Does anybody have a pool filter timer on their pool? if so what kind? how much? and how often does it turn off and on?

I've been wanting to get one for a while now and just been getting around to investigate before I buy.

I've been told I don't have to buy a actual pool filter timer, that I can get a regular house timer and I can run it into my cinder block shed. Which is where the power is attached now but on the exterior.

Thanks for any info.

 

I'll check mine when I get home and let you know; it came with the pool, which was installed in 1990. I don't know if it's a special "pool" timer, but it works fine. I think it's an Intermatic.

 

20 years ago pretty much everyone used intermatic timers. Low cost, efficient, mechanical gears and trippers. Easy installation, just turn off the power, cut the romex and wire it in. If you buy extra screw-on trippers, you can have it turn on/off all day long.

The only drawback was the contacts were only shielded from your fingers by a piece of cardboard which inariably got lost. And sometimes the homeowner would fiddle with it enough that the whole box got charged. I learned early to use a stick or a rubber handled screwdriver to trip it on/off by hand. I don't know if the present ones have solved for this.

 

I think b-4 you purchase a timer you may want to get and use a GFCI plug. It is code or highly reccomended for bathrooms, outdoor, around water etc..
I do not use a timer but I like to run the pool filter a min. a couple of hours a day. My filter basket has the chlorine pucks in it for low matinance(sp).

 

we run ours almost 24/7

 

A water heater timer may be an option for you. I don't own a pool but I would guess that if it says "pool" on the box you could pay more for the same thing.

 

I am running a one HP superpump from 110VAC. On 6-12-02 I installed an Intermatic Company Model T101R to control the pool pump. It is a 24 Hour timer specifically made for outdoor use. It has a rating of 3R, which means it is dustproof and rainproof. The label also specifcally states that it is suitable for pool use, you do not need any special GFCI to use this timer, the timer has nothing to do with electric shock safety, that is your perogative. It has a clock dial that is easily set to the correct time, and two adjustable pointers, that attach to anywhere on the clock dial to control off and on function.

The timer is mounted on the exterior wall and is about 3 1/2 inches deep,
6 or 7 inches tall, and 4 or 5 inches wide and gray colored.

I bought it at Lowes or Home Depot, and it costs about 50 bucks, more or less. It is perfect for my application, It starts the pool pump on time every morning at 8AM and shuts off at 9 PM every day. The timer is accurate all season. The cover has a latch to accept a padlock if you have little rugrats running around.

I order to utilize this timer, you must know how to hook up electrical wiring and do so safely, there is no plug or receptacle, everything is hard-wired. I also ran a PVC conduit from the timer to the pump on/off switch. That is, I have two switches controlling the pump. One for manually operating the pump, and the timer which lets me leave the hous ewithout worrying about the pump.

 

If the pump draws much current at all, it might be best to use the timer to drive a contactor and save the timer contacts from arcing. Contactors are available from most electrical suppliers and are available in standard amp ratings for both 110 and 220 circuits. A cheap 20-30 amp can be bought on the internet for under $25. Just be sure to specify the correct coil type. Most air conditioner type contactors are 24VAC coils, but I have a couple that came out of my old SPA timer that are 120VAC coils.
Dialtone

 

i work for a pool compnay and i have been working on pools for 10 yrs. the everyday household will have the intermatic timer. as said before there cheap easy to use, and they last a long time i believe the they either come in metal or plastic box that can be mounted jsut about anywhere. yes u can get shocked i have before you jsut have to pay attention to what you are doing so yea hope this helped at alitttle

 

I just wasnted to thank everyone for the great information!!

I'm gonna go with 924x2150's idea....here's what I found from The Depot

Intermatic
40 Amp 125 Volt Gray Weatherproof Hardwired 1 Pole 1 Throw Time Switch
Model T101RD89


For load upto 40 amps. Operations include indoor/outdoor lighting. For electric fences, conveyors, poultry foggers. For use with blowers, pool heaters, air conditioners. Drawn steel case.

Store SKU # 402265
Internet # 163044
Catalog # 100024879

Price: $57.71/ea

 

I purchased my timer about five years ago from Grainger. It's a good place to look to see what's available.

 

Codasmog, that is exactly the timer I described.

 

I work at a electric motor repair shop, and we do tons of pool pumps. I belive hayward makes a timer, but Intermatic is the way to go. Just make sure that you get the appropriate voltage timer, as most pool pumps are multi voltage.

 

You should definitely have some type of timer on your pool pump. My pump is 2000 Watts, so it is the equivalent of (20) 100 Watt bulbs whenever it's running.

If you drain your pool every winter, an Intermatic timer will suit your needs. If you live in the Southern or Western United states, I would recommend that you check out the TightWatt timer (www.tightwatt.com). It automatically runs less in the winter, and more in the summer, so it is much more efficient than a 24-hour clock.

Most people know that they don't need to run their filter as much during the winter months, but forget to turn it down. The TightWatt timer takes care of it for you.

 

uhh ours freezes in the winter so we dont run it at all