Estimate for adding timer for pump

[dugtoni]

I recently moved into a house that has an in-ground pool. There was a handyman that used to close and open the pool that came over to open it the other day. I noticed there was no on/off switch on the pump, and he told me just to unplug it to turn the pump off. This didn’t seem right so I have just been turning the circuit breaker off to turn the pump off. Recently an electrician came over to give me a quote for adding a timer to the breaker that controls the pump. His estimate was $431 for:

-Provide and install Intermatic T-104 timer for pool pump

Does this seem like a reasonable price for the job? Seems a little high but I don’t really have a gauge on what is fair. Thank you for any insight.

 

[wireform]

To put your question in perspective the timer runs anywhere $100 - $140 depending on which model T104 plus some material and labor.

 

[trivetman]

any small electrical job will run at least a few hundred. Their time is money.

 

[proavia]

Have you asked your handyman if he can do it?

 

[dugtoni]

Have you asked your handyman if he can do it?

The handyman that opened the pool seemed like kind of a hack and I don’t trust him for the job. The electrician that came out also gave me a quote to clean up some of his work

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

If you still have a single speed pump, consider applying the money towards the cost of a VS pump. A VS pump is controlled on-board, so no switch is needed.

 

[generessler]

I agree with the VSP suggestion. But the $431 seems fair. The likely breakout is about $150 for parts and materials and $280 for the rest. If he can pull down four jobs like this every work day, he's grossing $291k a year. That needs to cover all operating costs (tools, transportation, facilities, admin, insurance, training), taxes, and wages. He is not getting rich installing pool timers.

 

[sande005]

I had an electrician over last year, when I converted to a SWCG. I had to buy the three device timer on my own (PE153 - $363). He did the following:

Pulled an inspection permit.​

Remove all existing electrical boxes and switches.​

Removed the 4x4 post these were mounted on.​

Supplied and installed a new 4x8 post.​

Wire pump, heater, SWCG power to the timer.​

Install new shut off switch.​

Hang control box for SWCG, do final connections.​

Set timer for initial on/off settings for the 3 devices.​

Verify all was running.​

Call and be present for final inspection.​

​

His bill: $863

More than I was anticipating, but no quibble over the amount of labor or the hourly rate, given that actual time he spent. Most I could have done, and once would have - but getting of that age where the desire to always DIY is giving way to hiring a guy...