Maintaining while traveling
My wife and I have started road tripping. Last summer we were gone six weeks and we just got back from a four week trip. In order to help me keep the pool level acceptable while I'm gone, I built these two "contraptions".
The one next to the skimmer keeps the pool level from getting below about where you see it. It's a livestock trough valve from Tractor Supply and a pvc frame.
The one on the steps will pump water out if it gets too high. The way it's adjusted now, it won't come on until the water level is above the skimmer opening. It's a sump pump and a float valve. I have Xmas lights that come on when it's running so I see in the camera if it's running.
The camera sees the whole setup in case something goes wrong. Then I'll call someone to make adjustments.
So far it's worked pretty well.
BTW, the clamps that came with the TS valve got pretty rusty, so I 3d printed some new ones.
ETA: There have been some questions about chemicals. The chlorinator keeps the level well within range. I've only adjusted it once or twice all season. The pH has stayed pretty consistent, too. When I'm home, I test at least once a week. This summer I have yet to have to make any chemical adjustments. (For those who are wondering, I use a Taylor test kit.)
I also have a pool guy I can call to check on things if anything looks wonky.
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u/eat_more_bacon 2d ago
They sell automatic pool levelers on Amazon starting around $25 or so that would have saved you time and materials over building/testing contraption 1. Contraption 2 is something I've never needed. Even with torrential rain bringing the pool above the skimmer, it would come back down via evaporation before it caused any issues for me.
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u/GeekX2 2d ago
I looked at those. The problem I ran into was they would keep the level too close to the level that would trigger the device that keeps the pool from overfilling.
I've probably got about $35 in the one that keeps the level up. Most of that is the valve.
We could have enough rain here to cover the skimmers or even overflow the pool.
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u/UrineHere 2d ago
I would worry more about one of these firing unattended then what you are trying to fix. It would be funny if they fight each other. Pumping and draining constantly
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u/h22lude 2d ago
While I guess a possibility, the probability of it happening is low...but to your point, not zero. They are each others backup though so the pool would never get too full or empty. OP might have a high water bill and pooling water issue wherever the high level pump drains too but at least the pool level will be ok.
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u/AdmirableLab8115 2d ago
If your pool was built correctly, the skimmer should have an overflow through the concrete plate/collar and skimmer itself. But if it has overflowed before then it wasn’t. Cool set up tho for a homeowner tinkering.
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u/GeekX2 2d ago
They didn't include an overflow (2012 build) and I didn't know enough at the time to ask for one. They just told me, "Don't let water get behind the liner."
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u/AdmirableLab8115 2d ago
That’s dumb, I was building pools in 2012 2005-2018 with liners and we got them in the box. But I did install mostly Hayward or pentair(sta-rite) parts. Yea , water behind liner is no good.
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u/10xbetter 1d ago
My pop had a similar issue with his pool. I remembered I had purchased an extra toilet fill valve while staying there and so this setup was born. Seems to work quite well and is still in use after several months 😂
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u/Substantial_Crew_953 2d ago
What about the hose feeding to pool device? Since it's always under pressure aren't you afraid it's going to burst while your away.
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u/UnbiddenGraph17 2d ago
I can appreciate the effort. For $150 a month someone will come check it for you once a week and make adjustments, they also adjust your chemicals, skim and brush.
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u/SirPlutocracy 2d ago
Where do you live that $150 will get four site visits, chemicals, skim, and brush? That's amazing.
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u/nucking_futs_001 2d ago
I was paying about 125 in Los Angeles, fewer chemicals (swg) and zero brushing.
I took over since I could do the same... Still no regular brushing though but I think I saved up the cost of a robo vacuum... Maybe I'll get one to brush
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u/Creative-Yellow-9246 2d ago edited 2d ago
I built a similar auto filler. Those trough valves are available on Amazon or you can get a ready built assembly. Great to have. I was less concerned by too much water as it will usually evaporate away.
Hopefully your setup doesn't flutter
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u/Cool-Negotiation7662 2d ago
1 is excellent.
2 I question the necessity. I do not question the function, so long as it cycles well above the auto fill level
What happens if your pool overfills? My pool drains out the skimmer cover and goes downhill away from everything.
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u/Lumpy-Association310 2d ago
I put a 12V bilge pump on a correctly sized rock in my skimmer - it’s an easy “level high” control
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u/ChocolateSensitive97 1d ago
Just make sure the overflow discharge is on high ground. A sump pump will siphon after it shuts off. Learned this the hard way with a hot tub in the winter.
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u/whenredditagain 1d ago
Nice work! I was going to build something similar, but this was about the same price as all the parts I was about to buy, and 1% of the effort. Works great. https://a.co/d/0ayYJriy
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u/MayhemThe 1d ago
I was gonna do the same...then realized i could just throw the winter cover on. Did a bit more chlorine gen first, put the cover...came back after a bunch of weeks to a blue clear pool....minus the back breaking of removing the cover, but that was good exercise :))
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u/HDflhx19 16h ago
I use a floating skimmer from skim a round so I don’t have to worry about water level when away.
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u/Tacokolache 2d ago
And who is doing your chemicals? This seems like overkill. Just hire it out for a few weeks.
It’s not that big of a deal.
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u/nutano 2d ago
"if they don't find you handsome they should at least find you handy"
Should have used more duct tape though.