I have my pump plugged in to a twist lock outlet and I just turn on a switch above the outlet to operate the pump. We would like a timer though. I have done some looking online for a timer that I could just plug in and found one with the twist lock receptacle but reviews said that if your pump is over 1HP (mine is 1.5) then the timer quickly burns out. Is there another timer someone could suggest to me or should I just call an electrician, or pay the neighbor's kid to come over and turn the pump on and off while we are on vacation.