Anyone can advise on a low cost water level sensor, which automatically opens a valve to add water to the pool when needed?

Can get them on Lazada & cheap.

I had a photo but can't find it.

They use them with skimmer systems.

Just now, Bagwain said:

Can get them on Lazada & cheap.

I had a photo but can't find it.

They use them with skimmer systems.

Thanks, I've seen them, but didn't really understand how they work.

From what I understand they work over wifi. My skimmer is one end of the pool, while the feed valve is at the other end of the pool.

Would that create an issue in my case?

Just now, CallumWK said:

My skimmer is one end of the pool, while the feed valve is at the other end of the pool.

Would that create an issue in my case?

Only if the pool is on a slope?

Just now, VocalNeal said:

Only if the pool is on a slope?

The point of my question is how does the sensor control the valve, which is at a 12 meter distance, and how the sensor get powered.

Just now, CallumWK said:

The point of my question is how does the sensor control the valve, which is at a 12 meter distance, and how the sensor get powered.

Not a cheap solution.

My info came from past reading of electronic publications. AI will likely give more detailed info on anything new and if its available in Asia.

Wireless ultrasonic level sensors are battery powered which can last several years before needing replacement. The principle is the same as wireless alarm systems, a base station gets its signal from remote sensors.

In pool applications the receiving station some distance away from level sensor controls a valve for top-up. Control algorithms at the sensor decide when the pool is calm enough to take a reliable level reading.

Just now, Fruit Trader said:

Not a cheap solution.

My info came from past reading of electronic publications. AI will likely give more detailed info on anything new and if its available in Asia.

Wireless ultrasonic level sensors are battery powered which can last several years before needing replacement. The principle is the same as wireless alarm systems, a base station gets its signal from remote sensors.

In pool applications the receiving station some distance away from level sensor controls a valve for top-up. Control algorithms at the sensor decide when the pool is calm enough to take a reliable level reading.

Thanks for the reply, in the past you have given me good advice regarding gate motors and gate sensors.

So what you mean with not a cheap solution?

Why does the level sensor have to be in the skimmer? They are likely all battery powered.

Just now, CallumWK said:

So what you mean with not a cheap solution?

I was basing the price off the H2Flow system at around $1000. Not sure if the Chinese have jumped on this wagon with cheaper solutions. Maybe ask a few AI engines if they can dig up more info.

Just now, VocalNeal said:

Why does the level sensor have to be in the skimmer? They are likely all battery powered.

That is what was suggested to me. If you have another suggestion please elaborate. The kind of sensor that was suggested needs a mounting point.

Just now, CallumWK said:

That is what was suggested to me. If you have another suggestion please elaborate. The kind of sensor that was suggested needs a mounting point.

I guess the skimmer box is chosen as good place to hide the sensor and maybe provide a more calm environment. A quick search shows most mechanical ball valve auto top-up systems sit their own box which acts as a buffer.

Just now, Fruit Trader said:

I was basing the price off the H2Flow system at around $1000. Not sure if the Chinese have jumped on this wagon with cheaper solutions. Maybe ask a few AI engines if they can dig up more info.

I'm afraid this will not be reliable enough, so will have to research further in the one that was suggested by Bagwain

I don't have a pool but I like a tech problem. There are sensors that fit on the pool edge but they require a hose pipe which would cross the pool surround but I would find that intrusive. Is fill pipe hidden or exposed. Are we looking for a flush mounted sensor?

Of course then the problem of local availability.

Off topic. The best I have seen was a pool built with a "waterfall" at one end into a lower chamber ( no skimmer) and a float valve was in the chamber.

Just now, VocalNeal said:

I don't have a pool but I like a tech problem. There are sensors that fit on the pool edge but they require a hose pipe which would cross the pool surround but I would find that intrusive. Is fill pipe hidden or exposed. Are we looking for a flush mounted sensor?

Of course then the problem of local availability.

Off topic. The best I have seen was a pool built with a "waterfall" at one end into a lower chamber ( no skimmer) and a float valve was in the chamber.

The current manual valve is inside the pumphouse, and it feeds into the return pipes. The pumphouse is right at the edge of the pool.

I have a waterfall, which sits on the pumphouse, but I don't understand what the advantage of that would be.

Edited May 2May 2 by CallumWK

This is probably a dumb idea but could you use a water leak sensor and use home assistant or similar to control the water flow?

If a ‘leak’ is detected switch off the water flow

If there is no ‘leak’ turn on the water flow

We need to look for something like this. https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Automatic-Water-Control-System/dp/B0DLB2JJM6

Fit the sensor to the skimmer inlet and replace your manual fill valve with the new one. Now we need to find a local version.

9 hours ago, CallumWK said:

I'm afraid this will not be reliable enough, so will have to research further in the one that was suggested by Bagwain

To many brainiacs on here. Attached is a small manual float valve & cheap on Lazada. Few different models.

Normally that are retro fitted so mostly they stick out into pool.

The picture in the above reply is a ball valve for a surge/balance tank or water tanks in general and not practicle for inside a pool.

Edited May 3May 3 by Bagwain

^ Won't work if the fill valve is in the pump house and feeds into the pool return line.

There are many cheep pool side float switches but they need a hose to run across the pool deck.

OK if that is what the OP wants to do. I would personally want a slick industrial type solution.

Edited May 3May 3 by VocalNeal

Just now, VocalNeal said:

^ Won't work if the fill valve is in the pump house and feeds into the pool return line.

There are many cheep pool side float switches but they need a hose to run across the pool deck. OK if that is what the OP wants to do. I would personally want a slick industrial type solution.

Yes you're correct. I looked it up and will not work in my situation.

I do need something that controls a solenoid valve, either wireless or wired.

That is what I posted above but it is expensive.

Can we get a wire from the pumphouse to the poolside without crossing the deck. How handy are you?

Just found these which combined with a solenoid valve may work for my purpose

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/water-level-sensor-527585100120150200300400mm-i5156566574-s21797000131.html?

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/pdp-i5720512511-s24391130148.html?

Solenoid valve

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/bangkok-ready-for-delivery-solenoid-valve-brass-solenoid-valve-normally-closed-type-power-supply-to-open-12vdc-24vdc-220v-size-14-inch-12-inch-34-inch-1-inch-15-inch-2-inch-i4534167188-s19148393169.html?

Edited May 3May 3 by CallumWK

Just now, CallumWK said:

Just found these which combined with a solenoid valve may work for my purpose

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/water-level-sensor-527585100120150200300400mm-i5156566574-s21797000131.html?

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/pdp-i5720512511-s24391130148.html?

Solenoid valve

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/bangkok-ready-for-delivery-solenoid-valve-brass-solenoid-valve-normally-closed-type-power-supply-to-open-12vdc-24vdc-220v-size-14-inch-12-inch-34-inch-1-inch-15-inch-2-inch-i4534167188-s19148393169.html?

Those reed float switches are not suitable for switching high current inductive loads like a solenoid valve. The contacts would not last long.

You need to add a cheap Chinese module something like the XH-M203 which will low current detect the float switch position and provide relay contacts to open the solenoid valve.

Also consider debris building up around the float shaft, maybe put the float switch inside a buffer tube.

There would be a huge amount of turbulence when the pool was in use so probably best add a time switch so top up runs at night when pumps are off and pool is stable.

Anything electrical near the pool should be 12V coming from an isolation transformer.

XH-M203 module

Just now, Fruit Trader said:

Those reed float switches are not suitable for switching high current inductive loads like a solenoid valve. The contacts would not last long.

You need to add a cheap Chinese module something like the XH-M203 which will low current detect the float switch position and provide relay contacts to open the solenoid valve.

Also consider debris building up around the float shaft, maybe put the float switch inside a buffer tube.

There would be a huge amount of turbulence when the pool was in use so probably best add a time switch so top up runs at night when pumps are off and pool is stable.

Anything electrical near the pool should be 12V coming from an isolation transformer.

XH-M203 module

It may all be simple for you, but start to go above my pay grade.

Though you brought up some interesting point, which is a timer.

Maybe just install a solenoid and a timer, and let it run every other day for 10 minutes. Can monitor for a few weeks to finetune the time required.

Just now, CallumWK said:

Maybe just install a solenoid and a timer, and let it run every other day for 10 minutes. Can monitor for a few weeks to finetune the time required.

Actually thats not a bad idea. Tune it to the point where results are satisfactory for the varying evaporation levels. Turn it off in rain season.

Edited May 3May 3 by Fruit Trader

Just now, CallumWK said:

It may all be simple for you, but start to go above my pay grade.

Though you brought up some interesting point, which is a timer.

Maybe just install a solenoid and a timer, and let it run every other day for 10 minutes. Can monitor for a few weeks to finetune the time required.

They are easy just plug the timer into a socket and plug the solenoid into the socket on the timer; done.

Just now, VocalNeal said:

They are easy just plug the timer into a socket and plug the solenoid into the socket on the timer; done.

Looks like you forgot about the Chinese module something like the XH-M203 and the relay. The module would be no problem, but on wiring the relay I'm lost.

Also, it would still involve installation and wiring of the sensor into the pumphouse.

While a timer and solenoid only would be much less work.

I assume the pump house has a socket? I am not sure exactly how to post info from Lazada/Shopee but a digital timer with the possibility to program weekly is about 460 Baht. 220v solenoid depends on your filler pipe size.

But all easy pipe fitting stuff. You'll probably need a union somewhere in the pipe to allow for fitting the screwed in solenoid valve.

As it is a pumphouse nobody will complain about the wiring installation. You might get away with wrapping it around the piping !

I haven't found a less expensive Chinese remote level sensing system yet.