Most swimming pool pumps include a timer to regulate when the pump comes on and turns off, throughout the day. This is also a common point of failure in home swimming pool systems.
Many homeowners with pools call the company that services their pool to replace the pump timer. This can cost the homeowner a lot of money on a project that’s perfect for the DIY person in your family. It’s easy, it saves you a ton of money, and looks really complicated, so you can show it off to all your friends when you’re having your next pool party bar-b-que!
You can pick up a replacement pool pump timer in the electrical section of your local hardware store. They’re just generic outdoor timers and come in various sizes and features. For this project, I just replaced the timer that the homeowner currently had installed. It cost $69.95 and the only other item you might need is new anchors for the timer/switch box. I just reused the existing anchors, thereby eliminating that cost.
To start this project, as with all projects that involve electricity, you need to turn off the electricity to the item your working on. We always recommend that you just shut off the main power switch at your breaker panel. It’s better to be without power for a little bit and know you won’t get shocked than to take the chance that you shut off the right breaker.
Fortunately, with pools, you often have a sub-panel with breakers that just control the pool equipment. This is a convenient alternative that works, perfectly.
Once the power’s shut off, you can begin dismantling the old timer switch. Before you do begin, though, take a digital picture of the timer to make sure that you install the new timer exactly the same way as the old one.
Set the camera aside until later and start the dismantling by disconnecting the wiring. This just requires a screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the wires in place. Then, back out the screws that anchor the box in place to remove the box from the wall or mounting surface.
Next, begin to take apart the grey conduits at the base of the timer box.
Just using your hand, take these “pass-through” nuts and bolts and install them in the base of your new timer switch box. You will likely need to “knock out” the holes in the new box for your wires to come through. There should be pre-cut holes all the way around your timer box that just require a quick tap with a screwdriver and hammer to get the circular tab out of the hole.
With the pass-through nuts and bolts installed, you can now pull the wiring through and mount the new box to the wall (likely using whatever fasteners were used for the old box).
Now, pick up that digital camera and take a look at the wiring pattern. Copy this picture as you install the wiring on the new switch. Once completed, turn the breaker(s) back on. You now have a new pump timer switch installed!
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
This really is an easy job. I did this myself a couple of years ago. When looking for the proper timer, be aware that this timer is also commonly used for water heaters, so the home improvement store may have it labeled as a hot water heater timer. Just make sure the electrical specs of the timer match the electrical requirements of the pump. An easy way to do this is to look at the specifications of the old timer that is printed on the inside of the door. Write them down, and make sure that the timer you get matches.
Stan Horst
Owner: CabinCreekwood.com
Hey Stan! Thanks for stopping by and joining in!
You have some great additional tips and you're right, this is a very easy project. I can say that many homeowners see it as much more complicated.
I just have an inflatable pool for my kids at the moment, but I have a feeling that once they grow up, I will have to build a real swimming pool. Thanks for the very useful piece of advice.
I admit, your blog is really informative. And i agree with you, we can do it by ourselves. We don’t need to hire someone to do it. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Hey Tim, what if you go from a two speed motor to a one speed, how does that effect the timer wiring? I recently had a new motor installed and now the timer doesn’t work and the service tech. won’t come back without charging me! Thanks for your help.
I have a Paragon pool moor timer. Problem is I lost the clip on the dial
face to turn the motor on and I can’t replacement anywhere.
any suggestion?
If it’s like the one in this post, it’s just a set screw that you should be able to pick up in the hardware section of any home store with a little help from a sales associate.
Some good points there, you make installing a pool timer a lot easier with good pointers and good photos and showing people thry can actually do it themselves. Well done!