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Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
In the summer I probably lose 150 gallons a day or so to evaporation
with the level falling about 1/4" per day. If it falls below the skimmer level the pump will such air because the bottom drain is no longer functional. The problem is when I go out of town for work or on vacation and no one monitors the pool level. Yesterday I replaced the manual fill valve with a 24VAC valve and hooked it to my sprinkler controller so I can add water automatically, but there is no feedback as to the water level. I'm trying different daily fill times to find one that maintains the water level relatively constant, but it's inexact and depends on the weather. I want to construct some sort of level detector that will cut off the automatic fill valve if the level gets too high, or I could disconnect the timer and hook the level detector relay directly to the valve. I was thinking of this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-24_VAC_Multi_function_Moisture_Sensing_Relay.html" and this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-Custom_Sensor_Assemblies_for_Liquid_Level_Control_ 1.html" In the winter and spring I often have the opposite problem, the pool overflows from rain, and I'd like to also do something that opens the pump's drain valve diverter and removes water until the level falls to the proper level. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
SMS wrote:
In the summer I probably lose 150 gallons a day or so to evaporation with the level falling about 1/4" per day. If it falls below the skimmer level the pump will such air because the bottom drain is no longer functional. The problem is when I go out of town for work or on vacation and no one monitors the pool level. Yesterday I replaced the manual fill valve with a 24VAC valve and hooked it to my sprinkler controller so I can add water automatically, but there is no feedback as to the water level. I'm trying different daily fill times to find one that maintains the water level relatively constant, but it's inexact and depends on the weather. I want to construct some sort of level detector that will cut off the automatic fill valve if the level gets too high, or I could disconnect the timer and hook the level detector relay directly to the valve. I was thinking of this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-24_VAC_Multi_function_Moisture_Sensing_Relay.html" and this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-Custom_Sensor_Assemblies_for_Liquid_Level_Control_ 1.html" In the winter and spring I often have the opposite problem, the pool overflows from rain, and I'd like to also do something that opens the pump's drain valve diverter and removes water until the level falls to the proper level. You might try looking for water tank float switches. They'd probably do much of what you're after. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On Jul 15, 5:01*pm, SMS wrote:
In the summer I probably lose 150 gallons a day or so to evaporation with the level falling about 1/4" per day. If it falls below the skimmer level the pump will such air because the bottom drain is no longer functional. The problem is when I go out of town for work or on vacation and no one monitors the pool level. Yesterday I replaced the manual fill valve with a 24VAC valve and hooked it to my sprinkler controller so I can add water automatically, but there is no feedback as to the water level. I'm trying different daily fill times to find one that maintains the water level relatively constant, but it's inexact and depends on the weather. I want to construct some sort of level detector that will cut off the automatic fill valve if the level gets too high, or I could disconnect the timer and hook the level detector relay directly to the valve. I was thinking of this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-24_VAC_Multi_funct..." and this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-Custom_Sensor_Asse..." In the winter and spring I often have the opposite problem, the pool overflows from rain, and I'd like to also do something that opens the pump's drain valve diverter and removes water until the level falls to the proper level. There is something called google, go and type in Float Valve, you will be lucky. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On Jul 15, 9:11*pm, ransley wrote:
On Jul 15, 5:01*pm, SMS wrote: In the summer I probably lose 150 gallons a day or so to evaporation with the level falling about 1/4" per day. If it falls below the skimmer level the pump will such air because the bottom drain is no longer functional. The problem is when I go out of town for work or on vacation and no one monitors the pool level. Yesterday I replaced the manual fill valve with a 24VAC valve and hooked it to my sprinkler controller so I can add water automatically, but there is no feedback as to the water level. I'm trying different daily fill times to find one that maintains the water level relatively constant, but it's inexact and depends on the weather. I want to construct some sort of level detector that will cut off the automatic fill valve if the level gets too high, or I could disconnect the timer and hook the level detector relay directly to the valve. I was thinking of this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-24_VAC_Multi_funct...." and this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-Custom_Sensor_Asse...." In the winter and spring I often have the opposite problem, the pool overflows from rain, and I'd like to also do something that opens the pump's drain valve diverter and removes water until the level falls to the proper level. There is something called google, go and type in Float Valve, you will be lucky. I think your going to need something to average out the result.. unless you don't mind the valve turning on and off with every wave.. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:22:20 -0700 (PDT), Mark wrote:
I think your going to need something to average out the result.. unless you don't mind the valve turning on and off with every wave.. They must make a garden hose variety which turns on and off an external source of water. I looked for these myself. One problem is how to mount them in the pool, the waves being one problem, and just kids kicking it and breaking it another problem. About the only place it can fit is in one of the four corners of the pool, bolted to the gunnite. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On Jul 15, 9:37*pm, Orak Listalavostok wrote:
On Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:22:20 -0700 (PDT), Mark wrote: I think your going to need something to average out the result.. unless you don't mind the valve turning on and off with every wave.. They must make a garden hose variety which turns on and off an external source of water. I looked for these myself. One problem is how to mount them in the pool, the waves being one problem, and just kids kicking it and breaking it another problem. About the only place it can fit is in one of the four corners of the pool, bolted to the gunnite. If you feed the water to an auxiliary sump via a small hose, the average water height will be correct, the hose will filter out the wave variations. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
Float valve adapted from a swamp cooler worked for me. I used a steel 2 X 4
stud bend 90 degrees as the bracket. Not the best looking thing but it only used when I'm on vacation. "SMS" wrote in message ... In the summer I probably lose 150 gallons a day or so to evaporation with the level falling about 1/4" per day. If it falls below the skimmer level the pump will such air because the bottom drain is no longer functional. The problem is when I go out of town for work or on vacation and no one monitors the pool level. Yesterday I replaced the manual fill valve with a 24VAC valve and hooked it to my sprinkler controller so I can add water automatically, but there is no feedback as to the water level. I'm trying different daily fill times to find one that maintains the water level relatively constant, but it's inexact and depends on the weather. I want to construct some sort of level detector that will cut off the automatic fill valve if the level gets too high, or I could disconnect the timer and hook the level detector relay directly to the valve. I was thinking of this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-24_VAC_Multi_function_Moisture_Sensing_Relay.html" and this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-Custom_Sensor_Assemblies_for_Liquid_Level_Control_ 1.html" In the winter and spring I often have the opposite problem, the pool overflows from rain, and I'd like to also do something that opens the pump's drain valve diverter and removes water until the level falls to the proper level. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On Jul 15, 3:01*pm, SMS wrote:
In the summer I probably lose 150 gallons a day or so to evaporation with the level falling about 1/4" per day. If it falls below the skimmer level the pump will such air because the bottom drain is no longer functional. The problem is when I go out of town for work or on vacation and no one monitors the pool level. Yesterday I replaced the manual fill valve with a 24VAC valve and hooked it to my sprinkler controller so I can add water automatically, but there is no feedback as to the water level. I'm trying different daily fill times to find one that maintains the water level relatively constant, but it's inexact and depends on the weather. I want to construct some sort of level detector that will cut off the automatic fill valve if the level gets too high, or I could disconnect the timer and hook the level detector relay directly to the valve. I was thinking of this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-24_VAC_Multi_funct..." and this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-Custom_Sensor_Asse..." In the winter and spring I often have the opposite problem, the pool overflows from rain, and I'd like to also do something that opens the pump's drain valve diverter and removes water until the level falls to the proper level. In addition to the other suggestions... Visit the local ag supply store (Tractor Supply Store, Grange, etc) Get a 'stock tank float'. Purpose built to do exactly what you want. How to mount it will be up to you. It just needs to be clamped to something (comes with the clamp). Harry K |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
SMS wrote:
In the summer I probably lose 150 gallons a day or so to evaporation with the level falling about 1/4" per day. If it falls below the skimmer level the pump will such air because the bottom drain is no longer functional. The problem is when I go out of town for work or on vacation and no one monitors the pool level. Yesterday I replaced the manual fill valve with a 24VAC valve and hooked it to my sprinkler controller so I can add water automatically, but there is no feedback as to the water level. I'm trying different daily fill times to find one that maintains the water level relatively constant, but it's inexact and depends on the weather. I want to construct some sort of level detector that will cut off the automatic fill valve if the level gets too high, or I could disconnect the timer and hook the level detector relay directly to the valve. I was thinking of this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-24_VAC_Multi_function_Moisture_Sensing_Relay.html" and this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-Custom_Sensor_Assemblies_for_Liquid_Level_Control_ 1.html" In the winter and spring I often have the opposite problem, the pool overflows from rain, and I'd like to also do something that opens the pump's drain valve diverter and removes water until the level falls to the proper level. Scavage a level control valve from a washing machine someone throws out. Attach a plastic tube to it and run the tube into the pool. Adjust the level of the bottom of the tube until it switches at the desired water level. Attach the water control valve to its power source through the switch on the level switch. Use a double throw relay to reverse the switching if the level switch doesn't have double throw connections. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
"SMS" wrote in message ... In the summer I probably lose 150 gallons a day or so to evaporation with the level falling about 1/4" per day. If it falls below the skimmer level the pump will such air because the bottom drain is no longer functional. The problem is when I go out of town for work or on vacation and no one monitors the pool level. Yesterday I replaced the manual fill valve with a 24VAC valve and hooked it to my sprinkler controller so I can add water automatically, but there is no feedback as to the water level. I'm trying different daily fill times to find one that maintains the water level relatively constant, but it's inexact and depends on the weather. I want to construct some sort of level detector that will cut off the automatic fill valve if the level gets too high, or I could disconnect the timer and hook the level detector relay directly to the valve. I was thinking of this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-24_VAC_Multi_function_Moisture_Sensing_Relay.html" and this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-Custom_Sensor_Assemblies_for_Liquid_Level_Control_ 1.html" In the winter and spring I often have the opposite problem, the pool overflows from rain, and I'd like to also do something that opens the pump's drain valve diverter and removes water until the level falls to the proper level. A friend of mine has a spendy one that's all plastic, and a real POS. It is forever falling over, and then the water runs continuously. It is fed by a simple garden hose. A McGyver type guy could make one simple enough. The problem is finding a place in the pool where it is protected from rowdy kids, and having it weighted so that it won't fall over and free flow. I don't think either problem is insurmountable. As for a way to open the drain diverter, that would take more machinery, and that could be prone to failure or mistake, in which case you might just lose several thousand gallons of water. I'd consider a sensor just like the one that senses low level, but have that sensor activate a pump to drain the water, and kick off once the water level is down. If one is an electric type person, a low voltage sensor should not be difficult, and that can run to either an actuator to fill, or to a pump to drain. Steve visit my blog at http://cabgbypasssurgery.com watch for the book |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
"Orak Listalavostok" wrote in message ... On Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:22:20 -0700 (PDT), Mark wrote: I think your going to need something to average out the result.. unless you don't mind the valve turning on and off with every wave.. They must make a garden hose variety which turns on and off an external source of water. I looked for these myself. One problem is how to mount them in the pool, the waves being one problem, and just kids kicking it and breaking it another problem. About the only place it can fit is in one of the four corners of the pool, bolted to the gunnite. Precisely the problem my friend has who owns one. Steve visit my blog at http://cabgbypasssurgery.com watch for the book |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
My first thought when I read the headline. Doesn't water seek its own
level already? You gonna get out into the pool with your zamboni, and level it off just to be sure? -- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "SMS" wrote in message ... In the summer I probably lose 150 gallons a day or so to evaporation with the level falling about 1/4" per day. If it falls below the skimmer level the pump will such air because the bottom drain is no longer functional. The problem is when I go out of town for work or on vacation and no one monitors the pool level. Yesterday I replaced the manual fill valve with a 24VAC valve and hooked it to my sprinkler controller so I can add water automatically, but there is no feedback as to the water level. I'm trying different daily fill times to find one that maintains the water level relatively constant, but it's inexact and depends on the weather. I want to construct some sort of level detector that will cut off the automatic fill valve if the level gets too high, or I could disconnect the timer and hook the level detector relay directly to the valve. I was thinking of this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-24_VAC_Multi_function_Moisture_Sensing_Relay.html" and this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-Custom_Sensor_Assemblies_for_Liquid_Level_Control_ 1.html" In the winter and spring I often have the opposite problem, the pool overflows from rain, and I'd like to also do something that opens the pump's drain valve diverter and removes water until the level falls to the proper level. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On 15/07/10 9:19 PM, John Keiser wrote:
Float valve adapted from a swamp cooler worked for me. I used a steel 2 X 4 stud bend 90 degrees as the bracket. Not the best looking thing but it only used when I'm on vacation. Yeah, I'm only looking for something for when I'm on vacation, though still I'd like it to be not a total kludge. A float valve is a good idea. Not as elegant as the probes and relay, but a lot cheaper. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On 15/07/10 10:00 PM, Steve B wrote:
wrote in message ... In the summer I probably lose 150 gallons a day or so to evaporation with the level falling about 1/4" per day. If it falls below the skimmer level the pump will such air because the bottom drain is no longer functional. The problem is when I go out of town for work or on vacation and no one monitors the pool level. Yesterday I replaced the manual fill valve with a 24VAC valve and hooked it to my sprinkler controller so I can add water automatically, but there is no feedback as to the water level. I'm trying different daily fill times to find one that maintains the water level relatively constant, but it's inexact and depends on the weather. I want to construct some sort of level detector that will cut off the automatic fill valve if the level gets too high, or I could disconnect the timer and hook the level detector relay directly to the valve. I was thinking of this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-24_VAC_Multi_function_Moisture_Sensing_Relay.html" and this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-Custom_Sensor_Assemblies_for_Liquid_Level_Control_ 1.html" In the winter and spring I often have the opposite problem, the pool overflows from rain, and I'd like to also do something that opens the pump's drain valve diverter and removes water until the level falls to the proper level. A friend of mine has a spendy one that's all plastic, and a real POS. I saw those for sale, and I thought that it would not work well. the worst thing would be if it failed in a way that the water ran continuously. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On 16/07/10 6:19 AM, Stormin Mormon wrote:
My first thought when I read the headline. Doesn't water seek its own level already? You gonna get out into the pool with your zamboni, and level it off just to be sure? In the winter I use the Zamboni on the pool to level the ice, but I have to be sure that the pool is frozen solid. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
SMS wrote:
In the summer I probably lose 150 gallons a day or so to evaporation with the level falling about 1/4" per day. If it falls below the skimmer level the pump will such air because the bottom drain is no longer functional. The problem is when I go out of town for work or on vacation and no one monitors the pool level. Yesterday I replaced the manual fill valve with a 24VAC valve and hooked it to my sprinkler controller so I can add water automatically, but there is no feedback as to the water level. I'm trying different daily fill times to find one that maintains the water level relatively constant, but it's inexact and depends on the weather. I want to construct some sort of level detector that will cut off the automatic fill valve if the level gets too high, or I could disconnect the timer and hook the level detector relay directly to the valve. Why so much effort? Why couldn't simply use a stock tank level float or similar either directly in the level or make a small float basin for it if needed? -- |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
In the winter I use the Zamboni on the pool to level the ice, but I have
to be sure that the pool is frozen solid. 4 inches is enough. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On Jul 15, 11:01*pm, SMS wrote:
In the summer I probably lose 150 gallons a day or so to evaporation with the level falling about 1/4" per day. If it falls below the skimmer level the pump will such air because the bottom drain is no longer functional. The problem is when I go out of town for work or on vacation and no one monitors the pool level. Yesterday I replaced the manual fill valve with a 24VAC valve and hooked it to my sprinkler controller so I can add water automatically, but there is no feedback as to the water level. I'm trying different daily fill times to find one that maintains the water level relatively constant, but it's inexact and depends on the weather. I want to construct some sort of level detector that will cut off the automatic fill valve if the level gets too high, or I could disconnect the timer and hook the level detector relay directly to the valve. I was thinking of this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-24_VAC_Multi_funct..." and this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-Custom_Sensor_Asse..." In the winter and spring I often have the opposite problem, the pool overflows from rain, and I'd like to also do something that opens the pump's drain valve diverter and removes water until the level falls to the proper level. It was invented years ago. Its called a float valve. Or you can get two way float switches. One to open solenoid valve to let water in. One to switch on pump to pump water out. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
wrote in message ... On Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:01:03 -0700, SMS wrote: In the summer I probably lose 150 gallons a day or so to evaporation with the level falling about 1/4" per day. If it falls below the skimmer level the pump will such air because the bottom drain is no longer functional. The problem is when I go out of town for work or on vacation and no one monitors the pool level. Yesterday I replaced the manual fill valve with a 24VAC valve and hooked it to my sprinkler controller so I can add water automatically, but there is no feedback as to the water level. I'm trying different daily fill times to find one that maintains the water level relatively constant, but it's inexact and depends on the weather. I want to construct some sort of level detector that will cut off the automatic fill valve if the level gets too high, or I could disconnect the timer and hook the level detector relay directly to the valve. I was thinking of this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-24_VAC_Multi_function_Moisture_Sensing_Relay.html" and this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-Custom_Sensor_Assemblies_for_Liquid_Level_Control_ 1.html" In the winter and spring I often have the opposite problem, the pool overflows from rain, and I'd like to also do something that opens the pump's drain valve diverter and removes water until the level falls to the proper level. I made mine with a garden variety Flow Master toilet valve, hooked to the overflow pipe. The only trick is getting it set to the right level when you design it. http://gfretwell.com/electrical/pool%20filler.jpg My daughter has a Flowmaster toilet valve mounted in the well for the skimmer, not in the pool itself and completely out of the way. Easily adjusted by sliding the small float up an adjustment rod. Elgy |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On Jul 16, 4:16*pm, "ELGY" lgpetersatcomcastdotnet wrote:
wrote in message ... On Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:01:03 -0700, SMS wrote: In the summer I probably lose 150 gallons a day or so to evaporation with the level falling about 1/4" per day. If it falls below the skimmer level the pump will such air because the bottom drain is no longer functional. The problem is when I go out of town for work or on vacation and no one monitors the pool level. Yesterday I replaced the manual fill valve with a 24VAC valve and hooked it to my sprinkler controller so I can add water automatically, but there is no feedback as to the water level. I'm trying different daily fill times to find one that maintains the water level relatively constant, but it's inexact and depends on the weather. I want to construct some sort of level detector that will cut off the automatic fill valve if the level gets too high, or I could disconnect the timer and hook the level detector relay directly to the valve. I was thinking of this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-24_VAC_Multi_funct...." and this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-Custom_Sensor_Asse...." In the winter and spring I often have the opposite problem, the pool overflows from rain, and I'd like to also do something that opens the pump's drain valve diverter and removes water until the level falls to the proper level. I made mine with a garden variety Flow Master toilet valve, hooked to the overflow pipe. The only trick is getting it set to the right level when you design it. http://gfretwell.com/electrical/pool%20filler.jpg My daughter has a Flowmaster toilet valve mounted in the well for the skimmer, not in the pool itself and completely out of the way. *Easily adjusted by sliding the small float up an adjustment rod. Elgy My suggestion is to use a float and a garden hose timer, which are used for lawn sprinklers. Have it come on in the middle of the night (non-activity time) The timer would allow water into the hose only during the allotted time and the float would fill the pool as needed. The timers are usually around $10-15. Robin |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On Jul 15, 10:22*pm, Mark wrote:
On Jul 15, 9:11*pm, ransley wrote: On Jul 15, 5:01*pm, SMS wrote: In the summer I probably lose 150 gallons a day or so to evaporation with the level falling about 1/4" per day. If it falls below the skimmer level the pump will such air because the bottom drain is no longer functional. The problem is when I go out of town for work or on vacation and no one monitors the pool level. Yesterday I replaced the manual fill valve with a 24VAC valve and hooked it to my sprinkler controller so I can add water automatically, but there is no feedback as to the water level. I'm trying different daily fill times to find one that maintains the water level relatively constant, but it's inexact and depends on the weather. I want to construct some sort of level detector that will cut off the automatic fill valve if the level gets too high, or I could disconnect the timer and hook the level detector relay directly to the valve. I was thinking of this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-24_VAC_Multi_funct..." and this: "http://www.ingramproducts.com/Pumps_Level_Controls-Custom_Sensor_Asse..." In the winter and spring I often have the opposite problem, the pool overflows from rain, and I'd like to also do something that opens the pump's drain valve diverter and removes water until the level falls to the proper level. There is something called google, go and type in Float Valve, you will be lucky. I think your going to need something to average out the result.. unless you don't mind the valve turning on and off with every wave.. You wouldn't put such a valve in the main pool itself, however you would want to locate it somewhere connected to that body of water where it would not be subject to wave action when the pool is being used and the automatic filling of the pool would create waves itself which might add too much water... You would want to build a chamber of some sort, like a sump pit, connected to the pool with a large diameter pipe... Within that chamber you would install the float valve which would regulate the water level of the pool... Since a body of water always levels itself out this would work as long as the water inlet where the water is to be added is not within the chamber and was located far enough away so that any motion or turbulence created by the addition of the water would not effect the operation of the float valve... The idea of a body of water always leveling itself out is why water levels are used in construction on some projects where a laser level is overkill or not an affordable option... ~~ Evan |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:16:27 -0700, ELGY wrote:
My daughter has a Flowmaster toilet valve mounted in the well for the skimmer, not in the pool itself and completely out of the way. That skimmer 1-foot diameter well seems to be the ONLY place where the water level of the pool can be monitored without intruding into the pool itself. But how do you get water INTO the pool from the skimmer? |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:09:48 -0700 (PDT), Thomas wrote:
In the winter I use the Zamboni on the pool to level the ice, but I have to be sure that the pool is frozen solid. 4 inches is enough. What is a Zamboni? |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:47:33 -0700 (PDT), harry wrote:
It was invented years ago. Its called a float valve. The float valve is the easy part. The hard part is where to put it so that it will work. You can't easily put it in the pool itself, due to wave action and damage occuring to it from the swimming activity - it needs its own well. If you have five feet of concrete all around the pool, you have nowhere to put the float valve, even though it was invented years ago. You could put the float valve in the skimmer wells but then you have to run a hose into the skimmer above the concrete. Basically if you have a concrete perimeter, you're hosed. The float valve isn't your problem. The problem is how to run the hose w/o being a danger to the swimmers. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:18:18 -0700, Judy Zappacosta
wrote: On Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:09:48 -0700 (PDT), Thomas wrote: In the winter I use the Zamboni on the pool to level the ice, but I have to be sure that the pool is frozen solid. 4 inches is enough. What is a Zamboni? It's a forklift sized "truck" that resurfaces the ice on an ice rink. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:18:18 -0700, Judy Zappacosta
wrote: On Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:09:48 -0700 (PDT), Thomas wrote: In the winter I use the Zamboni on the pool to level the ice, but I have to be sure that the pool is frozen solid. 4 inches is enough. What is a Zamboni? http://www.dochertyfamily.com/zamboni.htm |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
I thought zamboni was to smooth the surface, not to level it.
-- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Thomas" wrote in message ... In the winter I use the Zamboni on the pool to level the ice, but I have to be sure that the pool is frozen solid. 4 inches is enough. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
Oh, come on. You should know by now to do an internet search before
asking such a question on usenet group. DAGS! -- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Judy Zappacosta" wrote in message ... On Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:09:48 -0700 (PDT), Thomas wrote: In the winter I use the Zamboni on the pool to level the ice, but I have to be sure that the pool is frozen solid. 4 inches is enough. What is a Zamboni? |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
"Orak Listalavostok" wrote in message ... On Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:16:27 -0700, ELGY wrote: My daughter has a Flowmaster toilet valve mounted in the well for the skimmer, not in the pool itself and completely out of the way. That skimmer 1-foot diameter well seems to be the ONLY place where the water level of the pool can be monitored without intruding into the pool itself. But how do you get water INTO the pool from the skimmer? The skimmer well is connected to the pool by an always open channel. The water level in the well is always the same as the pool. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On Sat, 17 Jul 2010 07:55:57 -0700, ELGY wrote:
The skimmer well is connected to the pool by an always open channel. The water level in the well is always the same as the pool. I agree. So you can put a valve in the skimmer; and that will turn on when the skimmer water well drops too low. But then, how do you get EXTRA water (from a garden hose for example) into the skimmer? The skimmer cover (from the top deck) is about a foot from the edge of the pool. Assume the garden hose connection is twenty feet away. Is the proposal to snake a garden hose twenty feet across the lawn and concrete deck and then just dump it into the top of the skimmer with the top removed? That's what confuses me. How do you get the water INTO the skimmer when most skimmers (that I know of) are built into the concrete deck of the pool. There's no entrance (other than the top cover); but if you use the top cover, someone is gonna trip on the garden hose and break their neck. Did I miss something? You can't just pull the top cap off the skimmer and dump a garden hose down it as it will be snaking across the deck ... so how do you get water INTO the skimmer from an outside source? I'd love to know ('cuz I'd implement it myself!). |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
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Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
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Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
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Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On Sat, 17 Jul 2010 08:57:40 -0700, Orak Listalavostok
wrote: On Sat, 17 Jul 2010 11:13:29 -0400, wrote: Don't they plumb in an overflow on pools up there? I really want to try this ... but ... I have an overflow that is a one-inch plastic pipe embedded in the pool tiles about an inch or two above the high water level. I guess you're saying if the float sensor determines a low water level, you can run water (backward) into this pipe to refill the pool. The main problem, I would think, is that the slope of this drainage pipe is sloping away from the pool. It's an interesting idea to fill the pool from the drainage pipes. But how would you defeat the fact that this drainage pipe is sloping away from the pool? Water pressure. Appropriate valves are an exercise for the student. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On Sat, 17 Jul 2010 09:11:35 -0700, Orak Listalavostok
wrote: On Sat, 17 Jul 2010 11:13:29 -0400, wrote: BTW there will be another pipe out in the yard that will have water in it at the pool water level if you have a pool light but I won't go there ;-) Interesting. For my pool, I looked for that pipe. I found one that is about an inch in diameter, and it has a GFCI on it, and about three pipes sticking up out of the ground together. A GFCI on a plastic pipe? There is something you're not telling us here. I tested that GFCI with the pool lights on, and it tripped them off. It's a drain pipe from the pool lights? Is the suggestion to rig a float valve to that pipe sticking out of the ground? What are the other two pipes right next to it going into the GCFI? Dunno. You tell us. ;-) |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
"Orak Listalavostok" wrote in message ... On Sat, 17 Jul 2010 07:55:57 -0700, ELGY wrote: The skimmer well is connected to the pool by an always open channel. The water level in the well is always the same as the pool. I agree. So you can put a valve in the skimmer; and that will turn on when the skimmer water well drops too low. But then, how do you get EXTRA water (from a garden hose for example) into the skimmer? The skimmer cover (from the top deck) is about a foot from the edge of the pool. Assume the garden hose connection is twenty feet away. Is the proposal to snake a garden hose twenty feet across the lawn and concrete deck and then just dump it into the top of the skimmer with the top removed? That's what confuses me. How do you get the water INTO the skimmer when most skimmers (that I know of) are built into the concrete deck of the pool. There's no entrance (other than the top cover); but if you use the top cover, someone is gonna trip on the garden hose and break their neck. Did I miss something? You can't just pull the top cap off the skimmer and dump a garden hose down it as it will be snaking across the deck ... so how do you get water INTO the skimmer from an outside source? I'd love to know ('cuz I'd implement it myself!). The fill valve is plumbed into the skimmer when the pool was built. It is controlled by the toilet fill valve. If you have no such plumbing it would be necessary to add it to use this method. When complete, the pool is kept filled with almost no need for extra effort and is easily adjusted if necessary within about a 5-6 inch spread. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On 16/07/10 7:21 PM, Glenda Copeland wrote:
On Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:47:33 -0700 (PDT), harry wrote: It was invented years ago. Its called a float valve. The float valve is the easy part. The hard part is where to put it so that it will work. You can't easily put it in the pool itself, due to wave action and damage occuring to it from the swimming activity - it needs its own well. If you have five feet of concrete all around the pool, you have nowhere to put the float valve, even though it was invented years ago. You could put the float valve in the skimmer wells but then you have to run a hose into the skimmer above the concrete. Basically if you have a concrete perimeter, you're hosed. The float valve isn't your problem. The problem is how to run the hose w/o being a danger to the swimmers. The pool has a fill pipe built in. They added it when we resurfaced the pool and replaced the surrounding concrete. Right now that fill pipe is controlled by a 24VAC valve (it used to have a manual valve) which is hooked to one station on my sprinkler timer. If I want to continue to use that, and monitor the level with probes, I could put the probes into the skimmer, mounted to the lid somehow. Then I need to run the wires for the probes back to the area where the valve is. They could be mounted pretty unobtrusively out the skimmer opening under the coping over to the eye shaped dirt island on the right in "http://i32.tinypic.com/xpc8rm.jpg" which has two spare wires going to it (it's now full with plants) from the valve location. There's also water in the island so I could run a small hose over to skimmer as well and use a float valve rather than doing it with an electrically activated valve. I am a bit concerned over the reliability of using those thin hoses in this environment. For now, I'm experimenting with different durations of opening the valve to maintain the water level constant. It's really only during the summer when the level goes down enough per day that it's a problem over a two week vacation. |
Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
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Automatic Pool Water Leveler, Anyone Built One?
On 16/07/10 7:17 PM, Orak Listalavostok wrote:
On Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:16:27 -0700, ELGY wrote: My daughter has a Flowmaster toilet valve mounted in the well for the skimmer, not in the pool itself and completely out of the way. That skimmer 1-foot diameter well seems to be the ONLY place where the water level of the pool can be monitored without intruding into the pool itself. But how do you get water INTO the pool from the skimmer? On my pool they plumbed in a fill line, but it's by the skimmer, it's by the steps. If you don't have that, you can plumb something in over by the suction side of the pump if you don't want to use a hose. |
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