autofill retrofit without fill line

[jerrytown]

I will be installing new irrigation lines in my backyard, and figure it's time to add autofill to my pool. Currently I fill my in-ground gunite pool using a hose because there is no fill line going to the pool. Phoenix AZ area, so lots of evaporation.

I don't want the pool edge style autofill that connects to a hose. I'm also willing to risk a leak going undetected when using autofill.

The LevelSmart seems like the only solution to this problem. They claim that I just need to splice their valve into the return line, and add a water supply to that. The wireless transmitter then opens the valve when the water level gets too low. LevelSmart™ Wireless Autofill

Two concerns with LevelSmart:

1. It's expensive. $700 for the equipment.
2. The plumbing setup seems unconventional. What happens if the autofill starts at the same time as the pump is running? This old thread is asking about this plumbing setup, and gets negative feedback from most respondents. Plumbing auto-fill at pad... where to tap in?

That being said, most posts and reviews of LevelSmart are positive.

One more thing. One side of my pool deck is 36" from a planter bed (where a new irrigation line is going), and I'm planning to put pavers over the pool deck, so I could potentially cut into that. Maybe there are other retrofit autofill options besides LevelSmart?

 

[pjt]

Are you able to setup a supply line to your pool and control it as a zone of your irrigation system? My pool is configured that way and it works very well.

 

[jerrytown]

Are you able to setup a supply line to your pool and control it as a zone of your irrigation system? My pool is configured that way and it works very well.

I could include a zone for the pool when redoing the irrigation system. How do I then get the water from the supply line into the pool?

 

[jedigrover]

I'm also willing to risk a leak going undetected when using autofill.

I think most people find that an autofill is one of the best leak sensors money can buy.

You watch the water bill to see if it goes out of norm.

 

[pjt]

How do I then get the water from the supply line into the pool?

Mine is connected through the gunite and looks like a return. You might need to be creative to find a solution.

 

[jerrytown]

I looked more closely at the pool equipment. I almost never use the aerator. What if I splice the fill line into the aerator return line? That way I can close the valve (bright red valve in photo) from the filter to isolate the fill process. Does this seem like a good approach?

 

[Toxophilite]

If it's a water return back to your pool, sure!

 

[Poolbreh]

I would check with the city to make sure you have the right check valve on irrigation. You wouldn’t want to unknowingly contaminate city water.

 

[Toxophilite]

I would check with the city to make sure you have the right check valve on irrigation. You wouldn’t want to unknowingly contaminate city water.

For sure that would be a good way to feed to the city supply if the red valve were unwittingly opened while pump running, or, whatever may back down that line!!! Good catch!

 

[Katygreys]

Did this last weekend.