Picking the right Intermatic Pool Timer can be a little overwhelming when review all their options. In this guide, we hope to narrow down your field of choices and explain the important stats to check

Ratings to Check

if you’ve seen a Intermatic catalog, you will know how many different acronyms, ratings, and specifications are tagged on each one of these pool timers.So, to cut out the confusion let’s focus on the key things you should check

Voltage

Refers to the circuit voltage required to operate the timer mechanism and that can be dispensed / controlled by the pool timer. Residential pool pumps are wired with either 110V or 220V, for most mechanical timers, you’ll need to know the specific voltage your pump is wired for, to pick a compatible timer. most digital pool timer listed below are dual voltage, meaning they can be wired to 110V or 220V.

not sure on which voltage your poo pump motor runs on? rRead these guides to learn how to measure circuit voltage, Is My Pool Pump 115 V or 230 V, How To Use a Multimeter to Test a Pool Pump Motor – Voltage

Max Load Amps

This rating defines the pool timer’s circuit capacity. The simplest explanation I’ve heard to explain amperage, is that the voltage is the straw, the amps are the juice that delivers the energy from the juicebox, I mean breaker box.

Residential pumps are wired for 110V or 220V but their amp draw varies according to the pump’s horsepower. For the UST1102 1 HP Century pump motor pulls 15 A on a 115 V circuit; whereas a UST1152 1.5HP Century pump motor puuls 18.6 A on the same 115 V circuit.

if you plan to wire muliple devices to an Intermatic Pool Timer, you’ll need to ttally up how many ampsto make certain it does not exceed the timer’s Max Amp Load.

Freeze Protection

Freeze protection devices are pool automation controls with built-in thermostats; they monitor air temps and will turn on the pump if temperatures drop below a set point. Flowing water is less likely to freeze and burst your pvc plumbing then if it was left o to settle. Freeze protection devices can go a long way in preventing a costly replumbing repair.

Freeze protection devices come with some timer packages, are available as accessory add-ons, or standlalone freeze protection devices

Pool owners living in cold states or in areas subject to freezing cold fronts (Texas, I’m looking at you) freeze protection timers are a great addition. if you’re in persistently cold states like Michigan, Minnesota, the Dakotas and the like, it’d be best to fully winterize and drain your pool and its plumbing.

Heater Protection

Commonly referred to as a fireman’s switch, a timer’s heater protection feature turns off the heater about 20-minutes before the pump is scheduled to turn off. By shutting down the pool heater before the pump, the heat exchanger is allowed to cool down gradually. Fireman switches were required on older gas pool heater models because they heater cabinets did not dissipate heat fast enough.

Plug Type, Above Ground Pool Timer Specific

Single Speed Pump, 110 Volt

Model Number	Enclosure Type	Voltage	Max Load	Heater Protection*
T101P3	Plastic	110 VAC	40 A	No
T101R3	Metal	110 VAC	40 A	No
P1251P	Plastic	110 VAC	40 A	No
T101P201	Plastic	110 VAC	40 A	Yes
T101R201	Metal	110 VAC	40 A	Yes

Single Speed or Dual Speed, 220 Volt

Model Number	Enclosure Type	Voltage	Max Load	Heater Protection	Dual Speed Pump Control
T104P3	Plastic	220 VAC	40 A	No	On / Off Only
T104R3	Metal	220 VAC	40 A	No	On / Off Only
T104P201	Plastic	220 VAC	40 A	Yes	On / Off Only
T104R201	Metal	220 VAC	40 A	Yes	On / Off Only
T10604R	Metal	220 VAC	40 A	No	On / Off & Hi / Lo

Above Ground Pool Timers

Model Number	Voltage	Max Load	Plug Type	Cord Length
P1101	120 VAC	15 Amps	Standard 3-Prong	22 inch
P1121	120 VAC	15 Amps	Standard 3-Prong	13 inch
P1131	120 VAC	15 Amps	Twist Lock	22 inch

Digital Pool Timers

Model Number	Enclosure Type	Voltage	Max Load	Freeze Protection	Heater Protection	Remote Included	Two Speed Motor Control
PE153P	Plastic	120 /2 40 VAC	17 A	No	No	No	Yes
PE153F	Metal	120 / 240 VAC	17 A	Yes	No	No	Yes
PE153PF	Plastic	120 / 240 VAC	17 A	Yes	No	No	Yes
PE653RC	Metal	120 / 240 VAC	Circuit 1 = 20 A Circuit 2-5 = 15 A*	Yes	No	Yes	Yes

Freeze Protectors

Model Number	Enclosure Type	Voltage	Includes Timer	Thermostat Range
PF1102	Metal	240 VAC	No	33°F – 42°F
PF1103	Metal	120 / 240 VAC	No	33°F – 42°F
PF1102T	Metal	240 VAC	Yes	33°F – 42°F
PF1103T	Metal	120 / 240 VAC	Yes	33°F – 42°F
PF1222TB	Metal	120 / 240 VAC	Yes	33°F – 42°F

Do you have any questions about Intermatic pool timers or swimming pools in general, feel free to leave a comment down below, or visit us over at InyoPools.com