Auto Filler????

[jackfranklin1]

I am having my first pool installed and just heard about Auto-Fillers from a friend, but my Installer is advising me against it.

I would sure appreciate some input asap as the plumber will be here in the next day or so.

Thanks.

[CarlD]

You can get a removable one that hangs over the side of the pool and works basically like the tank on a bathroom toilet. Very simple.

Carl

[jackfranklin1]

Thanks for the reply Carl.

Can you offer any opinions on a "permanently installed" auto-fillers?

My installer claims that more times then not they do not work.

[CarlD]

Nope. Never seen one or used one. But it's generally a good policy not to install anything a builder (not just pools) doesn't like unless you know, with absolute certainty, that you want and need it.
It's not that it's NECESSARILY a bad thing, but it may well be that he doesn't know how to do it, or doesn't know how to do it right.
There's nothing scarier than trying to explain how a fancy lighting system has to be installed and having the electrician looking at you with a deer-in-the-headlights look....

Carl

[vinper]

I installed one , they do require regular inspections so your not running water out your overflow ... install the box but put a hand valve in . instead of the float valve . which get out of adjustment ....

[waterbear]

My feeling is that they are more trouble than they are worth. They are basically just a float valve like in a toilet and if you have a leak in the pool they will continue to fill it and often the first indication there is a problem is that your water bill has gone thorugh the roof. They do require constant attention and adjustments. My feeling is that when you water is low refill manually and if it gets low a lot check for leaks with a bucket test.
In some parts of the country they are standard equipment on builds (and might be somewhat useful in very arrid, desert areas). In other areas they are very rare but it really boils down to your own decision in the end. Another thing to consider is whether the pool will be heated because the autofill will be adding unheated and possbily cold water to the pool. If running on the garden hose to top off the pool is just too much work for you then an autofill might be useful. (Then again, if just topping off the pool is too much work then perhaps you should reconsider pool ownership! It's really one of the easier pool maintenance tasks!

[CarlD]

Auto refillers, particularly the non-permanent kind, are useful when you go on vacation so the pool doesn't get low. But I wouldn't build one in. Also, something I should have done a million years ago is now finished: easy access to the hose bibs! Nothing makes pool filling a pain more than having to struggle to get to the bib.

Carl