out an old 1.5" solid brass relief valve which I suspect as my source of water loss. Looks like I could probably replace the gasket and re-install, but will probably just buy a new PVC one. Rubber plugged the hole for now, I'll know in about 12 hours if that was it. Crossing my fingers.

 

[JamesW]

The cover is not compliant with the current code. It should be replaced with a new cover.

 

[jimmyjoe]

Didn't lose any water overnight so the valve was leaking.

Now I need to look for a replacement cover. Hopefully there is one that just slips in. Any suggestions?