Automatic Pool Water Filler

by whosdadog in Outside > Backyard

125111 Views, 242 Favorites, 0 Comments

Automatic Pool Water Filler

3377452745_71bdf0f2b7.jpg
This device will automatically add water to your pool when it gets below a specified level. It does this all for under $15. By having a device fill the pool to a specific level, you can avoid wasting water by overfilling.

UPDATE: VERSION 2.1 Cross Section Added for Stability

3703797322_41c3151e0a_b.jpg
3703007359_34c55c90f8_b.jpg
After version 1.0 kept falling over in the water, I added a cross section for stability. I spray painted the PVC Black to help protect it from the sun. It also makes it look much more finished.

Materials

3377447593_643795b9bb.jpg
3377448219_f099c4c1e6.jpg
3378264820_9e67597e66.jpg
3378264742_2e3be619e8.jpg
3378264936_796dfe1234.jpg
3377447861_51b6f27df4.jpg
3377448319_b66ba8a53f.jpg
3378269492_3c27e7a650.jpg
3377448017_3c211122eb.jpg
3377447941_92bc4913f6.jpg
You Will need
Materials:
(1) Toilet Tank Fill Valve
(1) 3/4" PVC Pipe (At least 2 feet)
(3) 3/4" PVC 90 degree Elbows
(1) 3/4" slip fit to 1/2" threaded reducer
(1) 1/2" threaded coupler
(1) hose threaded to 1/2" reducer (I would recommend using a brass fitting, as it is much more durable. The rotating part tends to pop off of the PVC ones.)
(1) AquaMend Underwater Repair Epoxy Stick
(1) Teflon Tape
(1) PVC Pipe Cement
(1) 3/4" PVC 4 Way Cross Section***
(2) 3/4" PVC End Cap***
Tools:
PVC Pipe cutter (or saw)
Groove lock pliers


***Please see UPDATED section for picture of 4 way pipe fitting and end caps

Cut the Vertical Piece

3378266024_32e499762e.jpg
Cut the vertical piece of pipe that will hold the entire assembly low over the side of your pool.

Add Elbows to Vertical Piece

3378266134_ed4e7ce6b0.jpg
Add two of the 90 degree elbows to the vertical piece, facing opposite directions.

Epoxy Toilet Valve Into 90 Degree Elbow

3377449289_07c8625a2f.jpg
3378266406_3b5877f714.jpg
3378266450_b5cce897a5.jpg
3378266526_524e947553.jpg
3378266584_51746a1871.jpg
3378266704_c195b0a87c.jpg
3378266850_97b284f745.jpg
3377449835_4ef779b29f.jpg
3377450001_c4f80f3838.jpg
Take the AquaMend epoxy out of its tube and cut off approx. 1 inch. Knead it together until a uniform color is achieved. Mold it into a string, and tear it in half. Set one part aside, and roll the other out, using the tube as a rolling pin. Get it long enough to wrap all the way around the threads on the valve. Wrap it on the threads and insert it into the tube as far as it will go. Use the second part you set aside earlier to form a nice, graduated seal on the pipe. Smooth this out with your fingers. Allow to harden for 1 hour before continuing.

Cut 2 Shorter Lengths of PVC Pipe

3378265582_01197e62f8.jpg
3377449065_4e490c48b1.jpg
Cut two lengths of pipe around 6 inches each. Insert one into each of the 90 degree elbows on the vertical (long) piece.

Assemble the Coupler

3377451593_15246626ee.jpg
3378268880_7524293d66.jpg
3377451679_ab341a31eb.jpg
3378269156_0b5aa1cf21.jpg
3378268598_7ea4b59107.jpg
3378268662_e94f27ceca.jpg
3378269214_664a809ca8.jpg
Take the the 3/4" Slip Fit to 1/2" Threaded Reducer. Wrap the threads in teflon tape, making sure to wrap the tape in the same direction you will be twisting the piece into the coupler. Repeat for the hose threaded to 1/2" threaded reducer.

Attach Hose Coupler Assembly

3377448823_f890a9bce8.jpg
Attach the Hose coupler assembly to one of the short pieces of pipe on the Vertical pipe.

Attach Toilet Valve to Vertical Assembly

3378267112_91b1115144.jpg
Attach the toilet valve to the short pipe on the Vertical assembly

Test Fit in Pool

3377687409_ef413ecf55.jpg
Place the whole unit in your pool, and check to see if it sits around the right height. Connect it to your hose, but DO NOT turn the water on or it may come appart because the PVC has not been cemented yet. The valve is adjustable, as well as where the float sits, so make sure the float sits about midway in the water.

Cement the PVC Together

3377450147_59c21ace42.jpg
3378267350_68ddaa1a41.jpg
3378267444_528730d5ea.jpg
3377450493_4b114b3cc9.jpg
3378267640_8230317b41.jpg
3377450763_4f49018dd2.jpg
3378268086_b24872d3e5.jpg
If the test fit is the right size, go ahead. If it is not, either cut the vertical piece shorter, or cut a new longer one. Cover your work surface with towels or newspaper to prevent getting cement on it. Remove the joints one at a time and apply glue to the end in a circular motion. While inserting the pipe into the fitting, twist the pipe a 1/4 turn. Hold 30 seconds and wipe off excess cement. Repeat for remaining joints. Allow to dry for 2 hours before continuing.

Test and Adjust in Pool

3377687409_ef413ecf55.jpg
Take it out and place it in your pool. Connect the hose and turn the water on. Adjust the height of the valve and location of the float until the water shuts off.