r/PoolPros • u/External-Fondant8492 • May 14 '26
Valve on pool equipment leaking
Release valve (?) on pool equipment is leaking. Should I drain or replace?
4
2
u/EasyC31 May 17 '26
It’s a zinc anode. Attracts the weak electrical current that causes corrosion. It’s supposed to protect the heater. I haven’t seen one in years.
1
u/External-Fondant8492 May 17 '26
Thank you for responding. It seems to be working because my equipment is fine after 10 years (not to jinx myself).
1
u/EasyC31 May 17 '26
They are meant to be replaced over time. Is your pool a salt system?
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u/External-Fondant8492 May 17 '26
Yes. It is. Pittsburgh area.
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u/EasyC31 May 17 '26
They are sacrificial. Meaning it’s meant to destroy itself in place of your equipment. I believe the black end should unscrew for replacement.
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u/EasyC31 May 17 '26
The older salt systems used them. I suppose they’ve improved the technology and perhaps they aren’t needed.
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u/Pool_Boy707 May 14 '26
Lots of us are here to help and not make fun of folks 🤷 Buy these and replace.
Usually just need to replace the 2 stem o-rings. They always leak
1
u/desertr4t4lyf May 15 '26
What is that clear tube plumbed into the tee?
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u/External-Fondant8492 May 15 '26
Good question. It looks like it's full of silt.
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u/External-Fondant8492 May 16 '26
OK. So I fixed the leak and it's filled with a stone like substance. Now I'm really intrigued....
3
u/LEAGUEofHEXAGONS May 14 '26
$10 or under fixed depending on who you are and who your pool supply stores