My friends down the street have the same type of timer on theirs, but their pool is under a big oak tree with lots of big leaves that clog the skimmer. Running the pool while you're home is obviously a necessity, but while you're gone, you'll have to make the decision as to whether you can safely run it without plugging up the skimmer with leaves, etc. or not. As I mentioned in my post above, if it's too risky, then it would be okay for a couple of days without running. If it's not a danger, then by all means run it via timer!

Janet