Auto Fill after build

[greenhorn31]

I've poured more gallons of water down my street due to forgetting I was adding water to the pool, than I can count.
Does anyone know of a way to install a auto fill or maybe an inline control that would stop after a set time or gallons. I have a fill line through the side of the pool and the valve is above the deck so I have room a device.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Pictures would help but if the fill line and valve are standard PVC pipe, you could use a simple irrigation control valve on a timer or buy one of those hose bib style screw on irrigation timers. It all depends on the level of complexity.

Was the pool built without an autofill pot? Is the fill line into the pool in a location where a fill pot could be installed?

 

[Arizonarob]

Yeah, if we can see pictures of the plumbing setup, we can better advise.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

There are also equipment pad level systems that can sense when the water level is low and then signal an actuator to open a valve. Pentair has one like this -

IntelliLevel™ Automatic Water Leveling System

The best water level for new construction with pool automation. With the IntelliLevel Water Leveling Monitor’s multi-sensing technology, your pool’s water level stays at just right amount, no more overflowing or wasting water.

www.pentair.com

However, the above is designed to work with a Pentair automation system. There are generic systems as well -

? LevelSmart™ Wireless Swimming Pool Autofill Automatic System | Kona Labs

LevelSmart is the only dependable wireless autofill solution for keeping your pool, spa, pond or water feature full at all times. Simple retrofit install to any application and American made quality makes it the best autofill on the market today. Eliminate the chore of filling your pool...

konalabs.com

So, there’s lots of options.

 

[greenhorn31]

Yeah, if we can see pictures of the plumbing setup, we can better advise.

Okay here’s a photo of the in-wall fill line and the valve.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

So that’s a standard irrigation style backflow preventer. On the PVC line going into your deck, you could cut-in a standard 24VAC irrigation valve (RainBird) with a simple irrigation timer box. You’d also probably want to make sure you have a pressure reducer after the valve to reduce the pressure down to 15-25psi range. Standard household water pressure can be well above 50-80psi and it’s simply unnecessary. If you get a decent programmable valve controller you can easily set it to water at any time or any day or every other day or whatever you like. Hunter makes a decent valve controller or you could even go with a Rachio that is WiFi capable and uses a smartphone app. There are even flowmeters you could add that would allow you to keep track of water flow and how much you add as well a totalizer that allow you to add a set amount of water each time.

It really all depends on how fancy you want to get.