I, too, would not want a pool without autofill, but that's not actually what I have, or what you should be considering. What every pool should have (IMO), no matter where it is located, is an auto-
leveler. So what's the difference? An auto-leveling system has both an auto-fill valve
and an overflow system, all included in one compact PVC well. It's installed in your pool deck somewhere, up to 30' away from the pool, but typical near it, like a skimmer. And it connects to the pool through an equalizer tube, that draws or adds water through an outlet a couple feet below the surface.
With an auto-leveler, you'd never have to think about your pool's level again. It doesn't matter the season, or how much or how little rain is going on. If the pool level is low, it gets filled, and if the pool level is high, it gets emptied. Simple as that. No worrying about it when you're gone, no getting up in the middle of the night during a massive downpour to run hoses and pumps to empty your pool. IT'S ALL AUTOMATIC!
I think Pentair makes one. I have a
PoolMiser (poolmiser.com). It works great.
Two other things to consider. It's not so much dragging out a hose every other day to fill your pool, it's forgetting to turn it back off that is the real problem. It's not just a waste of water, but the damage that can do to your pool, deck and/or landscaping can be significant. And if you're like me, you'll forget at least every other time.
And most importantly, if for some reason you don't end up liking either the auto-fill or overflow functions of an auto-leveler, you can very easily defeat either, or both, permanently or temporarily. But what you cannot do is add either after your pool is built.
$1500 sounds a little steep. But if that is for an auto-leveling system, complete with installation of the well and the equalizer tube, the plumbing back to the pad, a proper back-flow preventer (more on that some other time), and a quality shut off valve, then it's only a tad more than it should be.
A proper auto-leveling system does not compare to a simple filler valve and overflow grate in the side of your pool tile. It is vastly superior. Find out exactly what system your builder is spec'ing, including all the parts involved (including which back-flow preventer and shut off valves are spec'd) and we'll weigh in about what you're getting for that 15 bills.