Solenoid Vavle v. an Auto Fill?

[gpowers]

Hello, We recently had a pool built that was supposed to include an auto fill (per the contract). For whatever reason, the contractor did not include an auto-fill and is now saying that he could install a solenoid valve in order to rectify the problem. I suspect that we're being taken advantage of, and that he valve is cheaper or easier to install than the auto fill, but would appreciate any insight that someone more knowledgeable about this might be able to offer.

[TSH Tech]

There's a wireless option if you do not wish to tear up the deck, drill a hole in the side of the pool and install an auto filler after the fact. Fusion Products makes a wireless auto filler. You attach a wireless sensor inside the skimmer, so its hidden from view. Then you make your water supply connection at the pool pump/filter area with their shutoff valve. Google or Yahoo search "Fusion G2/wireless Auto-Fill Management System"

pros and cons; It's an automatic water filler for your pool. You need to remember to replace the 9Volt battery every season or every other two seasons. The sensor will get gummed up after several years of use.
Had the contractor installed a regular float type filler as you originally asked, after a few years of use you would eventually have to replace the plastic float and possibly a new rubber seal kit. Either system, something is going to fail eventually.

[funston]

There's a wireless option if you do not wish to tear up the deck, drill a hole in the side of the pool and install an auto filler after the fact. Fusion Products makes a wireless auto filler. You attach a wireless sensor inside the skimmer, so its hidden from view. Then you make your water supply connection at the pool pump/filter area with their shutoff valve. Google or Yahoo search "Fusion G2/wireless Auto-Fill Management System"

pros and cons; It's an automatic water filler for your pool. You need to remember to replace the 9Volt battery every season or every other two seasons. The sensor will get gummed up after several years of use.
Had the contractor installed a regular float type filler as you originally asked, after a few years of use you would eventually have to replace the plastic float and possibly a new rubber seal kit. Either system, something is going to fail eventually.

[Funston]

Hello, We recently had a pool built that was supposed to include an auto fill (per the contract). For whatever reason, the contractor did not include an auto-fill and is now saying that he could install a solenoid valve in order to rectify the problem. I suspect that we're being taken advantage of, and that he valve is cheaper or easier to install than the auto fill, but would appreciate any insight that someone more knowledgeable about this might be able to offer.

Hello, We recently had a pool built that was supposed to include an auto fill (per the contract). For whatever reason, the contractor did not include an auto-fill and is now saying that he could install a solenoid valve in order to rectify the problem. I suspect that we're being taken advantage of, and that he valve is cheaper or easier to install than the auto fill, but would appreciate any insight that someone more knowledgeable about this might be able to offer.

[poolmandave33]

Hello, We recently had a pool built that was supposed to include an auto fill (per the contract). For whatever reason, the contractor did not include an auto-fill and is now saying that he could install a solenoid valve in order to rectify the problem. I suspect that we're being taken advantage of, and that he valve is cheaper or easier to install than the auto fill, but would appreciate any insight that someone more knowledgeable about this might be able to offer.

A solenoid valve is not the same. Frequent issues are overfilling, or forgetting to fill before wanting to use the pool. As you know, it takes time to fill up the pool and more to have it ready for swimming after it's full. After a lot of searching, I finally found a company called Kona Labs that offers a wireless autofill without having to tear up your deck after the pool construction is complete. It is completely wireless and very easy to install and has 100% helped me over the past couple of years. You can see their autofill solution here: https://konalabs.com/product/levelsmart/

Hope this helps