Swimming pool timers are hooked up to the pool’s water flow so that the system can run during a set time period to allow the proper amount of water can be pushed through the filtration system. But swimming pool timers can do so much more than that too. You can buy a timer that will also control your pool’s chlorination systems, heat pumps, and even music. Your swimming pool timer can control just about any aspect of your pool that you need it to. But first, you have to know how to buy one so that you can get the one that’s right for you.
The first thing you should look for in your swimming pool timer is easy installation. Usually, these timers are installed after the filtration system because they are so closely connected to it and usually need to be placed somewhere near it. Make sure you know what kind of filtration system you have so that you can choose a timer that will be easily integrated into it.
The next thing you’ll have to do is check the electrical requirements of your pool. This is because you need to know how much voltage your timer can handle. If you hook your timer up to multiple electrical appliances and it doesn’t have the voltage capacity to handle it, you could overload your timer and cause it to malfunction.
You’ll also want to carefully check any timer you are interested in buying to make sure that your timer will do everything that you want it to. There are now timers that can be hooked up to just about any system in your pool. So consider not only the systems that you currently have in place, but also any that you might want to incorporate into your swimming pool in the future. You don’t want to buy a timer only to get it home and find out that it doesn’t have a function for one of your systems. And likewise, you also don’t want to have to buy a new timer whenever you add a new feature to your pool.
If you have a very large pool, you should buy a system that can accommodate multiple functions. This is because the filtration systems in large pools can be pretty complicated, especially if you have a pool/spa combo and waterfalls or any additional deck jets or features and you’ll want to make sure that you have a timer that is solely dedicated to handling and controlling the system. You can then purchase a second timer that will handle all the other aspects of your pool.
Swimming pool timers are one of those must-have items for any pool owner. They can not only save you a great deal in energy costs, but they can also make your pool much more convenient and can take out much of the maintenance work that so many pool owners dread. Know how to purchase the one that’s right for you, and get ready to wonder how you ever lived without a swimming pool timer before!
Here is a pretty common and standard swimming pool timer system:
Intermatic Timer
Intermatic Pump/Heater Timer Switch – 125V, SPST, 40 amps
These heavy duty Mechanical Time Switches are designed for industrial, commercial and residential applications and have the highest motor load ratings in the industry. They provide up to 12 ON-OFF operations each day with minimum ON-OFF time of 1 hour. All models are equipped with ON” and “OFF” trippers and they are available in either plastic or metal indoor-outdoor enclosure.
Here is a timer with automation system – and one we highly recommend:
pentair automation and timer panel
