Timer

[jrv331]

I want to put my pump on a timer and have been reading the posts here, but all seem to deal with hard wired timers. I was looking at Home Depot and they have heavy duty outdoor timers pretty reasonably priced. They simply plug into the outlet and plug the device into it. Just what Im looking for. I have a AG pool and my pump has the standard 3 prong plug thats plugged into a GFI outlet.

Any harm in using one of these timers?
Thanks
John

[shadowman]

Should be no problem as long as it's rated for motors and the load capacity is sufficient. That's important because the startup current for a motor will spike up beyond the capacity of a timer designed for lighting control.

[Poconos]

A 15 amp rated timer should work fine. Yes, motors do have a high starting current but so do incandescent lamps when they start cold. One would be surprised how high the inrush current is on a lamp. That's why they usually blow at turn-on.
Al

[simsjim]

I used one for a year on an old Hayward SuperPump 3/4 HP without a problem. I've since replaced my pump and when doing so, upgraded myself to an Intermatic hardwired. The wiring was pretty easy, but then again, I am not cutting off heaters, and other things, just the pump.

So, keep that in mind, if you have a heater, the plug-in one won't do it because I think you want to cut off the heater about 15-20 minutes before the pump. They make SPDT timers to control both, but they are hard-wired

Peace,
j