Autofill advice

[bellbound]

We are remodeling our pool and we are thinking of adding an autofill. They are getting close to finishing and this is something we didnt plan on so we are hoping to get some good advice before they come back to finish. We also tore up our concrete to replace it with pavers, so it should be easier to access pipes for doing this. We have a fill pipe added to the new baja (pictured)

https://imgur.com/sI3wLDM

we just built, and a line going to the house water (pictured)

https://imgur.com/z9FtINK

. The skimmer is very old (built in late 70’s early 80’s most likely)

https://imgur.com/XDveHKU

.

1. What autofill unit do you recommend? We will be installing an intellitouch automation system if that Makes a difference with options

2. What is the best plan to move forward with what we have? Easiest/lowest cost and most reliable?

Thanks in advance!

 

[bdavis466]

These are awesome units. Inexpensive, simple to install, very reliable and has a port for an overflow

Pouralid Automatic Swimming Pool Water Level System

Pouralid Swimming Pool and Garden Pond Water Level System includes Both lid configurations: Custom Pourable masonry skimmer lid or a standard plastic pool skimmer cover.Pool Pond Spa Water Leveler

www.pouralid.com

 

[bellbound]

Thank you for your reply. What would be required to install this? Are additional parts needed? Is it labor intensive? Are there any real downsides to having one of these? Just trying to gauge the complexity based on our budget and timeline.

Thank you!

 

[bdavis466]

You just need a 1-1/2" stub into the pool and a water supply line. Quite simple and completely mechanical.

 

[bellbound]

Apparently, I need an anti-siphon to make this work. Any idea if what I have in the photo below is one?

https://imgur.com/GSIOHfw

Thanks!

 

[bdavis466]

Yes, that's an anti-siphon valve

 

[Rossterman]

Best thing you can add. Cheap and reliable. No more running out when you forgot to turn off hose and pool is now overfilled.

 

[bellbound]

Are there any downsides to having a system like this?

Only thing I thought of is we have a tiered water plan and get charged more during peak summer hours, though this should not be too big of a difference, never really calculated it, though guessing it is easy to over ride if we want to use it manually instead?

 

[Rossterman]

Your water meter has a built in clock to record usage by time of day? Never heard of that. Now, I’ve heard of tiered rate plans, they Typically go up to higher rates the more water used. Replacing water that evaporates or splashes out is the cheapest cost of a pool build. Literally pennies a gallon. If you indeed have time based water rates shut it off during The day and on at night.