The Intermatic Timer is the most common pool timer on the market. Here are some user guide tips and some troubleshooting for the most common problems you wil…
Intermatic Pool Timer, tips & troubleshooting
by Johnny Technician | Nov 30, 2013 | Pool Services | 22 comments
Would I be able to use this timer with a 220 volt Electric Garage Heater? I
think I should be able to, but I’d like to know for sure prior to
purchasing one. Much appreciated and thanks so much for your help!
I think it would be fine, but I would call their customer support number
just to be 100% sure- Phone: 815-675-7000
Thanks again!
I have a timer like that one but only one on and one off thing, can I add
another set so the pool will run in 2 different shifts or is that timer
somehow different?
You can get a second set of “on” “off” trippers and run it on two different
times. I have a few pools set up this way. I also add an extra “off”
tripper sometimes so when I add chemicals in the morning I can run the pool
for three hours if the timer is set to turn on later in the day. That way I
don’t leave it running all day. A little Pool Guy trick 😉
Thank you. I’m going to add a second set. About the wire brushes, I use
mine about every other day to sweep the pool. I didn’t know they were for
algae. Should I be using a different brush for getting the dirt off the
walls? And some people say ascorbate acid (powdered vitamin c) will get
rust stains out but in high amounts. Would that be ok to try? One last
question, what’s your opinion of CuLator? Is it any good? Thanks again.
I’ve learned a lot about pool care from your videos.
I use the wire algae brush all the time. It won’t damage the plaster at
all. I have never tried the Vitamin C myself so I can’t comment on it. It
can’t hurt to try it. A Stain remover will not work in the case of a rust
stain. They are only effective on small stains like fertilizer pellets or a
staple that falls in the pool, and even then they are hit and miss at best.
What does it mean when you can’t turn on manually? It seems like the switch
is stuck.
The only time that happens is if the “on” “off” trippers are right at the
point you are trying to turn it on. Other than that i haven’t run into that
problem.
Thanks for the video. I bought two timers on Amazon and changed the timers.
It took me about a half hour for each.
Thanks – great video! Any suggestions for a timer that works
intermittently? It can be up to 8 hours “late” within a 24 hour period. Two
timer system with one for the pump and one for the sweep – it’s the sweep
timer that has the issues.
The gears are wearing out in the timer & you will need a new one installed.
If you decide to do it yourself know that if you accidently reverse one
wire you can short out the brand new timer and burn out the breaker to.
This may be a job for an electrician. Cost including the new timer should
be $150 to $200. It is easy to do but that is my caution.
Thanks for the quick response. Breaker is at the timer location and I plan
on marking all the wires (with picture backup) to ensure correct
installation. Great work on the videos – will be back if any other pool
issues!
Where can you buy the protective shield that covers the connections?
They sell them at your local pool store or online. Here is the actual part
description: Intermatic Timer Motor Cover Plastic Insulator 124T1952
I read that the Series 100 Timer uses the green ON tripper and the other
series use the silver (IIRC). I understand if you have a 100 series timer
and use the non-green tripper, the timer will start the pump.
When I order a set of trippers the bag comes with four of them in it; one
green “on” tripper, one silver “on” & two “off” trippers. I just use the
silver ones. There is a note in the bag specifying the green tripper as you
commented but I haven’t had any issues.
Apparently some timers will not trip the pump on with the silver one and
the green ones are just enough longer to make them work. the owner tried
everything until getting the green one and then the pump would come on at
the correct time.
I just replaced a set of trippers on a 37 year old timer this morning. I
though about your comment so I compared the two trippers – green and the
silver – I could see no difference but it must be microscopic. I know if
the trippers are even slightly damaged the timer won’t work correctly. This
morning the customer said it wasn’t turning off. The old “off” tripper was
fractionally bent. The green tripper is a recent thing – maybe the last 3
years they have been included in the replacement bag.
Thanks for the fast answer. I have one ordered. Great job on the videos
too, being a new pool owner they have been a great help!
can you make a video on how to replace a old timer, or know of a video i
can see???
I have that scheduled for October. Really busy this month as Summer is not
ending anytime soon here in So Cal…