Can't get the light out!

All summer I've been trying to track down a small leak in my pool. I've used some tests I've read about on here (thanks for all the help on that, everyone) to determine that the leak is within the pool, rather than the plumbing. The most likely culprit IMO is the light, so I want to pull it out just to see what's going on in there... and I can't. The pool is a 32 year old Anthony, and the light appears to be the one pictured here:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg

except there's a pin on the bottom of the front cover (the bezel ring?), opposite the screw that's pictured, and it won't come out. Does anybody know, is there some trick to getting this thing out? I tried using the cover itself as a lever to pull it out, but I don't want to pull too hard and break something.

Forgot to mention some important facts-- the pool is in ground, plaster, 12,000 gal.

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Originally Posted by terpsucka

Forgot to mention some important facts-- the pool is in ground, plaster, 12,000 gal.

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The secret is the screw shown in the diagram labeled "5". That should be loosened to where it just spins free in that little clip labeled "4". With that done the bezel "should" simply swing out, top first, where that tab you see on the bottom acts like a hinge. With that swing down, the bezel just comes away and then you can remove the sealed portion of the light, the can.

Now the problem... If this bezel was never removed to replace the bulb, the bezel may have been liberally filled with plaster or shot crete which is stopping the bezel from swinging down on the tab. Too much pulling force and you could break off the tab which would be trouble as in lowering the water level and brazing the tab back on to the outer ring.

I would start with a snorkel and mask and start tapping the bezel with a rubber mallet to see if it is just 30 years of corrosion and gunk that needs to be loosened up so that the bezel starts to move. With a snorkel you will instantly see stuff coming out around the bezel. If not gunk, look really close for spots that the crete may be touching or behind the bezel and if found, out comes the metal hammer and chisel.

Instead of a rubber mallet, a piece of wood and a metal hammer will work, Just be careful and patient. If lucky, like I am, the light is under the diving board which can be used to fabricate a makeshift bosons chair. This assumes you have an 8' deep end as I have, if not, it should be an easy task if patient.

Thanks for all the info Searcher. I was able to pull it back from the top about 20 degrees or so, and when I did that, all kinds of gunk came out, plus alot of black stuff which looked like it might have been dissolved rubber. I don't know whether anyone has ever opened the can; I've lived at the house for 10 years and I certainly never have... who knows what shape that thing is in. Anyway, I will give the rubber mallet a shot when I get home this evening. Thanks again!!

Ok, I got it out. You were right, there was some gunk in there preventing the bezel from easily slipping off the pin. A little rubber mallet action did the trick!! Everything "looks" normal in there, so it's on to the dye tests.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by terpsucka

Ok, I got it out. You were right, there was some gunk in there preventing the bezel from easily slipping off the pin. A little rubber mallet action did the trick!! Everything "looks" normal in there, so it's on to the dye tests.

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Wonderful! I sure am glad that you posted back to let us know that a recommendation worked. :)