Swimming pools are a delightful addition to any property, offering a refreshing oasis during hot summer days. Due to natural evaporation, swimming pools lose water. Maintaining the water level in your pool is crucial to ensure optimal functioning and prevent potential damage. This is why it’s important in understanding the swimming pool auto fill valve. A nifty device designed to automatically regulate the water level by adding or reducing water as needed. This eliminates the need to fill by garden hose when water evaporates. In this article, we’ll explore what auto fill valves are, their benefits, and how to effectively turn them on and off.
Understanding Swimming Pool Auto Fill Valves
Swimming pool auto fill valves are water-level control devices installed within the pool’s deck. They are designed to maintain a consistent water level by automatically adding water when it drops below a predetermined level due to evaporation and splash out. This ensures that the pool remains at an optimal operating level, preventing damage to the pool’s equipment and facilitating proper filtration and circulation.
Benefits of Using Auto Fill Valves
Time-Saving Convenience: Auto fill valves eliminate the need for manual monitoring and filling of the pool, saving you time and effort.
Equipment Protection: By maintaining the correct water level, auto fill valves prevent pool equipment such as pumps and skimmers from running dry. Therefore reducing the risk of damage and extending their lifespan.
Consistent Water Level: The auto fill valves ensure that the water level remains consistent, providing a pleasant swimming experience for users.
Preventing Water Loss: The valves can also be set to stop filling the pool once it reaches a specific level, preventing unnecessary water waste.
High Pool Water Level:
Problem – Pool water is high
Solution – Auto fill mechanism is adjusted to high or has failed resulting in nonstop water filling.
Low Pool Water Level:
Problem – Pool water is low
Solution – Auto fill mechanism is adjusted to low or water fill valve is turned off.
Adjusting In The Deck Auto Fill Mechanism
Check the Water Level: Is water level low or high? Water level should be in middle of tile / middle of the skimmer throat.
Locate the Mechanism: The auto fill mechanism is typically located near the pool’s edge or in the deck of the pool. Refer to your pool’s user manual or consult a professional if you’re unsure about its location.
Adjusting the Float: The auto fill valve’s float controls the water level. Depending on the mechanism, either loosen the wingnut and adjust the float up or down. Other mechanisms you can twist and raise up or down to do raise or lower the float.
Monitor the Water Level: Once the water level reaches the desired height, release the float, and the valve should shut off automatically.
If mechanism replacement is needed, you will ned to turn of water to the mechanism. To do this, please refer to “Turning Off/On the Auto Fill Valve”
Turning Off/On the Auto Fill Valve
1.Locate the Valve: Find the auto fill valve’s location typically off the side of your anti siphon valve. Most are located on the backyard anti siphon garden hose bib. Some are located up front depending on how yours was built.
Manual Shut Off or On: Rotate the valve handle to either turn on or off.
(OFF)- When valve handle is perpendicular to the water line
(ON) – When the valve handle is parallel to the waterline
Manually shutting of water at the auto fill valve will allows you to disable the automatic auto fill valve mechanism completely from receiving water.
Swimming pool auto fill valves are an essential tool for pool owners. Subsequently providing convenience and peace of mind in maintaining the correct water level. By understanding how to turn them on and off properly, you can ensure the longevity of your pool equipment and provide a consistently enjoyable swimming experience. Remember to consult your pool professional for guidance if you encounter any difficulties in operating the auto fill valve.
Below is a video that should help further understand:
