AutoFill
AutoFill valves are used to automatically maintain the optimum water level in pools, spa, and fountains. Basic components of an autofill are a sensor for the water level connected to a valve that lets fill water in when the pool, spa or fountain water level is low. The autofill has an equalizer pipe connected to the pool, spa or fountain and may have an overflow pipe.
The autofill is often a canister by the pool and has a round lid that looks like a skimmer.
Autofills use one of three types of water level sensors:
- Float valve
- FluidMaster valve
- Electronic sensor
Autofill Float Valves
The float style autofill uses a float attached to a brass valve in the top of a canister to regulate the water level.
Pentair has the T40B autofill with a side mounted float valve in almons, black, gray, dark gray and white colors.
Autofill FluidMaster valve
To unscrew the FluidMaster valve from the canister the top with the arm needs to be removed. This video shows how it is done.
Autofill Electronic Sensor
An electronic control box and sensor can be used to control a solenoid water fill valve.
Jandy Levolor Electronic Water Leveler
The Jandy Levolor Electronic Water Leveler uses an electronic water sensor mounted in a skimmer or standpipe connected to a control box to control the solenoid in a water fill valve.
Jandy has four Levolor Electronic Water Leveler models:
- K1100 - fill only autofill that mounts in skimmer or static pipe
- K2000 - for vanishing edge/catch basins. Sensor mounts in a static pipe and fills and controls a 24V overflow pump relay.
- K2100 - for ponds and fountains
- K2300 - for dual water body setups it monitors and fills two water bodies independently.
The Levolor has cables that run between the control box and the water sensor and the solenoid valve.
The Levolor system can be retrofitted in existing pools and spas.
Pentair IntelliLevel Automatic Water Leveling System
The IntelliLevel controller installs in the suction side plumbing near the pool equipment pad and uses a combination of pressure sensing, ultrasonic water level detection and an electromechanical microventing system to measure and fill water to an accuracy of 1/4th inch.
Pentair recommends the IntelliLevel in new construction for best results.
The pump needs to be off for a minimum of one hour a day for the IntelliLevel controller to operate. If the pump is run 24/7 the IntelliLevel Controller will not operate.
The IntelliLevel is powered by a 24V valve actuator socket on a IntelliCenter, EasyTouch or IntelliTouch Control System. If there are no free valve actuator sockets available on the EasyTouch or IntelliTouch Control Systems circuit board the provided splitter may be used to connect the IntelliLevel controller and the respective valve actuator to the same socket. The IntelliLevel controller can share power with any valve actuator. The IntelliLevel controller automatically detects any motion on the actuator (controlled from automation control system or manually activated) and temporarily suspends any fill functions.
For winterization the IntelliLevel controller should be unscrewed from the pipe and taken indoors and the pipe capped.
