The 6 Best Pool Water Levelers

Editor's Notes

September 10, 2020:

After what appeared to be quite a stagnant year for this category, it was a quick round of updates, with no new additions. At the same time, most of our previous selections managed to maintain their positions on our list, with the only exception being the Custom Molded 25604, which we removed, noting some availability issues with it, as well as a questionable note from the manufacturer explaining that the unit "will require teflon tape for a proper seal."

We also bumped the Kona Labs LevelSmart LS-25 a bit further up our rankings, recognizing that it’s one of the better options out there, but also appreciating that its price – which is astronomically expensive compared to some close competitors – makes it a tough sell for our top spot. I also wasn’t a fan of the fact that the unit’s sensor needs to be replaced once its battery runs out. Granted, with an estimated battery life of 10 to 12 years, it won’t be a frequent expense, but for such a costly unit, it would be nice if they could come up with a solution that was more practical and less wasteful.

For most people – as long as their backyard is equipped with a garden hose, and ideally a garden hose splitter – most of our selections will work, but some are exceptional in respects that are worth noting.

If you’re dealing with a high-pressure water source, say in excess of 60 PSI, then you might want to consider either the Airlie AR-1 – which features a built-in, brass, pressure-reducing valve – or the Staypoollizer 2.0 Premium — which can accommodate water pressures up to 200 PSI.

For users with sloped decking or a lip around the edge of their pool, you may want to consider an option like the Rola-Chem Sentry M-3000 – which has two, adjustable legs, to help level the unit off – or the Staypoollizer 2.0 Premium — which features an adaptable design, with a flexible frame that will accommodate most styles of decking.

While most of our selections can be easily retrofitted, as an afterthought, the CMP 25504 stands apart as one option that’s intended for installation during the pool’s original build.

April 30, 2019:

If you’re tired of spending time each day (or even worse, in the middle of the night) to add water to your pool when you hear the pump sucking in air, a water leveler is probably just what you need. Many that made our list are affordable and hook right up to a garden hose. (This is where a hose splitter really comes in handy.) It’s hard to go wrong with the reliable Fill-O-Matic on our list, which offers adjustable height and thoughtfully includes a sturdy brass connector and wing nuts that won’t tear a vinyl lining.

For a more high-tech solution that takes away the need to run a hose to your pool, look to the LevelSmart LS-25, with which a sensor and receiver communicate to send water in through your existing plumbing. Note, however, this unique selection is significantly higher-priced than the others and involves a more intricate setup.

For a couple of simple, budget-friendly options, look to the Custom Molded and Rola-Chem, both of which are highly portable and can be installed easily at your home, vacation house, or rental property.