Hudson Automatic Water Fill Kit - 1/2"
$119.99
- Automatic Water Level Control: Replaces water lost through evaporation and splash.
- Helps Protect Your Pump: Reduces the risk of low-water operation.
- Designed For: Blue Thumb Elite Skimmers and Pump Canyons.
- 1/2" Water Connection: Connects to a compatible water supply line or garden hose.
- No Electricity Required: Mechanical valve operates without an electrical connection.
- 30 PSI Maximum: Pressure regulator strongly recommended (sold separately).
Automatic Pond & Pond-less Water Level Control
Hudson Automatic Water Fill Kit - 1/2"
Keep your pond or Pond-less waterfall topped off automatically. Our Hudson Automatic Water Fill Kit replaces water lost through normal evaporation and splash, helping maintain a consistent operating level and reducing the risk of low-water pump operation.
Designed for Blue Thumb Elite Skimmers and Pump Canyons, this mechanical valve connects to a compatible 1/2-inch water supply line or garden hose. No electrical connection is required.
Product SKU: PB1342
Connection: 1/2-inch
Designed For: Elite Skimmers & Pump Canyons
Maximum Pressure: 30 PSI
Important: Maximum Water Pressure Is 30 PSI
The Hudson valve must not receive water pressure above 30 PSI. Excessive pressure can prevent proper shutoff and cause continuous filling.
We strongly recommend our 30 PSI Pressure Regulator . A regulator is required when incoming pressure exceeds 30 PSI and is sold separately.
How the Hudson Auto Fill Kit Works
When the water level drops inside your skimmer or Pump Canyon, the Hudson valve opens to replenish the water supply. Once the intended operating level is reached, the valve automatically shuts off. This reduces manual refilling while helping maintain the water level your pump needs for normal operation.
Choosing the Right Blue Thumb Auto Fill Kit
Blue Thumb offers two automatic water fill kits for different water-feature applications. Both automatically replace water lost through evaporation, but they use different valve designs and mounting arrangements.
Choosing the correct kit depends primarily on where the valve will be installed.
FOR PONDS & POND-LESS WATERFALLS
Hudson Automatic Water Fill Kit - PB1342
Choose this kit for pond and Pond-less waterfall systems using a compatible Blue Thumb Elite Skimmer or Pump Canyon reservoir.
- Uses a compact Hudson mechanical water fill valve.
- Designed for installation in compatible skimmer and Pump Canyon autofill connections.
- Connects to a 1/2-inch supply line or garden hose.
- Maximum operating water pressure: 30 PSI.
This is the PB1342 kit you are currently viewing.
If your installation does not have a suitable skimmer or Pump Canyon connection, our Molded Autofill Chamber may provide a dedicated location for the valve. The chamber is sold separately.
FOR FOUNTAIN & AQUABOX BASINS
Fountain Basin Auto Fill Kit - ABDAUTO
Choose this kit for compatible Blue Thumb decorative fountain basins and AquaBox® fountain reservoirs.
- Uses a mechanical float valve with an adjustable float arm.
- Designed for installation in compatible fountain basin connections.
- Allows adjustment of the operating water level through the float position.
- Connects to a 1/2-inch supply line or garden hose.
- Maximum operating water pressure: 30 PSI.
This is a different valve assembly from the Hudson kit and is intended for fountain basin applications.
Not sure which one to choose? For a pond with an Elite Skimmer or a Pond-less waterfall with a Pump Canyon, choose the Hudson PB1342 kit. For a decorative fountain using a compatible fountain or AquaBox basin, choose ABDAUTO.
For Formal Falls® basins or unusual installation configurations, contact our Sales/Tech Team to confirm the correct kit before ordering.
What's Included in the Hudson Kit?
Hudson Auto Fill Kit Components
The PB1342 kit includes the Hudson automatic fill valve and connection hardware for the supported water-supply configurations.
- Hudson 1/2-inch automatic fill valve
- Plumbing connection fittings
- Hose clamps
- PTFE thread seal tape
Refer to the official PB1342 installation guide for the individual fittings and the correct connection arrangement.
What You'll Need Separately
- Water Supply: Compatible 1/2-inch supply line or garden hose.
- Pressure Regulator: Required when incoming pressure exceeds 30 PSI. Recommended for all installations.
- Compatible Installation Location: A suitable skimmer, Pump Canyon, or separate autofill chamber.
- Installation Tools: Medium channel locks and a 5/16-inch nut driver.
The skimmer, Pump Canyon, incoming water line, and pressure regulator are sold separately.
Technical Specifications
Product: Hudson Automatic Water Fill Kit
SKU: PB1342
Connection Size: 1/2 inch
Maximum Water Pressure: 30 PSI
Water Supply: Compatible irrigation/poly line or garden hose
Operation: Automatic mechanical valve
Primary Applications: Ponds and Pond-less waterfalls
Compatibility: Blue Thumb Elite Skimmers & Pump Canyons
Pressure Regulator: Recommended; sold separately
Installation & Startup Overview
The Hudson kit supports compatible irrigation/poly water lines and garden hose connections. Follow the official PB1342 installation guide for your specific connection method.
STEP 1
Locate & Install
Identify the designated autofill connection on your skimmer or Pump Canyon. Install the Hudson valve assembly using the appropriate fittings and thread seal tape.
STEP 2
Connect the Water Supply
Connect the compatible 1/2-inch supply line or garden hose. Verify that incoming water pressure does not exceed 30 PSI and install a regulator when necessary.
STEP 3
Test the System
Turn on the water supply, inspect connections for leaks, and confirm that the valve automatically fills and shuts off at the intended operating water level.
Installation Tip: The official guide includes separate connection instructions for irrigation/poly lines and garden hoses. Follow the correct procedure for your water supply.
Follow applicable local plumbing requirements, including any required backflow protection when connecting to a household water supply.
Maintenance & Replacement Parts
Periodically inspect the Hudson valve for debris, leaks, and proper shutoff. An automatic fill system helps maintain water levels but does not eliminate the need for routine pond inspections or correct leaks in your water feature.
Before freezing weather, shut off and winterize the incoming water supply as appropriate for your installation.
Need replacement parts? We offer the Hudson 1/2-inch Auto Fill Valve Rebuild Kit and the Hudson 1/2-inch Replacement Valve .
Installation & Product Resources
Review the official installation instructions for fitting configurations, water-supply connections, and pressure regulation.
Need Help Choosing or Installing Your Auto Fill Kit?
Not sure whether your pond, Pump Canyon, or fountain basin needs the Hudson PB1342 or Fountain Basin ABDAUTO kit?
Our Sales/Tech Team can help you identify the correct autofill kit, verify compatibility, and plan your water-supply connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the two Blue Thumb auto fill kits?
Both Blue Thumb auto fill kits automatically replenish water lost through evaporation, but they are designed for different installation locations.
Hudson Automatic Water Fill Kit (PB1342): Uses a compact Hudson mechanical valve. Choose this kit for ponds and Pond-less waterfalls using compatible Blue Thumb Elite Skimmers or Pump Canyons.
Fountain Basin Auto Fill Kit (ABDAUTO): Uses an adjustable float-arm valve. Choose this kit for compatible decorative fountain basins and AquaBox reservoirs.
Both support a 1/2-inch water supply connection and have a maximum valve water pressure of 30 PSI.
The main difference is the valve design and where each kit is intended to be installed. If you're unsure which kit fits your water feature, contact our Sales/Tech Team before ordering.
Do I need a pressure regulator?
The Hudson valve has a maximum operating water pressure of 30 PSI. A regulator is required when incoming pressure exceeds that limit.
We strongly recommend our 30 PSI Regulator for autofill installations. It is sold separately.
Can I connect this kit to a regular garden hose?
Yes. The PB1342 kit supports compatible garden hose connections and 1/2-inch irrigation/poly supply lines. The official installation guide explains the correct connection procedure for each method.
Will this work with any pond skimmer?
This kit is specifically designed for Blue Thumb Elite Skimmers and Pump Canyons. Other skimmers may have different connection or installation requirements.
If you have a different skimmer, contact our Sales/Tech Team to review compatibility before purchasing.
Can I install this kit without a skimmer or Pump Canyon?
Some installations can use a separate Molded Autofill Chamber to provide a dedicated location for the Hudson valve.
The chamber is sold separately and should be selected according to your water-feature layout.
Will this prevent my pond pump from running dry?
Maintaining the water level helps reduce the risk of low-water operation caused by normal evaporation.
However, an autofill valve cannot guarantee protection against major leaks, interrupted water supply, or equipment problems.
Regular inspections remain important.
Can I repair the Hudson valve instead of replacing it?
Yes. We offer a compatible Hudson 1/2-inch Auto Fill Valve Rebuild Kit for servicing the valve.
If the complete valve needs replacement, we also sell the Hudson 1/2-inch valve separately from the full installation kit.
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