The Best Pool Timers of 2024 to Make Pool Upkeep Easier

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Save time and energy by managing your pool filter and pump with one of these top timers.

Pool timers are a convenient and efficient way to automate the operation of pool filters, pumps, and other appliances. These devices are essential to a pool’s circulation system, keeping the water clean and bacteria-free, but they can also lead to high energy consumption. Remembering to shut them off manually each day can feel like a chore; the best pool timers can do this automatically, saving time and hassle.

Automatic pool timers come in various designs and types, from electromechanical to programmable digital models. They can be used for above- and inground pools, and some even work with other devices around the yard, including sprinklers and lights. Our favorite is the Honeywell Home TI040/U Aube 7-Day Programmable Timer thanks to its multiple programming options as well as its reliability and durability. We researched this pick plus more of the best pool timers on the market to help consumers find the right one for their pool setup.

1. BEST OVERALL: Honeywell Home TI040/U Aube 7-Day Programmable Timer
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Woods 50015WD Outdoor 7-Day Heavy-Duty Digital Timer
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3. BEST PROGRAMMABLE: Suraielec Smart Wi-Fi Box Pool Timer
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4. BEST FOR SMALL POOLS: BN-Link 24-Hour Mechanical Outdoor Multisocket Timer
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5. BEST SMART TIMER: Tessan Wi-Fi Smart Outlet Switch
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6. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: GE Outdoor Heavy-Duty 24-Hour Mechanical Box Timer
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7. BEST MECHANICAL: Intermatic T104R 24-Hour Mechanical Time Switch
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Our Top Picks

Using the above criteria, we narrowed down our list of popular pool timers to focus on the best of the best. We included options appropriate for both inground and above-ground pool filters and pumps, as well as models that can be used for other outdoor appliances, such as lights, sprinklers, and fountain/pond filters and pumps. Keep reading to find pool pump timers that fit your needs and setup.

Best Overall

Honeywell Home TI040/U Aube 7-Day Programmable Timer

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Product Specs

• Type: Mechanical
• Capacity: 120V or 240V
• Timer cycle: 7 days

What We Like

• Programmable up to 7 days with 2 settings per day
• Temporary bypass allows for system override without erasing program settings
• Durable, lockable case
• Affordable given the high quality and reliable features

What We Don’t Like

• Can only control 1 pump at a time
• Programming options are limited compared to digital timers
• Door can be stiff and difficult to open

This Honeywell Home model is a reliable and durable mechanical timer for full-fledged pool systems and setups. It has all the features needed to run a pool pump and filters efficiently and effectively, including multiple programming options, standard voltages, and a lockable metal box. It offers three programming options, including manual, automatic, or temporary bypass, allowing users to override the system without erasing their presets. It’s also programmable for up to 7 days with two daily settings.

The Honeywell isn’t quite as feature rich as some other models, but it makes up for that in reliability and durability. The timer is housed in a rugged weatherproof box that can be locked for security. It’s also protected against power outages, saving any programming for up to 30 days if the electricity goes out due to a storm. A dual-voltage switch allows users to choose between 120 and 240 volts (V), ensuring compatibility with most pool appliances.

Get the Honeywell Home pool timer at Amazon.

Best Bang For The Buck

Woods 50015WD Outdoor 7-Day Heavy-Duty Digital Timer

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Product Specs

• Type: Digital
• Capacity: 125V
• Timer cycle: 7 days

What We Like

• Available in ½ and ¾ horsepower versions 
• Vast number of settings with up-to-the-minute programming
• Self-charging backup battery
• Works with other outdoor appliances like sprinklers and lights

What We Don’t Like

• Only 1 outlet; power cord could be longer
• Will not support 240V devices

Analog timers may offer more reliability and capacity than their digital counterparts, but when it comes to customization and programmability, models like the Woods 50015WD are hard to beat. This popular digital timer is perfect for pool owners who want greater control over their pool system schedule, or who want to manage other outdoor appliances. It comes with three timer settings—digital, random, and countdown—and accepts 20 different settings per day for 7 days, including for both weekends and weekdays. A simple digital screen with six buttons makes it easy to operate.

While not the most powerful model, the Woods timer accepts 125V and 15 amps, making it suitable for smaller above-ground pool filters and pumps or even outdoor fountains or holiday lighting. The weatherproof housing keeps it shielded from the elements, while the self-charging backup battery means settings are preserved even in the event of a power outage.

Get the Woods pool timer at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Programmable

Suraielec Smart Wi-Fi Box Pool Timer

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Product Specs

• Type: Digital
• Capacity: 120 to 277VAC
• Timer cycle: 7 days

What We Like

• Easy to install and operate with user-friendly app
• Works with smart-home devices
• Ideal for a variety of appliances, like irrigation and HVAC equipment
• Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certified

What We Don’t Like

• Compatible only with 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi bands
• May require a stronger Wi-Fi signal than some pool owners have
• Does not accept as many settings as some other models

The bigger the pool, the more expensive it often is to maintain—and the more important it is to have a timer to manage that maintenance. This mechanical timer from Suraielec makes it easy to set time schedules for filters and pumps, particularly in larger pools that consume a lot of energy. With 40 amps and 120V, 240V, and 227V AC power (VAC) ratings, it boasts a higher capacity than many other timers on the market, making it ideal for heavy-duty appliances. It also takes the fuss out of managing them thanks to Wi-Fi and smart-home device compatibility.

Suraielec also offers a variety of timer functions, including program, countdown, random, and repeat. These functions can be easily set through the free Tuya Smart Life app, which boasts an intuitive interface and works with almost any smartphone. Users can even share the settings with friends and family members or link up the timer to smart devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home to operate it by voice command. 

Get the Suraielec pool timer at Amazon.

Best For Small Pools

BN-Link 24-Hour Mechanical Outdoor Multisocket Timer

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Product Specs

• Type: Mechanical
• Capacity: 125V
• Timer cycle: 24 hours

What We Like

• Green color and staked design make it ideal for yard placements
• Weatherproof covering keeps outlets protected from rain and snow
• Very easy to program with moveable pins

What We Don’t Like

• Only 15 amps and 125V capacity
• No way to preserve settings during power outages
• Can’t set separate schedules for individual outlets

For above-ground pools that require only light circulating and filtering, this BN-Link multisocket timer is a great option. The simple mechanical timer boasts 15 amps and up to 125V, which should be adequate to run most smaller filters and pumps. It should also be enough to power any other outdoor appliances around the house, and it can run them all at the same time thanks to its six separate outlets. 

While far from the most powerful or feature-rich option out there, the BN-Link’s simplicity can be an advantage for anyone who wants to avoid complicated installation and operation. Just stake the timer in the ground, plug in appliances, and use the built-in dial to set a schedule. The timer can accommodate up to 24 on/off programs per day, with intervals as small as 15 minutes, and will repeat them every 24 hours.

Get the BN-Link pool timer at Amazon, Walmart, or BN-Link.

Best Smart Timer

Tessan Wi-Fi Smart Outlet Switch

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Product Specs

• Type: Digital
• Capacity: 125V
• Timer cycle: 24 hours

What We Like

• Low-profile power-strip design doesn’t require complicated installation
• Waterproof rating of 1P44 with built-in weatherproof covers for each outlet
• Free Smart Life app; works with Android and macOS
• Works with such smart-home devices Amazon Alexa and Google Home

What We Don’t Like

• Smart Life app can be buggy
• Can be difficult to set up with the included instructions
• Works with 2 horsepower pumps maximum

While pool timers can take much of the hassle out of managing pumps and filters, they still require users to manually set and reset their schedules every now and again. Digital smart timers, like the Tessan smart outlet switch, minimize this requirement by allowing users to control them at a distance, often through Wi-Fi and smart-home devices. This particular model supports 15 amp, 125V, and 2 horsepower appliances, making it compatible with most standard pool pumps and filters. 

Another benefit of the Tessan smart outlet that many other digital timers don’t offer is the inclusion of two outlets, each of which can be individually programmed. That allows users to run outdoor appliances on a separate schedule, such as a sprinkler that activates in the morning, a pool pump that runs in the afternoon, and lights that turn on in the evening. You can edit each program in the Smart Life app, which also includes handy features like a Smart Switch that will automatically turn the appliance on at dawn and off at dusk.

Get the Tessan pool timer at Amazon.

Best Heavy-duty

GE Outdoor Heavy-Duty 24-Hour Mechanical Box Timer

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Product Specs

• Type: Mechanical
• Capacity: 120 to 277VAC
• Timer cycle: 24 hours

What We Like

• Heavy-duty metal casing is National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA)-3 rated to resist rust and damage
• Box can be locked to prevent tampering
• Timer accepts several on/off settings per day
• Digital version with more programming options also available

What We Don’t Like

• Only supports 2 horsepower motors (5 horsepower version is available)
• Requires tools; can be a bit difficult to install
• Box can be locked, but lock not included

In order to stay clean and clear, large above-ground or inground pools must incorporate suitably powerful pumps and filters in their circulation systems. That in turn calls for a powerful timer, such as this one from GE Outdoor. Featuring two connections that can support 120 to 277VAC loads up to 40 amps, the timer is capable of managing everything from pool pumps and heaters to AC units. You can program schedules with 30-minute intervals on a 24-hour cycle using the built-in override switch to bypass settings if needed.

In addition to capacity, the GE Outdoor stands out for its rugged, durable construction. The timer is housed in a weatherproof metal case that can be wall mounted and locked for security, so you don’t have to worry about children or anyone else tampering with its settings. Sturdy block terminals also allow for easy wiring while still keeping those wires firmly connected and in place.

Get the GE Outdoor pool timer at Amazon.

Best Mechanical

Intermatic T104R 24-Hour Mechanical Time Switch

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Product Specs

• Type: Mechanical
• Capacity: 208 to 277VAC
• Timer cycle: 24 hours

What We Like

• High horsepower and amp rating supports large pool equipment and appliances
• Included case keeps weather out
• 1 “on” and 1 “off” tripper included
• Manual override allows for bypassing of program settings without erasing them

What We Don’t Like

• Long 1-hour program interval is not ideal for running smaller appliances
• More expensive than some other options
• Programmability is limited compared to newer digital timers

Intermatic is a popular line of pool timers and equipment that comes recommended by professional technicians and pool owners alike. The T104R is one of its most popular offerings, featuring a durable mechanical timer housed with a rugged outdoor case. The timer is one of the most powerful on the market, capable of supporting high horsepower appliances with up to 40 amps, making it ideal not only for residential but also commercial applications. 

With this Intermatic, users can set up to 12 on/off operations, each with a minimum interval of 1 hour. That is a bit longer than some other timers on the market, which may feel limiting for users who wish to set schedules for smaller appliances, such as compact above-ground pool equipment or sprinklers and house lighting. But for large inground pools, the programming options and capacity ratings are more than enough to keep everything running with minimum hassle.

Get the Intermatic pool timer at Amazon or Walmart.

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How We Chose the Best Pool Timers

To find the best pool timers, we examined dozens of user reviews and expert guides an