choosing a timer for pump on new construction inground pool

[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?