House came with a pool but the builder did not put in a conventional pool fill valve with auto shut off valve controlled with a water level sensor or float.

The fill line is routed from a hose bib on the side of the house, underground and through the pool deck and empties into a skimmer. The run is about 75 feet.

Is there a DIY solution to keep the pool water at a "normal" level automatically? Preferably with a water level sensor and valve...

TIA

Do you have an irrigation system?

No irrigation system

Bought one of these. It works but it's not pretty

https://www.ebay.com/itm/163784207553

I'm of no help but our pool builder recommended not doing an auto fill feature (said if it malfunctions while you're away could be problems). We have the same set up with a valve at the hose bib and the water going into the pool at a skimmer. It hasn't been bad turning that valve on and setting a timer on my phone when the pool needs a little water. My valve is just off the decking though (don't have to walk around the side or anything).

Phideaux- is one of those in my search for a solution, I didn't really like the look of it with the hose laying across the didn't all the time

Maybe I'm just getting lazy or want more convenience in my old age!

jayelbee said:

---

It's not a huge deal for me, but June-Aug if it's dry, I can need to fill the pool every 5-6 days to keep the skimmer basket from sucking air. Then occasionally I'll forget about it and dump 200" gallons into it and totally screw up the chemistry.

---

I use a hose cuz I don't trust my float to not get stuck when I'm away. I make sure I do it in the evenings and turn the pool lights on when I start it. Then at dark if I look out and see the pool light on, which we never really do at night unless we are swimming, I know to go turn it off.

Jayelbee- it's like your are living with my pool!

I just toss the garden hose in the pool and let it run for 15-20 minutes when I need to fill it. I'll set the timer on the oven in case i forget.

Easy.

It won't be setup as an automatic float, but you can add a new "zone" which will add water when the sprinkler system runs. Or you have the ability to create a new program which can be dedicated to the swimming pool fill.


With an existing system, you can come off the main line where other valves are located. Tie the new valve into the existing fill line. Once that is connected you can purchase an add-a-zone module (link copied below). Follow the instructions for the add-a-zone, and then wire in the new "zone" into the controller. Finally, program the controller to the amount of minutes needed to keep up with your evaluation rate.


https://www.amazon.com/Rco-Parts-The-Source-Add-A-Zone/dp/B00GO964BA/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3N4IDUGKFQ9Z4&dchild=1&keywords=add+a+zone+irrigation&qid=1601518710&sprefix=Add+a+zone%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-3

Our builder put a T off the line going to the irrigation system, put in a back flow preventer with a manual valve, and went about 10 feet under the decking and thru the side of pool with a pvc pipe. I like the setup. Last week it was needing a top off but we had a big rain forecast and got filled by rainfall.
The valve and BFP are just outside the fence on the side of house so we don't see them.

the enigma said:

---

Phideaux- is one of those in my search for a solution, I didn't really like the look of it with the hose laying across the didn't all the time

Maybe I'm just getting lazy or want more convenience in my old age!

---

And that's exactly what I mean by it isn't pretty. I only use mine when I'm going to be away for a while though. Vacations etc.

Not the fun police here, but running a fill line from your irrigation is illegal by the letter of the law in Texas. Pool water, since treated, is considered a high hazard and requires the use of an air gap or RPZ backflow prevention assembly. Most pool builders will create an air gap in a landscape bed with PVC. That said, do what you want.

We use the linktap one (G1 I think), which I got off amazon for around 120 bucks. It has a pretty good range to it's base, and doesn't use Bluetooth (helps on the range to the base from faucet), and it's worked well so far.

I prefer not having an auto-level sensor as I'd like to know if something is leaking prior to a water bill showing up to inform me.

I had the same issue and made a pool filler out of left over PVC and a tank float. Total cost will be around 50.00.
It's not pretty but it works really well. I have left it running in the pool for 3yrs without issue. I just pull it out when we use the pool or have company over.

Yea, we have a backflow preventer which we're required to get inspected annually.

I just use the hose and try not to forget.

jmazz said:

---

I'm of no help but our pool builder recommended not doing an auto fill feature (said if it malfunctions while you're away could be problems). We have the same set up with a valve at the hose bib and the water going into the pool at a skimmer. It hasn't been bad turning that valve on and setting a timer on my phone when the pool needs a little water. My valve is just off the decking though (don't have to walk around the side or anything).

---

I do the same thing. Brand new pool built in March this year. I turned on the valve maybe three times all summer. Autofill is a wasted expense if you ask me.

CowtownJD said:

---

I just toss the garden hose in the pool and let it run for 15-20 minutes when I need to fill it. I'll set the timer on the oven in case i forget.

Easy.

---

This. It's not that big a deal. When the pool get low, putthe hose in and run for awhile. Take hose out. Swim.

I have a Gardena mechanical water timer it costs $20 bucks, set it for 45-120 minutes and forget about it.
https://www.gardena.com/int/products/watering/water-controls/water-timer/900897501/