Does this exist? Tie water supply line to return plumbing out of filter/pump

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jayw71

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May 7, 2013
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I have a slow leak in my pool and I am going to try to make it through this summer before replacing my liner next year. Which has me investigating water leveling tech. My yard irrigation plumbing is right next to my pool equipment. (All of which is about 40 or 50 feet from my pool. I am wondering if I could put a spigot on my irrigation system and then tie a line into the return line to my pool. Has this been done? Is it a thing? I'd then consider putting a water leveler on the spigot. 20210312_174454933_iOS.jpg
 
Installing a leveler at the equipment pad is no easy task which is why most installer put them at the pool's edge.

A water leveler works on gravity (i.e. water seeks it's own level) so it would only work when the pump is off and you would need a check valve between the leveler and the return plumbing to prevent pressurized water from the pump overflowing the leveler bucket when the pump is on. Also, a leveler will only work effectively if air does not get in between the leveler and the return plumbing (i.e. no solar VRV).

A better solution would be to use an extra suction or return line for the leveler so it is not connected to the pressurized plumbing. A main drain connected directly to the equipment pad (not through a skimmer) would be a good choice.
 
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I may not be using the correct terminology. By leveler, I meant one of those electronic sensors you put in the trap that sends a signal to the valve. I guess I have to do some research on the backflow preventer.
 
Do you have a link to what you are describing?

Any sort of electronic sensor would also need to be installed into an area that is gravity fed with the pool water. It needs to be at the same "Level" as the pool water so as water evaporates, the sensor becomes exposed and activates. Pool plumbing is usually always primed (i.e. contains water). So installing and electronic sensor in any part of the pool pluming will always be wet and never activate the valve.
 
jayw71 said:
I may not be using the correct terminology. By leveler, I meant one of those electronic sensors you put in the trap that sends a signal to the valve. I guess I have to do some research on the backflow preventer.
Click to expand...

You thinking of the Pentair IntelliLevel? Pentair specifically says it is for new construction because it has to be installed underground at water level.

Where is “the trap” at your pool?

www.pentair.com

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 www.pentair.com
 
And then there is the philosophy that if you have an auto leveler, and you get a leak, you'll never know about it because the water keeps auto filling... now here, you are putting in an autoleveler BECAUSE you have a leak. Hmmm. How will you know its getting worse? By looking at your water bill?.. I think I would just turn on the spigot every now and then so you can keep an eye on it.
 
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jayw71 said:
Yes, the skimmer. There is a device that can be installed in the skimmer that has a wireless connection to a valve on a spigot that can be used to regulate water level.
Click to expand...
Do you have a link to that device?
 

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The skimmer is not an ideal place to put a sensor. When the pump is on, the water level drops which will turn on the water. So the resulting water level is likely to be much higher than you want it and is dependent on how long you run the pump.

Most electronic auto levelers are meant to be put at the side of the pool and not in the skimmer.

Amazon.com : New Pool Sentry M-3000 NA231 Automatic Water Leveler Swimming Pool Filler M3000 : Swimming Pool Maintenance Kits : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : New Pool Sentry M-3000 NA231 Automatic Water Leveler Swimming Pool Filler M3000 : Swimming Pool Maintenance Kits : Patio, Lawn & Garden
www.amazon.com
 
ajw22 said:
Do you have a link to that device?
Click to expand...
This is the device I saw online. I am not about to drop 600 bucks on this, but thought I'd shop for other similar solutions. I came here first so I don't know if there are others out there. This one has a picture of the sensor in the skimmer.

konalabs.com

LevelSmart™ Wireless Autofill

Stop manually filling your pool and get the only pool autofill that requires no deck destruction or hose to work day and night. Easy installation, wireless technology and the ability to retrofit to any pool makes the LevelSmart Wireless Autofill the best automatic pool filler on the market...
konalabs.com konalabs.com
 
The picture actually shows the sensor on the outside of the skimmer weir door, not the inside of the skimmer. It wont work well if it is on the inside of the weir door.
 
Leaking liners lead to soil erosion and rusted panels. Can cause cracked decking amd all sorts of issues. I know you dont wanna hear it but your gonna replace the liner anyway next year, so out your stimulus check to good use!
 
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