Fountain Timers
Guide & FAQ
How to choose the right fountain timer
- 3 min overview
- Voltage, run cycles & setup
- 5 common questions
Why use a fountain timer
A timer saves you from walking to the pond to switch equipment on and off, and it keeps run hours consistent even when you are away. Most people buy one to cut electrical costs, reduce continuous motor wear, or control light sets automatically.
Timers are useful for:
- running a fountain during viewing hours only
- holding a steady aeration schedule day after day
- switching light sets on and off without manual effort
- splitting the day into display hours and oxygenation hours
A timer does not fix water quality on its own. It simply makes whatever schedule you choose happen reliably.
The main types
PondHaven carries two timer formats, and the main decision is which one matches the power your equipment uses.
115V plug-in timer
The Scott Aerator Pump Timer is a dial-based mechanical timer in an outdoor-grade plastic case. It has a 3-foot cord with a three-prong grounded plug, so the timer goes into a GFI-protected outlet and your equipment plugs into the timer.
Choose this model when your fountain, aerator, or light set runs on standard household power and you want a setup that simply plugs in.
230V residential timer
The 230V residential timer is rated at 40 Amps and uses a 24-hour dial, with power and status LED indicators that show what the unit is doing.
Choose this model when your equipment runs on 230V power and needs a higher current rating.
How to choose the right timer
Four things decide which timer fits:
- Voltage, matched to what your equipment uses
- Amperage, including startup draw
- Daily cycles, or how many on and off periods you want
- Outdoor housing, since the unit sits outside
Voltage
Match the timer to the voltage printed on your pump or aerator. A mismatch can damage the equipment or create a fire risk.
Amperage
Add up the combined draw of everything you plan to connect, including the surge when motors start. The 230V residential timer is rated for 40 Amps.
Number of daily cycles
The 115V dial comes with two On and two Off trippers and accepts up to 12 sets of trippers, so you can add more on and off periods if your schedule needs them.
Outdoor housing
Look for a housing built to sit outside through rain, sun, and seasonal swings. The 115V timer uses an outdoor-grade plastic case.
Installation and power
The 115V timer plugs into a GFI-protected outlet on its 3-foot cord, and your fountain, aerator, or light set plugs into the timer. The cord length sets how close that outlet needs to be.
If your equipment runs on 230V power, have the circuit and connection handled by an electrician. For planning the power run to the pond, see our guide to how to run power to a pond fountain.
What normally comes with it
The 115V Scott Aerator Pump Timer ships as a complete unit:
- outdoor-grade plastic case (5 inches high, 5.5 inches wide, 3.75 inches deep)
- 3-foot cord with three-prong grounded outdoor plug
- 24-hour dial with a 23.5-hour maximum On time
- two On and two Off trippers included
The 230V residential timer includes a 24-hour timer with power and status LED indicators. Check the individual product page for what each model includes.
Not sure which one you need?
If you are still deciding on run hours, our article on whether a pond pump should run all the time covers the trade-offs.
Send us the voltage of your equipment, the amperage it draws, and how many times a day you want it to switch, and we can point you to the right timer.
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Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about our fountain timers.
Can I plug my fountain pump and my light kit into one 115V timer?
Not necessarily, because it depends on their combined electrical draw. The 115V timer is built so a fountain, aerator, or light set plugs directly into it, so send us the model numbers of both devices and we can confirm whether they can share it.
How many times per day can the timer turn my pump on and off?
Up to 12 sets of trippers fit on the 115V dial, so you can add more on and off periods across the 24-hour cycle beyond the two On and two Off trippers included. The maximum On time is 23.5 hours.
Do I need an electrician to install a fountain timer?
Not for the 115V plug-in model, which goes into a GFI-protected outlet with your equipment plugged into the timer. For equipment that runs on 230V power, have the circuit and connection handled by an electrician.
Can I use a standard indoor extension cord with an outdoor fountain timer?
Plug the timer straight into a GFI-protected outdoor outlet using its built-in 3-foot outdoor-grade cord instead. That keeps the connection rated for outdoor conditions.
Should my fountain or aerator run all the time?
It depends on the equipment and what the water needs. Aerators are often run for long hours, while display fountains are commonly cycled to viewing hours, and our guide to pond pump run times walks through the trade-offs.
Need expert help finding the right setup?
Contact Pond Haven Support