Intermatic has long been the go-to, ever-dependable workhorse for its T101 or T103 or T104 pool timers. But there’s a little confusion around as to which Intermatic timer is suitable for your pool’s pump.
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Do you need a T101, T103 or T104 for your Pool Pump Motor?
For pool owners only needing to switch a 120V AC pump on and off the T101 is most likely the most suitable. There are some exceptions though. If you need to switch more than one pump or piece of pool equipment at 120V AC the T103 should be suitable.
For those running 230V or 240V AC pool pumps or other 240V AC pool equipment, the T102 or T104 is rated for these voltages and is what you will need in most cases.
Let’s go into more depth.
Intermatic T100 Series Timers
The T100 series timers include T101, T102, T103, T104 and are often the go to choice for switching pool pumps and pool equipment.
All the timers have the ability to switch pool pump motors up to 2 HP and a 40 amp load. They are all mechanical timers and at the lower end on the evolutionary scale of timers for pool pumps, giving you a simple on/off switch.
Saying that, they’ve been around for a long time and are solid reliable pool timers. They’re also super simple to operate – even for non-techies. Saying that, they are not perfect but most problems can be fixed. Here are the most common Intermatic timer problems.
The T100 series is also great for switching other pool equipment like heaters, booster pumps, pool lights (although it’s a little heavy duty for this).
What’s the Difference Between Intermatic T101, T103 and T104?
Physically, they are all the same dimensions. The main difference between these times is the voltage they are rated for and if they can switch one piece of equipment or two (SPST or DPST).
The T104 is for pool equipment with voltage ratings of up to 240V AC. The T104 is also capable of switching on two pieces of pool equipment. It’s the only timer out of these three models capable of doing this. It is also the most expensive, costing about $30 more than the other two models.
The T101 is for pool equipment with voltage ratings of up to 120V AC and is for switching one piece of equipment. The T103 is the same as the T101 except it can switch two pieces of pool equipment.
Intermatic Pool Timer Specifications & Uses
T104 Vs T103 Vs T101
| Intermatic T101 | Intermatic T103 | Intermatic T104 | |
| Photos |  |  |  |
| Dimension | 200h x 130w x 87mm d (7 7/8h x 5 1/8w x 3 7/16” d) | 200h x 130w x 87mm d (7 7/8h x 5 1/8w x 3 7/16” d) | 200h x 130w x 87mm d (7 7/8h x 5 1/8w x 3 7/16” d) |
| Input Voltage | 120V AC 60Hz | 120V AC 60Hz | 208-277V AC 60Hz |
| Features | • 1 to 12 ON/OFF operations each day • Manual override • STSP (Single Pole, Single Throw) For up to 2 HP motors Up to 40 amps Controls one pump (or piece of pool equipment) | • 1 to 12 ON/OFF operations each day • Manual override • DTDP (Double Pole, Single Throw) For up to 2 HP motors Up to 40 amps Controls two pumps (or pieces of pool equipment) | • 1 to 12 ON/OFF operations each day • Manual override • DPST (Double Pole, Single Throw) For up to 2 HP motors Up to 40 amps Controls two pumps (or pieces of pool equipment) |
| Mechanical or Digital | mechanical | mechanical | mechanical |
| Suited for | residential applications | Industrial, commercial and residential applications | Industrial, commercial and residential applications |
| Pool Timer Cost | Check cost | Check cost | Check cost |
Related Reading: Mechanical Vs. Digital Pool Timers: Which is Better?
What Do the Letters at the End of Intermatic Timer Models Mean?
You may see an R, P or PCD82 at the end of the model number on the T100 series timers. The letters at the end of the model number simply refers to the type of enclosure.
That is:
R = Steel Enclosure
P = Plastic Enclosure
PCD82 = See through plastic enclosure
Final Recommendation: Should You Get the T101, T103 or T104
If you’re still unsure which Intermatic pool pump to choose, go with the T104, this will cover you regardless of if you have a 120V AC or 240V AC pump or if you need to switch one or two pieces of pool equipment. With the other models, unless you’re 100% sure of what you need, you may get the incorrect model.
Related Reading:
7 of the Best Pool Timers for Above-Ground Pools
9 Problems with Intermatic Timers and How to Fix Them
Should You Get a Pool Pump Timer? Is it Necessary?
