The 2" input/output PVC pipes in my above ground pool heater was leaking at the joints. In repairing the leaking joints I apparently broke a part on the top of the heater unit itself. The part that is broken is a rubber coated hex fitting with a nipple coming out of the top of the heater. A plastic tube fits into the nipple, which is what is broken off the fitting.
My problems are as follows:
1) I don't know what the fitting is called or what it is for,
2) I have put a lot of pressure on the fitting trying to get it to break free so I could replace it but I am smashing the rubber covering and not moving the fitting itself. I am afraid to put too much pressure on the fitting as at thiis point I'm not sure it is supposed to come out of the heater.
3) If it's not designed to be removed, now do I replace the nipple so I can put the rubber tube back in the fitting?
The heater is a LeasureTemp 111 for above ground pools from Recreational Factory Warehouse. They tell me they have different companies build their heaters and put the "LeasureTemp" name on them so they are not sure what make and model it actually is.
Any information or guidance is appreciated.