How to plumb water softener into my autofill line

[johig]

I purchased an On the Go "Double Standard" water softener to top up my pool with softened water as needed. This softener has been discussed in several forum posts (e.g., RV water softener for auto-fill line)
I would now like to plumb this softener into the autofill line at my equipment pad, so I'm here to check my assumptions and ask for advice. Here is a picture of my autofill line:

Question 1: Based on my understanding of the vacuum breaker/backflow preventer, the water flows in the direction of the red arrows. Is that correct?
Question 2: I believe I can add hose connectors to PVC plumbing using these Apollo 3/4" Threaded Drip Irrigation Male Adapters, does that sound correct?
Question 3: I think it makes sense to put the softener after the vacuum breaker (i.e., to the left of the breaker in the photo) to avoid backflow from the softener toward the house. Does that make sense and/or is there any reason to place the softener before the vacuum breaker?
Question 4: If I cut into the left PVC "leg" of that loop to add the softener connections, how much (if at all) should I be worried about the long-term support and stability of the vacuum breaker? The breaker will then be supported only by the verticle pipe beneath it. Is that a problem or is the pipe strong enough to hold it?
Question 5: If cutting the left leg causes concerns about supporting the vacuum breaker, do you have any suggestions on how to reinforce it?
Question 6: Any other thoughts or suggestions about how to proceed?

A couple of additional points. Once this is set up I would not have to mess with it very often. I have a valve for the autofill at the house, so I turn it on and off there as needed. Whatever hoses I use can stay attached to the PVC autofill line. When I need to regen the softener, I plan to disconnect the hoses from the water softener itself rather than the autofill pipe.

Thanks in advance for any help/insights/suggestions you can provide!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Your setup is very similar to mine. I did cut the pipe at the left leg. It's a little janky, but mine is located within an enclosed pool shed. It looks like you should be able to support the valve on the adjacent pipes. The fittings you linked will work. Orbit also sells similar fittings. I use an Orbit hose end flow meter to keep track of how much fill water I use. This helps to determine when the water softener needs a regen.

Hose Water Flow Meter

WATER CONSERVATION: Measure water consumption to prevent over watering. KNOW THE FLOW: Calculates both single-use and total water consumption. DIGITAL DISPLAY: Easy-to-read LCD screen displays your water usage in gallons or liters. STANDARD CONNECTION: Fits 3/4-inch standard outdoor hoses and...

www.orbitonline.com