Skimmer plug got sucked through and is stuck

[ScottsdaleSwim]

This was another idea. Basically let the suction pull one end of the rope to the skimmer basket. Tie a large knot and then pull it back through after lubricated the front end of the pipe (the area between the skimmer inlet and the stuck plug)
We can't get over to her house until Saturday and it's making me crazy!

Thanks for all the input~

[CanuckPool]

Great idea! Just be careful... you basically have to tie your knot big enough so that when you pull there is enough surface area to pull against the plug. Too small and it just may slip through the space it came through... make the knot too big and you may risk it getting stuck itself around a bend on the way back to the plug. Another caution... if you are pulling the knot , it may get wedged at the plug and get stuck itself. Sorry to be devils advocate... good luck!

[Poconos]

Put the knot in the middle of the rope so you can still pull from the pump end if it gets stuck. Lets you pull either way.
Al

[CanuckPool]

Thank god there are smart people in this world!!

[ScottsdaleSwim]

No kidding!
Great ideas...and thanks for playing devils advocate.
Definitely a knot in the middle. Didn't even cross my mind.

I can't wait to try it. In the meantime we're trying to keep her pool algae free with cya levels at 200-300 perhaps more.

Then I'll be off to the "stain" board.

Thanks again.

[doggie]

Here, the pool service company charges 75.00 for a service call. One thing is for sure, we'd have saved ALOT of money if we had just called him first thing this spring when our filter pressure was low. Instead we tried the 'do it yourself' method, and made things way worse. We ended up with all sorts of problems and set us back about 3 weeks until the pool was useable.

IMHO, I'd think about calling an expert in and let him deal with that.

But good luck either way.

[waste]

How come I miss all the fun ones when they are first posted??
I would have to say that the odds of getting it all the way through the line to the pump are astronomicly low ! The way to get it back in reach (though not out, yet) is to apply lots o pressure/ volume to the pipe ie, one of the vac/ blowers the 'pros' use to set liners and blow lines. This should get it back up to the threads (but on the wrong side of them). Once you can reach it, loosen the wingnut (ie, decompress the plug) - do not remove the wingnut, it's your best grip on the plug. If you want to keep blowing on the line, you can, but you should be able to pull it out with vice grips. (Although some of the other advice already given might make an easier job of it)
The biggest problem I can see is aplying the pressure only to the skimmer line, though CarlD's answer covers hacking into the pipes (the connectors he was talking about are called Fernco's or 'no hub couplings' and should be available at any decently stocked hardware store). If you are going to cut the pipes at the filter system, install a valve on each line before reconnecting them. As it will be Sat before you 'do battle' with it again, you've got plenty of time to plan your strategy. If I can be of further assistence, or if what I've said leaves more questions than it answers, I'll check this post daily. Good Luck!!