How do install a timer for pump?

[The Pool Newbie]

Surprise! I've got another question on the timer. I researched the link you guys gave me for the intermatics timers -- thanks Kurt!

And before I call my service guy to tell him what I want (aren't I accomodating to all you safety people!? I'm not going to do it myself!), I need to know this...

We usually need to heat our water. Assuming I need my heater is ON during the time the pump and filter are ON, do I have to have the heater on a timer as well? On the intermatics site they show a timer to turn a gas fired heater off, as well. And it got me to thinking -- it's isn't really a good thing to leave the heater on if the pump isn't on, right?

I also noticed on the link you posted that the timers say "portable timer designed specifically to control the filter pump of a portable pool". What do they mean "portable pool"? They all say that. Am I to assume that they would be undersized for a "non-portable pool".

Again, thanks. I just need to understand this before I call to get this going.

Depending on the Heater you have it should cut itself off automatically based on the water flow. I have an Aquacal Heat Pump that runs only when there is water flow detected. It is not on a timer at all. When my pump timer turns the pump on the heater detects the water flow, checks the temp and determines whether it needs to heat or not... Hope this helps... I use a pool pilot SWG by Autopilot and it has a built in timer in which I use to run my pumps... If I had a choice I would look for a digital timer... My preference over analog...

Scott

[jenmenke]

Thanks Handy1. I just ordered the dual timer. I've got enough problems without worrying about my heater overheating water left in there. It has had its own share of psycho behavior, so I prefer to turn it off before I turn off my pump. I'm even careful to do that when I do it manually everyday. So, thanks for the link!
Jennie