Going outside whenever you want to turn your pump on or off is a hassle. A timer fixes this, but finding which is best for you can be difficult. Multiple factors determine the best timer for you, so let’s take a look!
Need-to-Know Details
Voltage
Most timers only work for one voltage, either 110 or 220. Some work for both, but they are rarer to find. It is of utmost importance that you match your motor’s voltage to the timer. While some motors can also work for either 110 or 220, you must choose what voltage your motor is wired to.
To help determine what voltage your motor is set to, here is a guide: How To Determine Pool Pump Motor Voltage.
Amperage Load
When looking at timers, they have a maximum amperage load that they can handle. You want to ensure that the equipment you hook up does not exceed the maximum load that it can handle.
If you exceed the amps load for the timer, it can trip the breaker to prevent electrical damage.
Although, some timers are rated based on the motor horsepower they can handle, instead of the amperage.
Bells and Whistles
Depending on your needs, a timer with additional features could be best for you, so let’s go over what you could choose.
Heater Protection
Heater protection, or a fireman’s switch, turns your heater off about 20 minutes before your pump turns off for the heat exchanger to cool down gradually. It’s often recommended for gas heaters since it extends a heater’s service life.
Freeze Protection
Freeze protection allows you to set a temperature on a thermostat so that your pump and heater automatically turn on when it cools down to that temperature outside.
There is also a Freeze Control Thermostat that is NOT a timer but works in addition to an existing timer as freeze protection.
Types of Timers
Dual Speed Timer
The T106R wires into an existing pool timer to switch a dual-speed pump’s high/low speed, but it does not turn the pump off or on.
These timers work for both single or dual-speed motors, but they only turn the pump on and off:
Multi-Circuit Timer
A multi-circuit timer is made for pools that need more than one-time switch. The PF1222TB1 works with freeze protection and the ability to add more switching devices.
Portable Timer
The Intermatic P1251P Portable Timer is ideal for above-ground pumps, lights, and fountains.
Digital Timers
The PE153P and PE153PF digital timers can have remote command, freeze protection, or both while still allowing cycle interruption on their up to 3 programmable circuits.
Multi-Wave Control System
The Multi-Wave Control System, Wireless 5 Circ., w/ Remote (PE653RC) is a non-Intermatic manufactured timer that opts for a “Plug and Play” design that can be wirelessly controlled. It works for pools and spas, while also available for indoor or outdoor use.
Optional Intermatic Timer Material
When it comes to Intermatic timers, there is an optional feature to consider.
Metal or Plastic Enclosure
Two versions of Intermatic Enclosures exist: metal or plastic. Both have relatively the same lifespan, however each has its drawbacks.
Metal – Prone to rusting
Plastic – Prone to chipping and breaking
Despite their similarities, the one minor difference between them is that the metal enclosure may come with a grounding plate for wire grounding in it, whereas the plastic would not.
Time to Decide
Now, there’s a multitude of options we’ve gone over for these timers, so to ease the decision-making, below is a table going over each model and what they have.
| Model Number | Heater Protection | Freeze Protection | Voltage | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T101P3/T101R3 | No | No | 120 Volts | 40 Amps |
| T104P3/T104R3 | No | No | 220 Volts | 40 Amps |
| T104P201/T104R201 | Yes | No | 220 Volts | 40 Amps |
| T106R | No | No | 208-277 Volts | 40 Amps |
| PE153P | Yes | Yes | 120/240 Volts | 17 Amps per Circuit |
| PE153PF | Yes | Yes | 120/240 Volts | 17 Amps per Circuit |
| PF1102T | No | Yes | 240 Volts | 1.5-3 HP |
| PF1103T | No | Yes | 120/240 Volts (240 Volts with Neutral Wire) | 1.5-3 HP |
| PF1222TB1 | Yes | Yes | 240 Volts | 3 HP |
| P1251P | No | No | 120 Volts | 15 Amps |
| PE653RC | Yes | Optional | 120/240 Volts | 17 Amps |
If you’re still having trouble figuring out what you need, feel free to contact us via chat, support tickets, or call 407-834-2200 for assistance!
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