How do I unscrew jammed hydrostatic plugs?

Guest · Postby **Guest** » Thu 15 May, 2008 13:54

We bought a house with a 30 year old pool, we just drained it to do some repairs, and everyone is warning us to open the hydrostatic plugs. There are 3 - one in the shallow end, and two in the deep end. We tried opening one and it is stuck - any advice?

Postby **muss08** » Thu 15 May, 2008 15:49

Often when I remove these at various pools I have to take a hammer and chisel and chip around the plug because they are usually embedded in the plaster. Then I'll get some pliers and grab the middle raised area and twist. If your pool is in a raised area or on top of a hill you dont need to worry too much but if the pool is low lying be careful. Try to get as many out as you can. The well ones are the most important.

Dallaspls · Postby **Dallaspls** » Tue 28 Apr, 2009 19:51

Does it have a square head on it to turn?

Pool User wrote:We bought a house with a 30 year old pool, we just drained it to do some repairs, and everyone is warning us to open the hydrostatic plugs. There are 3 - one in the shallow end, and two in the deep end. We tried opening one and it is stuck - any advice?

coellio · Postby **coellio** » Tue 11 Aug, 2009 10:44

mine has a square plug but stuck how do i change it?

Postby **czechmate** » Tue 11 Aug, 2009 22:06

Drill thru the plug in the deep with a rotary hammer.
At least 1/2inch size bit.
Even if you unscrew the plug, there is usually thin crust of plaster that will not let water flow up!
So yo need to drill thru the opening anyway.
That will buy you time to mess with the rest and give you an idea about the water table level.
Some pools pop up overnight, after rain, so do not play with time.
Any water table of 3 1/2 ft, or more above your bottom presents an imminent threat.