Which Pool Timer Do I Need?

Maintaining a healthy swimming pool is hard work. You have to make sure your pump, filter, and heater are operating correctly, meanwhile, ensuring the chemical levels in your pool water is safe for swimming. In short, it is hard work. So much work that without help, you may not be able to properly keep your pool running. Help can come in many forms when we’re referring to swimming pools. In this case though, I am referring to mechanical pool timers

Pool timers are great, especially for pool owners who aren’t home throughout the day to turn their equipment on and off. Which, if you have a swimming pool, you know is vital to the overall wellness of your pool. Depending on the timer, it may have the capability to turn your pump and heater on and off. It can also switch your dual or variable speed pump from low to high speed. Certain timers even take it a step further with freeze protection. Freeze protection shuts off your  pool equipment once the outside temperature reaches a certain degree. Another great security caution in protecting your pool equipment.

Intermatic is our go to manufacturer for pool and spa mechanical timers. Intermatic manufacturers some of the world’s vital components in the mechanical time switch industry. The pool and spa controls line was introduced to the industrial market in the late ‘50’s and still remains a valuable product line today

The question we get asked the most is, “Which timer do I need?” That question has a few variables that need to be discussed before we’re able to give you that answer. Let’s explore. 

What Are you Trying to Control?

Instead of asking yourself which timer you need, ask yourself what exactly are you trying to control. Are you looking for a timer to just turn your pump on and off? Or, do you need one that will switch your pump from high to low speed? Maybe you need a timer that can shut off your pool equipment before it reaches freezing temperatures. Or, maybe one for all of the above. Whatever you’re trying to control, Intermatic definitely has a timer that will fit your needs. So, let’s figure out which one you need.

Turning Equipment On/Off ONLY

Most pool owners need  a timer to simply turn their pool equipment on. This can include turning on your pool pump, pool heater, booster pump, heat pump, and lighting.

The Intermatic T101 Series timer is perfect for this task. The T101 series is a mechanical time switch designed for industrial, commercial and residential applications. It features a high horsepower rating that is ideal for loads up to 40 amps resistive from 125-volts and direct 24-hour time switch control of most loads. It is offered in a plastic or a metal enclosure and in 115V or 230V.

• 24 hour time switch
• Equipped with one ON and one OFF tripper, but can accommodate up to 12 different ON/OFF.
• Handles up to 40 amps
• Rated up to 2 HP
• Designed to be used on residential pools and spas.
• Available in a plastic or metal enclosure

The Intermatic T104 series is designed for heavy duty industrial or commercial applications using a higher HP. Much like the T101 Series, the T104 timers are only designed to turn your pool equipment on and off. This timer comes with one “On” tripper and one “Off” tripper but can accommodate up to 12 On/Off positions.

• 24 hour time switch
• Handles up to 40 amps
• Highest HP rating at 5HP
• Handles 120-480 Volts
• Equipped with one ON and one OFF tripper, but can accommodate up to 12 different ON/OFF
• Designed to be used on commercial or industrial pools.
• Available in a plastic or metal enclosure
• Only in 220 V

Turning Equipment ON/ OFF + Heater Protection

This is the same T104 timer with an extra feature. Timers with a built-in heater protection add extra precaution to preserving the overall wellness of your pool.

The T104P201 timer  allows pool owners to leave their homes with confidence that they won’t return home to a frozen pump or heater. With the heater protection, the timer will shut off gas heaters once the outside temperatures reach a certain degree. The heater will shut off twenty minutes before the pool pump. This eliminates  the problem of pounding and knocking due to overheated water, reduces scale and lime deposits, and extends the service life of the heater. Ideally, this timer is for pool owners with commercial pools whom would like to turn their systems on and off while adding a protection for your heater. 

• 24 hour time switch
• Handles up to 40 amps
• Highest HP rating at 5HP
• Handles 120-480 Volts
• Equipped with one ON and one OFF tripper, but can accommodate up to 12 different ON/OFF
• Designed to be used on commercial or industrial pools.
• Applications: Booster pumps, lighting, fans, heat pump, filter pumps with gas fired heaters

Switching Your Pump From HIGH/LOW Speeds

The Intermatic T106R timer typically wires into an existing pool timer the pool owner already has. Your existing timer will turn your pool pump ON/ OFF, while the T106R will switch the pump from high to low speeds.  Purchasing this timer alone will not turn your pump ON or OFF. If you want to control the ON/OFF settings through a timelock, you also need to purchase a T104 timer or combination timer that has both. (T10604R)

• Provides electrical loads up to 40 Amps
• Provides direct 24 hour control of most loads
• Manual override
• All models equipped with one ON/OFF tripper

Turning Pool Equipment ON/OFF + Freeze Protection

The Intermatic PF Series timers are self-contained in an indoor-outdoor, beige, rainproof enclosure and are designed to be connected to a timing or switching device. Together, they control as well as protect the Pool/Spa equipment and plumbing against freeze damage. The Control, if wired according to instructions, turns ON the Filter Pump when the air temperature (where this Control is located) drops below the temperature set by the thermostat dial (between 32˚F and 45˚F).

This timer is for pool owners with an already existing timer who are interested in adding the freeze protection for their pool equipment.  If you’re in need of a timer as well, you can purchase a combination timer that has both.

• 120/240 V installation
• 1.5-3HP rating
• 45 degrees to 32 degrees with 5 degree differential

Digital Controls

Turning Your Pump ON/OFF

Intermatic’s NEW MINI-PE Series Digital Controls couple the standard features of the T100 Series with the convenience of digital automation.  Beyond single and two-speed pump/booster pump applications, auxiliary modes can control pumps up to 3HP as well as underwater, garden and/or fountain lighting.

Countdown and override features allow cycle interruptions when pool/spa service is required. All timing and protection associated with filter pump/booster pump combos and two-speed pumps has already been integrated into the digital software.

• Available in both metal and plastic enclosures and with a wired remote command, freeze probe or both.
• 5 different mode settings
• Applications: Single speed pump/booster pump combo, two-speed pump/booster pump combo, water and fountain applications, and lighting.

Mechanical timers, although small, can play a major role in maintaining your pool’s overall wellness. If you’re still have questions on which timer is best suited for your pool, give us a call at 877-372-6038 and let us help you.