New home purchase ... no pool filler, don't want to use hose.

[beachfront71]

Hello and thanks in advance.
First time pool owner and just purchased a home in San Antonio, Texas. Will live there part time so want to automate as much as we can.
One thing I need to figure out is the pool evaporation and how to manage it, hopefully without using a garden hose.
The pool is not large or deep - 13x27 ft., -- 3.5 ft. deep at each end and 4.5 in the middle.

Any ideas on how to add a manual fill to a pool like this by using an existing line somewhere?

We have 2 skimmers, 4 jets and a standard equipment setup that also includes a Polaris booster, didnt know if we could isolate something ...

Not sure if this helps but including 2 pictures as well.

I have spoken to a couple of pool companies with mixed thoughts and no firm yes's or no way's so thought I would try here.

Again, appreciate any feedback

 

[mas985]

It looks like there is a hose is connected to the return plumbing (see red arrow below). Are you using that right now for filling? You might be able to automate that.

Are you currently using the pressure side cleaner? If not, that is another option and you could possible put in a autofill bucket.

Also, can you confirm that the equipment is below the water level of the pool?

What are the capped pipes for (blue arrow)?

 

[DavidArmenB]

It really depends if you have a water line nearby that can be plumbed into. If yes, you can bring a PVC line to your pad from that nearby water line and use an irrigation style valve to open and close the water flow. You will not have Auto fill in the sense that the system detects the level of the pool and automatically fills it when it lowers to a certain level, but with a “smart” (wifi enabled) irrigation controller, you can remotely fill the pool whenever you want.

 

[1poolman1]

Hello and thanks in advance.
First time pool owner and just purchased a home in San Antonio, Texas. Will live there part time so want to automate as much as we can.
One thing I need to figure out is the pool evaporation and how to manage it, hopefully without using a garden hose.
The pool is not large or deep - 13x27 ft., -- 3.5 ft. deep at each end and 4.5 in the middle.

Any ideas on how to add a manual fill to a pool like this by using an existing line somewhere?

We have 2 skimmers, 4 jets and a standard equipment setup that also includes a Polaris booster, didnt know if we could isolate something ...

Not sure if this helps but including 2 pictures as well.

I have spoken to a couple of pool companies with mixed thoughts and no firm yes's or no way's so thought I would try here.

Again, appreciate any feedback

With a water line at the pad, a Kona Labs "Level Smart" (not inexpensive) a few check valves in the return line after the filter and it can be done. One of the versions is Wi-Fi so you can keep tabs in an app on a phone.

 

[Mdragger88]

Before you get to far into this journey test your fill water’s ch to determine if you should use softened water to fill the pool for top offs.

 

[DavidArmenB]

Before you get to far into this journey test your fill water’s ch to determine if you should use softened water to fill the pool for top offs.

Since you mentioned this, I’ve always been curious about just how high your fill water CH needs to be for it to not be a good idea as a fill source?

 

[Dirk]

You also need to decide what type of automation you want. Some solutions for filling are timer based (like 15 minutes a day, no matter if the pool needs it or not). Others allow you to just remotely turn on and off the fill. You might need a pool cam for that to make sense.* Still others monitor the water level and maintain the level automatically. I have the latter and would not want a pool without that. So I'd pay what I gotta pay. So you'll need to decide what this automation is worth to you.

Timers are cheap and easy to setup. I think @1poolman1's suggestion is the fully automated type.

Pentair also makes a version of that:
Oops, that product is now discontinued. I'm not sure I'd even want a close-out price on that. So back to 1poolman1's idea. The nice thing about the Pentair was that it didn't require a sensor in the pool. I think the Kona does. Maybe Pentair's didn't work all that great, so they gave up on it.

The best type (IMO) is an auto-leveling system installed in a dedicated well near your pool. That pretty much has to be done during construction, but it's possible to add one after the fact if you're determined, or if you ever are in a position to remodel the pool and/or decking.

* If you plan to be away a lot, you might consider cams for your pool and your equipment pad. Allows you to see what's actually happening, and affords you a little peace of mind. I'll be doing a write up about mine in the near future (I just upgraded it), so I'll keep you posted.

 

[Dirk]

It looks like there is a hose is connected to the return plumbing (see red arrow below). Are you using that right now for filling? You might be able to automate that.

Mark, I think that's the source for the booster pump.

 

[Mdragger88]

Since you mentioned this, I’ve always been curious about just how high your fill water CH needs to be for it to not be a good idea as a fill source?

250 or more & you should consider using softened water for top offs

Calcium Hardness - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com