How to Set a Swimming Pool Pump Timer
Intermatic pool timer
Intermatic pool timers
This is the most common pool pump timer on the market and the easiest to use. Normally used on basic residential systems, this is a GREAT timer. I see some very old Intermatic timers quite often. There is a reason for that. It is a quality timer and made by a company that stands behind their product. Intermatic also makes other products, advanced and digital timers, but this article is meant as a tutorial for the basic Intermatic timer as shown in the picture.
Setting the timer
Moving the trip levers
How does it work?
The timer is designed as a clock with similar gears as a clock. The silver "arrow" should be aligned with the correct time. In the picture you can see that it is 12pm.
The trip levers in the picture are aligned to run from 10am to 6pm. These timers are quite accurate.
Setting the time
To set the time, pull the dial out toward you and turn the dial until the the current time is aligned with the silver arrow. The trip levers are quite simple and self-explanatory. Loosen the small set screw and set the time you want your pump to turn on or off. There IS a difference in the trip levers. They can't be used in place of each other meaning you can't substitute a lost "on" trip lever with a "off" lever. If you observe the back of the trip levers, they are configured differently for that purpose.
Intermatic Mechanical Timer
These timers rarely fail. Easy to operate. I use these more than any other pool timer.
© 2010 Rob Hampton
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