Auto Leveler Valve Replacement - Side Feed

[@mforbes2615]

I just started servicing my own pool and I really appreciate your videos. Went out and adjusted the water level on my side feed with confidence! Thanks a bunch!

[@PoolSchooler]

Awesome. Way to go! Hope you’ll subscribe and share my channel. And check out my diy pool website poolschooler.com

[@rogerkrueger5759]

Great video. I add an additional step: when I have the valve removed I turn on the water supply to clear the line of any debris, then turn it off again and install the new valve. Keeps everything really clear.

[@PoolSchooler]

THAT IS A GREAT IDEA!!! Thank you so much for sharing that. I try to do a comprehensive job of covering as many questions as I can think of but, as just demonstrated, I sometimes miss something. I am grateful that you shared this GREAT bit of additional information.

[@carloscarpinteyro332]

when I would replace under warranty one those "Shasta" toilet type float valves, I would joke that they were first tested in the toilets at Shasta's headquarters to make sure that they worked properly! Great instuctional video, Ken!!

[@PoolSchooler]

😂👍

[@puddy4286]

Helped me alot.. I was afraid of the damn thing for over a year.. I would go outside and take the lid off and stare at it for 5 minutes and then shake my head and go back inside…used a crescent wrench.. took me 5 minutes 😂

[@PoolSchooler]

Way to go! Glad the video helped. Sometimes demystifying a simple pool repair is very empowering. And takes the “fear“ out of it. Hope you will subscribe to my channel and share it with others.

[@puddy4286]

@@PoolSchooler liked and subscribed.. thanks again

[@PoolSchooler]

@@puddy4286 thank you.

[@ReefMimic]

Went with a brass “float etc” seems to do a good job imo

[@johnrx9243]

Great video, thanks. Can you explain the adjustment process?

[@jamescantrell6792]

Great video! Thank you so much dude!

[@PoolSchooler]

Thank you for commenting. Hope you'll subscribe to my channel and share it with others.

[@erickrhernandez1451]

Love the fact that your so “detailed” in explaining the autofill valve. But does the autofill have to be left “underwater” or “above water” when adjusting the wing nut?

[@PoolSchooler]

Either. Typically to adjust it there has to be water in the sump and it can be a little tricky to do because the float will want to float to the surface and you have to control where it sits. I should do a video on adjusting this type of float valve. I'll get to work on one and post it in the next couple of weeks. Turn on your notifications so you don't miss it.

[@trishjacobs6677]

Thank you so much!

[@PoolSchooler]

You’re welcome thanks for watching, and I hope you subscribe to my channel and share it with others

[@jonortiz9002]

Very helpful, Thx,

[@PoolSchooler]

Glad to help. Thanks for watching and commenting. Hope you'll subscribe to my channel and share it as well.

[@1dragonladygardener]

Thanks for the video. I have part of a valve stuck into the sidewall as the float was broken off. I cannot for the life of me get the valve to unscrew. Do you know of something that will allow the brass (old valve was brass) to release in the wall so I can unscrew it

[@PoolSchooler]

Unfortunately, I don’t. Possibly a really good pair of needle nose pliers but that’s a tricky situation. You might have to take it out in pieces with a pair of needle nose pliers also.

[@paulleary3944]

Great video- I have a side feed that I notice won't shut off, however I can't figure out where the water is going. I know it's on because I can track it through the utility company. Any idea where it could go? The pool itself does not overfill but the water runs. thanks!

[@PoolSchooler]

It’s not uncommon for an auto leveler valve to run fairly often to the point where it might seem like it’s continuous, especially during the summer months when there’s quite a bit of evaporation happening in the pool. But the first thing I would do is try replacing the auto leveler float valve with a new one to see if that takes care of the situation. Typically if it’s running at the float valve then the valve just needs to be replaced. So try that first and then if you continue to hear water running, you might have a leak in the feed pipe somewhere between the actual auto leveler float valve and the hose bib that it feeds from. Those can be tricky because typically you have to have somebody come out with a listening device to be able to hear where the leak is and then they usually have to dig it up and fix the pipe that can be costly especially if it’s underneath your pool deck.

[@paulleary3944]

@@PoolSchooler Thanks so much for the information!

[@PoolSchooler]

@@paulleary3944 you’re welcome, hope you will subscribe to my channel and share it with others and encourage them to subscribe as well

[@user-md9lm2oj8t]

Thanks for the video. I broke the valve and it snapped right at the wall. A piece is still threaded in the hole and can’t get it out. Any tips on how to get it removed?

[@PoolSchooler]

I have found that I can get that piece out, sometimes using a sprinkler stem remover tool on it. It’s sometimes tricky when it’s a side feed, you might have to get like a small chisel or screwdriver and wedged inside there and basically pry it out or break it, but then you run the risk of cracking the actual female portion of The plumbing. There’s no way to attach pictures to this response so if you email me at [e-mail] I will send you a picture of the tool I’m talking about.

[@kathydurr5582]

Hi I'm trying to find the opening where I can adjust my overfill valve in the pool

[@PoolSchooler]

I'd have to see your pool set up to help locate it.

[@lidiaoatman8104]

New to pool life - question, how can I tell if the auto fill is connected to a water valve? Contractor left us hanging with issues - any help would be appreciated.

[@PoolSchooler]

Thats a bummer. Wouldn't be giving that contractor a favorable review for sure. Ok, I did a video on that subject that will hopefully help you locate your shut off valve (I believe it's code to have one for a auto fill valve). Here's a link hopefully it'll help you locate it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foqmgqp9atiHrqs

[@lidiaoatman8104]

@@PoolSchooler Thank you!! Now to search for the valve. Great video and GREAT information!

[@PoolSchooler]

@@lidiaoatman8104 👍🙏

[@jimmychia6200]

Hi Kenny, very good video. Thread in the hole is damaged. I used ABS+PVC glue to valve and hole. It leaks. What can I do? Can I use hot gun to take valve off and glue more again? Or, how to recreate the threads in the hole? Can Desert Deck Restorations help? Any company I can call? Thanks.

[@PoolSchooler]

I'm not sure since I really can't see exactly how and what the damage is. This is one I'd suggest calling a licensed and insured pool repair person to come and repair or at least give you an estimate and suggestion on how to repair.

[@jimmychia6200]

@@PoolSchooler The threads were flat and could not hold the valve. I had a pool technician before who would rebuild that part of cool deck and new basket. I will take your advice and find another repair person. Thank you.

[@erickrhernandez1451]

Of water level is high, should the auto filler be “downward” or “upward”?

[@PoolSchooler]

Downward

[@larryconover3925]

are you saying that if you allow the float too move up, then that will increase the water flow to the pool and raise the waterline

[@PoolSchooler]

To clarify, the float itself is on a hinge that has a wingnut to keep it at the proper angle or level. The higher you set that float the higher your water level will be.

[@larryconover3925]

@@PoolSchooler thanks for taking the time to respond. just ordered a new one with brass fittings and an adjustable knob to raise/lower the float. thanks again

[@PoolSchooler]

@@larryconover3925 👍

[@erickrhernandez1451]

@@PoolSchooler …. So if my water pool level is extremely high, I should lower my autofill valve? And if so, how low?

[@PoolSchooler]

@@erickrhernandez1451 Typically you want your pool water level about half way up the tile line OR covering half of your skimmer opening. Towards the end of this video I talked about how high (or low) the water level should be. When you adjust the valve just do it one or two notches at a time and watch and see the level til you get it where it should be.

[@alejandrov932]

Is the water level in the sump the same level in the pool?

[@PoolSchooler]

It should be.

[@JChristensen-ib5nu]

I installed a new valve and the only way to get the water to shut off is if the float is perpendicular to the valve. What am I doing wrong?

[@PoolSchooler]

Hmm there should he a way to adjust the valve. Can you email a pic of the new valve

[@JChristensen-ib5nu]

@@PoolSchooler Thanks we figured it out. It was a definite duh!

[@alejandrov932]

Noticed my water level is covering 1/4 of skimmer throat. I push down on the float a few times and no water flow. My anti siphon is opened

[@PoolSchooler]

So to suggestions number one make sure there was water flowing at your hose bib Spicket, where your auto filler water feet is there’s typically a valve that needs to be in line with the pipe, and if that’s in place chances are it’s the auto leveler float valve

[@alejandrov932]

@@PoolSchooler okay thank you for info. Been using water hose to fill pool. So could the problem be also with the anti siphon? I don't hear water when turning on the handle

[@PoolSchooler]

@@alejandrov932 hard to tell. Could be a few things. Id have to see it. Sometimes you have to use the process of elimination.

[@TimFranz]

Kenny is it possible to post a link to buy that brand water leveler? Mine has a much smaller float and sometimes don’t shut off and over fills. I had to tie wrap a piece of pool noodle to it so floats better and more up force. BTW How often do you find having to replace due to Arizona water? Chandler AZ here....

[@PoolSchooler]

Here you go: www.amazon.com/Stetson-Development-Inc-Water-Leveler/dp/B005SHHT1I/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwweyFBhDvARIsAA67M72EmuXgaI_cdTQWN9xMPYa1lgltaF5u6KQE4ovnBhuI0cEutuZzGTsaAnigEALw_wcB&hvadid=482026945841&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9030055&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=10306191720776254128&hvtargid=kwd-1104057238997&hydadcr=7633_9903211&keywords=pool+water+leveler+auto+fill+float&qid=1622912298&sr=8-3 www.poolschooler.com

[@user-mq1up2fw4r]

Typically in the PHX area you will need to drain your pool every 3-5 years. Check hardness and CYA/stabilizer levels. When they get high is usually when it's time to change water. Another sign to drain is when you add chlorine and the chlorine is depleted within a just couple days despite good CYA levels in the pool

[@cmfimm2618]

Hi Kenny any suggestion for a cool deck repair for cracks/chip repair person? Need someone with integrity,honest and affordable .... ty I’m in Cave Creek area

[@itsbobbyagain]

I don’t know anything about the company, but I just bought a house that had Desert Deck Restorations resurface the cool deck. I’m not a pool deck expert, but I think they did a great job. It was done 2 years ago and still looks brand new.

[@marvindozier5846]

I have installed the valve according to the video. I can’t get the valve to push air when adjusting the float. what am i doing wrong? We are wanting the waterline closer to the top of the pool deck.

[@PoolSchooler]

Not sure I understand what you mean by not being able to get the float to "push air" when adjusting. You may want to turn the water supply off when adjusting the float to make it easier.

[@marvindozier5846]

Pool School I thought i turned the water off. You notice in the video when he pushes down on the float...there is a hissing sound. I can’t achieve that. I’m thinking i don’t have a water supply into the skimmer.

[@PoolSchooler]

@@marvindozier5846 The auto fill valve isn't located in the skimmer. It should have a separate sump (that has a cover like a skimmer) and the water feed valve should be on the closest hose bib to your pool.

[@ArmenArmenjs]

Is that male 3/8 thread?

[@PoolSchooler]

It is male but I’m bot sure about the dimension of the threads. If you have a pool with a side feed auto fill valve it should be standard.