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Home and Garden
Swimming Pools
Swimming Pool Equipment
How to Set a Pool Timer Plus, the best pool pump schedule to keep your swimming water clean Co-authored by Rob Litman
Last Updated: January 23, 2026 References
Setting Your Pump's Operating Time
|
Optimizing Your Pool Pump
|
Video
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Rob Litman. Rob Litman is a Landscaper, General Contractor, and the CEO of Vitoli Inc., a landscaping, hardscaping, ecoscaping, and swimming pool design company in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Rob specializes in energy-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping. He holds General Building Contractor (Class B) and Registered Pool/Spa Contractor Licenses. In 2007, Rob won House of the Year in Gardena, California. This article has been viewed 126,089 times.
If you own a pool, a pool timer is an invaluable tool that lets you activate its pumps during specific times of the day. This can help you save money on power and keep your pool's chemical's healthy and balanced. If you're unsure of how to set and use a pool timer, don't worry—it's very simple!
Setting a Pool Timer at a Glance
Open the timer box and pull the clock dial outward to the correct time of day.
Attach the “On” (green) tripper to the time you want the pool equipment to turn on.
Attach the “Off” (red) tripper to the time you want the equipment to stop working.
Use the red override lever to manually start or stop your pool equipment.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 2:
Setting Your Pump's Operating Time
1 Locate the clock dial inside the timer box. Open your pool timer box and look for the clock dial—on most models, it's yellow in color with a small red or silver handle outstretching from it. On the clock-dial is a silver time pointer that points to the current time.[1]XResearch source
Read your manufacturer's instructions to determine the parts of the dial.
2 Pull the clock dial outward and turn it to the time of day. Grip the clock dial and gently pull it outward. Afterward, rotate the dial either clockwise or counterclockwise until the silver time pointer aligns with the time of day.[2]XResearch source
Take note of the AM and PM times along the dial. For example, if it's 12 PM, rotate the clock dial until the silver time pointer aligns with 12 PM.
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3 Locate the "On" tripper for your pool timer. The trippers are clipped to the timer and determine when your pool equipment turns on and off. On most models, the "On" tipper is green and contains an "On" label.[3]XResearch source
In some pool timer models, the "On" tripper is silver.
4 Attach the "On" tripper to the desired time on the clock dial. After finding the "On" tripper, locate the time on the clock dial that you want your equipment to turn on. Now, hold the tripper to this time on the clock dial and tighten the screw on the tripper until it's firmly attached.[4]XResearch source
If you want to set your pool equipment to turn on at 8 AM, attach the tripper to this spot on the clock dial.
Remember that the silver time point represents the current time and is separate from the tripper time.
5 Find the "Off" tripper for your pool timer. The "Off" tripper will determine when your pool equipment turns off. Typically, this tripper is gold and labeled with "Off."[5]XResearch source
Some pool timer models have silver "Off" trippers.
6 Connect the "Off" tripper to the desired time on the clock dial. Once you find the "Off" tripper, locate the time on the clock dial that you want your pool equipment to turn off. Afterward, hold the tripper to this time and tighten its screw until it's firmly connected.[6]XResearch source
If you want your pool equipment to turn off at 3 PM, connect the tripper to this time on the clock dial. If your "On" tripper is currently at 8 AM, that means your equipment will turn on at this time and off at 3 PM.
7 Flip the red or silver lever to override the current timer setting. The red lever extending from your clock dial can be used to do the opposite of your current setting. For example, if your timer is currently off and you want to turn it on, flip the lever to "On." Now, the timer will remain in this mode on until the silver time point reaches your "Off" tripper or you flip the red lever to "Off."[7]XResearch source
Spray WD-40 behind the dial if your red override lever is hard to flip. If this doesn't work, you might have an insect infestation behind the time clock.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 2:
Using Your Timer to Optimize Your Pool Pump
1 Check the chemical balance of your pool. Before using your timer to optimize your pump, you need to determine that your pool's pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness are 7.4 to 7.6, 100 to 150 ppm, and 150 to 400 ppm, respectively. Use water testing papers to check these values and adjust them as necessary.[8]XResearch source
To raise your pool's pH, add sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate. To lower it, add muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate.
Add sodium bicarbonate to raise alkalinity and pH reducer or muriatic acid to lower it.
Add calcium chloride to raise calcium hardness and muriatic acid to lower it.
2 Run your pool filter at least 12 hours a day between 9 PM and 9 AM. In most cases, 12 hours a day is the minimum to keep your pool filter running. Depending on where you live, different times of day are most beneficial—contact your energy company and ask for optimal times.[9]XResearch source
In most cases, 9 PM to 9 AM and the optimal times to run your pool filter since this is when people are using less energy.
3 Check your pool's chemical balance the day after the first test. After letting your pump run for 12 hours, check its chemical balance again. If your pump is running for the proper amount of time, the levels should be the same. If they are less or more than the first test, record these differences.
Test your pool's chemical balance 1 to 3 times a week.
4 Reduce or increase your pool's filter time by 2 hours as necessary. In many cases, pool pump horsepower is more than necessary for pool size. If you find that your pump is pushing your pool water through in less time and causing lower chemical levels than required, remove 2 hours from your timer and run a chemical test again the next day. If it's causing higher chemical levels than required, add 2 hours and run a chemical test the next day.[10]XResearch source
Keep checking your pool chemical balance and reduce or add time until you find the optimal runtime. Remember that optimal pump time can save you money on your energy bill.
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Tips
Reset your timer clock at any time by pulling the yellow dial outward toward you to disengage it. Now, spin it in either direction to set the time with the center time pointer. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
If your time pointer is loose, tighten the screw holding it in place. If this still doesn’t work, you might need to replace the small spring located behind the screw if it's broken or rusted. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Never touch behind the plastic insulation under the timer or you risk electrocution. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
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References
↑ https://youtu.be/ktVdkqJNQOE?t=44
↑ https://youtu.be/kbWpAIRtRIs?t=12
↑ https://youtu.be/kbWpAIRtRIs?t=12
↑ https://youtu.be/kbWpAIRtRIs?t=31
↑ https://youtu.be/kbWpAIRtRIs?t=12
↑ https://youtu.be/kbWpAIRtRIs?t=31
↑ https://youtu.be/ktVdkqJNQOE?t=44
↑ https://poolcareguy.com/pool-chemistry/
↑ https://youtu.be/568CtsNXgPM?t=73
More References (1)
↑ https://youtu.be/568CtsNXgPM?t=86
About This Article
Co-authored by: Rob Litman Pool Design Expert This article was co-authored by Rob Litman. Rob Litman is a Landscaper, General Contractor, and the CEO of Vitoli Inc., a landscaping, hardscaping, ecoscaping, and swimming pool design company in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Rob specializes in energy-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping. He holds General Building Contractor (Class B) and Registered Pool/Spa Contractor Licenses. In 2007, Rob won House of the Year in Gardena, California. This article has been viewed 126,089 times. 53 votes - 69% Co-authors: 4Updated: January 23, 2026 Views: 126,089 Categories: Swimming Pool EquipmentArticle SummaryX
To set the timer on your pool, start by locating it in the timer box. It will most likely look like a yellow circle with a pointer indicating the time. Pull out the dial and twist it to set it to the right time of day. Then, attach your "On" tripper, which will activate your filter, to the time on the clock when you want your equipment to turn on. Next, connect your "Off" tripper to the time you want to turn it off. If you want to override the setting you’ve made, flip the red lever on your dial, which will turn the equipment on if it’s currently off. For tips on how often to run your pool filter each day, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Rob Litman Pool Design Expert 53 votes - 69% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 4Updated: January 23, 2026 Views: 126,089
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How toClean Your Own Pool 
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Co-authored by: Rob Litman Pool Design Expert This article was co-authored by Rob Litman. Rob Litman is a Landscaper, General Contractor, and the CEO of Vitoli Inc., a landscaping, hardscaping, ecoscaping, and swimming pool design company in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Rob specializes in energy-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping. He holds General Building Contractor (Class B) and Registered Pool/Spa Contractor Licenses. In 2007, Rob won House of the Year in Gardena, California. This article has been viewed 126,089 times. 53 votes - 69% Co-authors: 4 Updated: January 23, 2026 Views: 126,089 Categories: Swimming Pool Equipment Article SummaryX
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1 Locate the clock dial inside the timer box. Open your pool timer box and look for the clock dial—on most models, it's yellow in color with a small red or silver handle outstretching from it. On the clock-dial is a silver time pointer that points to the current time.[1] 
2 Pull the clock dial outward and turn it to the time of day. Grip the clock dial and gently pull it outward. Afterward, rotate the dial either clockwise or counterclockwise until the silver time pointer aligns with the time of day.[2] 
3 Locate the "On" tripper for your pool timer. The trippers are clipped to the timer and determine when your pool equipment turns on and off. On most models, the "On" tipper is green and contains an "On" label.[3] 
4 Attach the "On" tripper to the desired time on the clock dial. After finding the "On" tripper, locate the time on the clock dial that you want your equipment to turn on. Now, hold the tripper to this time on the clock dial and tighten the screw on the tripper until it's firmly attached.[4] 
5 Find the "Off" tripper for your pool timer. The "Off" tripper will determine when your pool equipment turns off. Typically, this tripper is gold and labeled with "Off."[5] 
6 Connect the "Off" tripper to the desired time on the clock dial. Once you find the "Off" tripper, locate the time on the clock dial that you want your pool equipment to turn off. Afterward, hold the tripper to this time and tighten its screw until it's firmly connected.[6] 
7 Flip the red or silver lever to override the current timer setting. The red lever extending from your clock dial can be used to do the opposite of your current setting. For example, if your timer is currently off and you want to turn it on, flip the lever to "On." Now, the timer will remain in this mode on until the silver time point reaches your "Off" tripper or you flip the red lever to "Off."[7] 
1 Check the chemical balance of your pool. Before using your timer to optimize your pump, you need to determine that your pool's pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness are 7.4 to 7.6, 100 to 150 ppm, and 150 to 400 ppm, respectively. Use water testing papers to check these values and adjust them as necessary.[8] 
2 Run your pool filter at least 12 hours a day between 9 PM and 9 AM. In most cases, 12 hours a day is the minimum to keep your pool filter running. Depending on where you live, different times of day are most beneficial—contact your energy company and ask for optimal times.[9] 
3 Check your pool's chemical balance the day after the first test. After letting your pump run for 12 hours, check its chemical balance again. If your pump is running for the proper amount of time, the levels should be the same. If they are less or more than the first test, record these differences. 
4 Reduce or increase your pool's filter time by 2 hours as necessary. In many cases, pool pump horsepower is more than necessary for pool size. If you find that your pump is pushing your pool water through in less time and causing lower chemical levels than required, remove 2 hours from your timer and run a chemical test again the next day. If it's causing higher chemical levels than required, add 2 hours and run a chemical test the next day.[10] 