choosing a timer for pump on new construction inground pool

[neefer]

Hi everyone. Just registered today for the forum since my inground Grecian vinyl liner pool is almost finished. I was asking the electrician about timers for the pump, and he said to ask my pool builder. But then the pool builder said to ask the electrician. So what can anyone tell me about a timer? The pool is built but the electrician has not been out to do the hookups and switches yet. What do I want to ask for? And how should it be installed? Thanks!

[CarlD]

The timer is almost certainly a 220v one, and should either be installed in your basement, near your breaker panel (pump should have a ground-fault breaker) or in a protected out-building like a shed. Many jurisdictions (like mine) REQUIRE a timer to meet code. Mine was installed by the electrician who did all the pump wiring.

[neefer]

The timer is almost certainly a 220v one, and should either be installed in your basement, near your breaker panel (pump should have a ground-fault breaker) or in a protected out-building like a shed. Many jurisdictions (like mine) REQUIRE a timer to meet code. Mine was installed by the electrician who did all the pump wiring.

Thanks, Carl, for the reply. I think maybe the electrician and I weren't communicating. So I'll go back to him (after I research this a little more). I had no idea some areas require a timer. How long do you run yours? I've been reading about recent studies saying 4 hours a day is enough, but that seems scary. Also, when you shock, do you need to override the timer to make it run?

[CarlD]

Oh, now THAT is a COMPLETELY different question!

Lots of factors come into it. I have solar panels so my motivation is to run it MORE when the sun shines, especially like...now...when the water's cold.

Rule of thumb is to "turn over the water each day" but that is actually probably more than you need, maybe even double what you need as long as you're properly chlorinating.

Notice I didn't give you a direct answer....because each pool and situation is different.

[PoolDoc]

. . . . membership updated.

A couple of points:

1. Your timer needs are determined by the pump motor specs: voltage, amps, run time, pump speeds.

2. If you have 2 pumps (pool and vacuum, etc.), you may want a SINGLE integrated timer. With 2 timers, if they get out of sync, the vac pump can be turned on when the pool pump is off . . . damaging the vac pump.

3. Electromechanical timers are more reliable than electronic timers, which can die during thunderstorms.

4. Outdoor timers need outdoor cases . . . which cost extra. Alternatively, build a tiny 'shed' roof over your timer board.

5. It's possible to turn a 240V pump off using a SPST (one switch) timer, but doing so leaves 120V present on one of the power leads, creating a shock hazard for unsuspecting service people (or homeowners). Use a DPST (one switch for each power line) on 240V pumps.

6. Example timers at Amazon:

24hr 120v timer (SPST)
24hr 240v timer (DPST) in a plastic outdoor case
24hr 240v timer (DPST) in a metal indoor case
2 Timers, arranged to provide Hi/Lo/Off control of a 2-speed pump