Using dishwashing soap to install O-Rings

[plnewb]

I know it's not a good idea to use petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to install O-Rings because it harms the rubber unless it's removed completely, immediately after installation, which is hard to do.

However, can undiluted dishwashing soap be used to install O-Rings? For example:

1. I need to slip a new O-Ring on the leaf canister that's upstream from the pool vacuum
2. So I apply a thin film of dishwashing soap on the new O-Ring
3. Hopefully the soap allows me to install the new O-Ring on the leaf canister easily
4. I then thoroughly wash off the dishwashing soap from the new O-Ring using a soft bristle toothbrush to remove soap left behind

I know silicon lubricants like "Magic LUBE" that costs around $9 but I have to remember where I kept it but if dishwashing soap works equally well and does no damage if cleaned within a few minutes, it's always by the sink and I need a tiny bit!


Have any of you personally used dishwashing soap instead of silicon lubricant?

Is there any hazard or danger to the new O-Ring if using dishwashing soap this specific way?

 

[1poolman1]

I know it's not a good idea to use petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to install O-Rings because it harms the rubber unless it's removed completely, immediately after installation, which is hard to do.

However, can undiluted dishwashing soap be used to install O-Rings? For example:

1. I need to slip a new O-Ring on the leaf canister that's upstream from the pool vacuum
2. So I apply a thin film of dishwashing soap on the new O-Ring
3. Hopefully the soap allows me to install the new O-Ring on the leaf canister easily
4. I then thoroughly wash off the dishwashing soap from the new O-Ring using a soft bristle toothbrush to remove soap left behind

I know silicon lubricants like "Magic LUBE" that costs around $9 but I have to remember where I kept it but if dishwashing soap works equally well and does no damage if cleaned within a few minutes, it's always by the sink and I need a tiny bit!


Have any of you personally used dishwashing soap instead of silicon lubricant?

Is there any hazard or danger to the new O-Ring if using dishwashing soap this specific way?

Not a problem. Don't even have to remove the residual after installing the O ring. On many "leafy" pools, a quick spray of dishwashing detergent can be sent down the middle of the pool. The spreading film will push the leaves to the sides for easier removal. Don't want to do it a lot as you can end up with a "sudsy" pool, especially if there is a spa in use.