Different Types of Pool Light Timers

When it comes to choosing a timer for your pool lights, you have two options: mechanical or digital timers. While digital timers are considered more convenient, both options have their pros and cons.

Mechanical timers use physical switches to determine when the lights should turn on and off. Some may have a single on/off switch that you rotate to set the time, while others have individual switches for each time increment. The lights will turn on for every switch that moves inward on the plate. The downside of mechanical timers is their limited flexibility. You can only adjust the switches and manually compensate for daylight saving time.

On the other hand, digital timers offer more flexibility. Instead of physical switches, you use buttons to program the time on a digital screen. With digital timers, you can set the time per minute, allowing for more precise scheduling. Additionally, you can program the timer for different days. For example, if you know you're away from home every Friday evening, you can ensure that the pool lights won't turn on unnecessarily. Some digital timers even have automatic daylight saving adjustments, saving you the hassle of reprogramming every six months. However, digital timers can be more expensive and slightly less intuitive than their mechanical counterparts.

You can use any timer for pool lights, but some companies offer timers specifically designed for outdoor electrical equipment, including pool lights, pumps, and heaters. These timers come in sealed boxes suitable for outdoor use, eliminating the need for additional weatherproof enclosures.

Read more: Above Ground Pool Lighting Options

Installing a Timer for Existing Pool Lights

Wiring a timer into your existing pool light circuit is relatively straightforward. It functions as a circuit breaker, so you need to ensure that it sits between the main power and the lights themselves. Since timers are designed for outdoor use, you typically mount them on a wall. Here's how it's done:

• Turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
• Locate the cable that runs to your lights' junction box.
• Install the timer on a suitable surface within easy reach of the cable.
• Cut the cable near the transformer, strip it about half an inch, and wire the live, neutral, and ground wires into the relevant terminals on both the line and load sides of the timer.
• Connect the cable coming from the power source to the line side. Connect the cable running to the junction box to the load side.

The only challenge you might encounter is if your existing cable requires more flexibility to install the timer. In that case, you'll need to cut new cables with a minimum thickness of AWG 14, although AWG 12 would be better. Make sure to make the splicing weather-resistant. If there's already a light switch in your pool light circuit, you have two options:

• Replace the light switch with the timer. This is the better choice for digital timers, as you have full control at all times.
• Add the timer after the light switch in the circuit. You can then choose to turn off the lights completely at the switch or leave them working in conjunction with the timer.

If you have both a light switch and a digital timer, be aware that resetting the power to the timer may require some additional steps.

Read more: How Many Pool Lights Do You Need?

Should the Timer be Installed Before or After the Transformer?

Many modern pool lights are low voltage and require a transformer to be wired into the circuit. Therefore, it's essential to know where to install the timer – before or after the transformer.

You can find timers for both options, but what matters is the voltage. Since the circuit's current before the transformer is at 120 volts, a 120-volt timer won't work if installed after the transformer. If you install a 12-volt timer before the transformer, it will break. As a result, most people choose to install the timer before the transformer since most timers available are 120 volts.

Sometimes, you can find a pool light transformer with a built-in timer, making it even more convenient as you only need to wire one device instead of two.

Read more: Spark Ignition Pool Heater Troubleshooting Guide

Final Thoughts

Adding a timer to your pool light circuit is a practical solution to have your lights turn on and off at the desired times automatically. While considering a smart pool lighting system like iAquaLink is an option, a timer is a simple and considerably more affordable choice. Do you have a timer for your pool lights, or have you opted for a smart lighting system?

Read more: The Pool Profit

FAQs

Can I use any timer for electrical equipment?

Yes, you can use any electrical timer as long as it matches the correct voltage.

Can I set a digital timer with a different time scale?

Yes, digital timers allow you to set the time per minute instead of 30-minute or 60-minute intervals.

Do I need a special timer for pool lights?

You can use any timer for pool lights, but there are timers specifically designed and provided in a waterproof box for outdoor use.

How do I connect a timer to my existing pool lights?

You need to wire the timer between the main power and the lights themselves. The cable should run from the circuit breaker to the timer, and then from the timer to the junction box.

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