A pool pump timer can be a great addition to any pool as it can help you to save time, money, and energy. Your pool pump should run every day for at least 6 hours to help keep your pool free of debris and prevent algae growth. A timer can ensure that this happens by having set times that your pool pump runs each day.
In this article, I will provide you with my handy step-by-step guide to installing a pool pump timer.
Main Takeaways
- Installing a pool pump timer involves some electrical wiring, so hire a professional if you don’t feel comfortable doing this.
- Pool pump timers are not necessary, but they are highly recommended as they can help you to save money and energy.
- To set your pool timer, simply pick when you want your pool pump timer to turn on and off and set it up according to what timer model you have.
Supplies Checklist
Before you get started on installing a pool pump timer, you should make sure you have the correct supplies:
- Pool timer and box
- Screwdriver
- Duct tape
- Multimeter or voltmeter
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Install a Pool Pump Timer
Here’s my step-by-step guide to installing and wiring a pool pump timer. As a disclaimer, since there is electricity involved, if at any point you are not sure what to do, consider hiring a pool professional or electrician to finish the job for you.
Step One: Turn Off the Power to the Pump
First things first, you will need to turn off the electricity to the pump. You definitely do not want to be messing around with live wires! Turn off the circuit breaker by flipping it to the “off” position.
Step Two: Make Sure There is No Electricity Running to the Wires
Use your multimeter or voltmeter to double-check that there is no electricity running through the wires before you start working on them.
Step Three: Pull the Wires Through the Box
Make sure there is a hole in the timer box to put the wires through, and then pull the wires through.
Step Four: Secure the Box to the Wall
Secure the timer box to the wall by screwing in one corner so that you can work with both hands before you fully secure the timer box after all the wiring is done.
Step Five: Ground the Wires
Wrap the green ground wires around the ground terminal screw, which should be properly labeled inside the timer box.
Step Six: Install the Timer to the Box
Use screws to install the timer into the timer box.
Step Seven: Connect the Pool Pump Timer to Electricity
This step can get confusing, so make sure to follow the instructions that should be written on the timer box. Connect the wires that come from the circuit breaker to the pool timer’s “line” terminals, which are generally terminals 1 and 3, and screw them in. Then connect the wires that lead to your pool pump to the “load” terminals, typically terminals 2 and 4, and screw them in tight.
Here’s a wiring diagram for a 240V pool pump timer to give you a clearer picture of how to complete this step:
Step Eight: Duct Tape the Exposed Wires
Duct tape any and all exposed wires to prevent any fire or health hazards. This step is particularly important for a pool timer due to potential exposure to water.
Step Nine: Seal the Timer Box
Now that your pool pump timer is wired in, secure and seal the box by screwing it in properly on all sides with the screws provided.
Step Ten: Turn On the Electricity
Restore the electricity, and use your voltmeter or multimeter to check that the correct voltage is running through. Most pool timers are 120V or 240V.
Step Eleven: Set the Timer
You’ve successfully installed a pool pump timer! The next step to using your timer is setting it up. Programming your timer is a simple process, which I cover below.
How to Set Your Pool Timer
Now that you have installed your pool pump timer, you will need to properly set your timer to turn on and off according to when you would like your pool pump to run.
Setting your pool timer will look different according to what kind of pool timer you have. Analog timers are set using trippers that trip the clock and cause your pool pump to turn on and off as desired. On the other hand, you can set digital timers by setting the on and off times on the digital interface on the timer.
For more detailed instructions on how to set your pool timer, check out our article on this topic.
Are Pool Pump Timers Necessary?
Pool pump timers are not necessary, but they can certainly help maintain your pool to the point where many pool owners would consider these accessories to be necessary additions to their pools. If you want tips on choosing a timer, check out my article on different types of timers and how to choose the right one.
If you’re looking to keep your pool clean while reducing your energy bill, having a pool pump timer can make a huge difference. Having one can lessen your worry about your pool pump running 24/7. And even if you had been monitoring when your pool pump is on and off, it takes away the task of having to manually shut the pump on and off. With a pool pump timer, you simply set the times, and the timer will do this job for you. The convenience of having a pool pump timer cannot be beaten.
If you need help finding the right pump for your pool, check out this article on my top picks for pool pumps.
It is also worth noting that in some areas, you may be required to have a pool pump timer in order to pass pool inspections. If you need my recommendations on pool timers, feel free to check out my article going over the best pool pump timers.
Bottom Line
Now that your pool pump timer is installed and set, you can comfortably enjoy your pool without having to set an alarm on your phone ever again! Your pool pump will run at the desired times to keep your pool from getting dirty and developing algae in its waters. Installing a pool pump is not hard work, but the electrical wiring can get confusing. So, if you have any doubts at all, consider hiring a professional to do the job for you. If you need more tips on pool pumps and pool timers, visit my articles on pool pump issues and solutions, replacing pool pump timers, and pool pump timer issues and solutions.
Do you have any more questions? Let me know! I’m always happy to answer any questions you may have.
